NZCT Keeps New Plymouth Mountain Bikers on Track

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $25,000 to New Plymouth Mountain Bikers to improve two popular trails at the Mangamahoe Mountain Bike Park, helping make the park safer, more enjoyable, and accessible for riders of all ages and abilities.

Club President Kyle Beggs says, “Mangamahoe has become a major recreational facility for the region, popular with everyone from kids and families to visiting riders. Thanks to NZCT, we can keep improving the trails and providing a safe, fun place for people to ride.”

Over the last fifteen years, the park has grown from a handful of hand-built trails to over thirty kilometres of singletrack catering to all ages and skill levels. Much of this growth has come from rebuilding and upgrading older trails to improve their quality and keep them fresh.

One such trail is Let it Roll, which was rebuilt in 2024 into a wide, well-bermed, flowy ride that quickly became a fan favourite - the only complaint being “it’s too short.” Work is now underway to extend it further down the hill, creating an ideal Grade 3 trail for everyone from learner riders to trail shredders and those on adaptive bikes.

The club will also use the grant to rebuild Stumpy’s Mayhem, a fast, steep, and challenging track popular with advanced riders. Weather and heavy use have taken their toll, so it’s time to bring in the digger to restore it and keep it safe.

Andrew Patterson, Rockets MTB Coach, says, “The park can only benefit from more high-quality Grade 3 trails to help with early rider development.”

Dan Cleland, Trail Crew, adds, “Thanks to this financial help from NZCT, ‘Stumpy’s Mayhem’ will be much safer for the kids to practice their jumps on.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, “Mountain biking is such a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. We’re proud to support a facility that gives locals and visitors alike a place to ride, learn, and challenge themselves. Support like this is made possible thanks to the responsible gaming partnerships we have with our Taranaki venues.”