Exciting progress on making Rotorua’s Forest Loop accessible for adaptive mountain trikes and bikes.
We felt the need to share news that fills our heart with joy, and we hope it will you too!
A couple of years ago a few of us from #AdaptMTB met Simon Alefosio-Tuck AKA “Tuckey” at the Recreation Aotearoa Conference where our very own James Littlejohn was presenting on adaptive equipment and accessibility in the outdoors (watch here). Tuckey is the Recreation Partnership Advisor at Rotorua Lakes Council and our ears pricked up when we heard one of his key projects is to make Rotorua’s many walking and bike trails accessible to those with physical impairments. This was a man on a mission that fully aligned with what we are trying to do!
We got talking with Tuckey about the work he was already doing as part of Council’s Whakarewarewa Forest redevelopment project to link up existing trails to create the Forest Loop and he felt there was an opportunity to make the full trail accessible for adaptive equipment. Well - fast forward a few months and Tuckey, the Council and crew from the Rotorua Trails Trust have been busy not only linking up and completing the scenic 35km Forest Loop but also making alterations so that it can be accessible for adaptive trikes and bikes.
#AdaptMTB’s Rotorua-based board member Andrew Burt “Burty'' has been out on the trail with keen, Waikato-based adaptive mountain biker, Tiffiney Perry. Over the summer months they have been testing the trail and then getting back to Tuckey and team with any areas needing further work. Burty reported: "The trail team have been great to work with, we’ve come back from a few rides, told them what's not working and they've been straight in there to make any alterations like widening sections, decreasing camber or reducing the gradient of climbs".
So after Tuckey and the team did a bit of extra digger work Burty, Tiffiney and another Auckland-based adaptive rider Brendon Stratton, who both ride Lashers handcycles, were successful in circumnavigating the full 35km Forest Loop! Burty said “We had a great ride, the loop is still challenging but manageable for those willing to give it a go and push themselves”. Tiffany was buzzing post ride and said “It has opened up a whole new lease of life to me, something I would like other wheelies to experience. Heading out with Burty over the summer has really challenged my riding skills, but it was nice to be a part of what Tuckey and his team were trying to achieve!”.
We also recently heard through the facebook grapevine that the Papamoa Handcycling group had completed the trail too, so we got in touch with Shayne Collins from the group. We were interested to hear what they rode and how it went for them.
Shayne reports: “The Redwoods Forest Loop is an excellent ride and we think it would be the best trail that is not only scenic but also challenging in that, it is a "graded'' mountain bike-type ride, and can push a handcyclist to use all of their skills rather than an easier tourist trail. I, as a Quadraplegic, ride a Lasher handcycle, Jeff (double leg amputee) rides a German made Schmicking that has been modified for off road, Nigel (paraplegic) rides a Catweisel made in Germany that manages off road and Shane (single leg amputee) rides a custom made trike from the USA. All of these handcycles are made specifically for off-road just the same as a mountain bike. In my opinion I think that this trail is not really for beginners and that future riders should have adequate off-road riding skills and ride handcycles that are built for this purpose. It would be wise to have an able bodied buddy ride with them too! I have been lucky enough to ride my handcycle on many trails in both the north and south islands and the Forest Loop has been the most testing, which I love.“
Speaking about his mission to create a more accessible forest, Tuckey has credited the support from Council, Rotorua Trails Trust, forest landowners, mana whenua and the wider mountain bike community in making it all happen. “I also took Dave MacCalman (Senior Advisor at Halberg Disability Sports Foundation) and Ross Ormsby (That guy Ross) out for an afternoon on the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in the early days and they were also very influential and kept us on the right track for sure.”
“The team at Council have been behind this initiative every step of the way. It was about being enabling and making sure the trails were suitable and up to the very best standard for the adaptive community. That’s where having the Rotorua Trails Trust on board has made the difference. Everyone gets the vision and has worked really hard to make it happen.”
#AdaptMTB is keen to hear from other adaptive riders who have fully navigated the Forest Loop trail, and what your experience was like emailus@adaptmtb.nz. Your information will help us as we work with Tuckey and his team to test an adaptive trail rating system on the Forest Loop and then apply signage along the trail. If the adaptive trail rating system works well, there are plans to roll it out across other trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest.
We think Rotorua could become the home of Adaptive mountain biking in New Zealand… just imagine if other mountain bike trails and parks take up the challenge to do what Rotorua is doing! Hey, let's not just imagine! #AdaptMTB is available to support any mountain bike parks or trail builders who want to incorporate accessible trails for adaptive riders. www.adaptmtb.nz.
Above: Andrew Burt, Tiffiney Perry and her son Jack stop for a rest along Te Kotukutuku trail above Rotokakahi
Above images L to R:
Papamoa Handcycle group members left Nigel Rogers, middle Shane Davies and right Shayne Collins having a rest whilst waiting for Jeff Muralt to catch up and enjoying the awesome views. Papamoa Handcycle group members about to turn into a hairpin corner on the Loop Trail. Shayne Collins takes a “rest”. - Finding some stationary mountain bikers half way up a slope, he tried to gracefully back down but came acrop. Lucky they had Adrian McCabe along for the ride, an able bodied mountain biker to put him back on his wheels. (Thanks to Nigel Rogers for catching Shayne in such a predicament love your work.)
Above: Dave MacCalman, Ross Ormsby and Ross’ care worker - Alisha, stop for a short break while rolling up Te Pikitanga ki Whangapipiro
Above images L to R:
Empire of Dirt out working on Te Pikitanga ki Whangapipiro. The trails are of such great condition Timothy Lee was able to roll up the Tūhua section on the Titokorangi Pā ridge in his electric chair, seen here on a stunning Bay of Plenty day. Dave MacCalman heading out along Te Pikitanga ki Whangapipiro on his Stricker attachment from Germany