859: The record number of riders who took part in WTR 2017!
Event organisers were thrilled to receive a record 859 registrations this year, easily eclipsing the previous two editions of the ride which is now in its third year.
“When the Wanaka Trail Ride started, we set a goal of 300 registrations,” says WTR organising committee member Hamish McLean. “Now in the third year, we’ve hit 850! Thank you to all the riders for their support, we hope you’ve had a great time.”
Rider feedback has again been positive, with several veteran riders quick to comment that the views from the trail summits are some of the most stunning of all trail rides they’ve been on.
Riders of all abilities came from around the South Island to enjoy the family friendly atmosphere of this annual fundraiser for Wanaka Primary School and Montessori Children’s House Wanaka.
113: The number of roles filled by 102 volunteers
Volunteer manager Gillian White wishes to express her sincere thanks to all the volunteers who generously gave up their time to ensure the success of the event. “We couldn’t put the event on without our volunteers,” she says. “We strive to ensure they have an amazing experience too.”
“Everything ran so smoothly,” she says. “That’s down to lots of preparation from our core crew and each and every volunteer out there who all brought so much to the event.”
Gillian was also quick to offer her thanks to those volunteers who helped out despite not having any connections to either Wanaka Primary School or Montessori Children’s House.
100+: The number of kilometres of trail over 3 stations
Over 100 kilometres of trails were opened to riders by the generous landowners of Deep Creek, Long Gully and Lindis Peak Stations. A special thanks to the Nyhon and Annan families without whose incredible support this event would not be possible.
This year this stunning Central Otago trail bike ride had more advanced and expert trails, as well as continuing with its popular ‘peewee’ course for beginner riders.
The result was a diverse bunch of riders with a range of skill levels from novice through to hard-core riders who enjoyed an extensive trail network that extended almost to the Lindis Pass.
Landowner Lucy Annan was happy to be out with her family taking in the atmosphere of the event. “It’s great to have so many people here exploring this unique area that they wouldn’t normally get to see,” she says. “There’s an incredibly diverse group of people here and I love getting an insight to the culture of trail bike riders.”
19: The number of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors of our event
The WTR organising committee sincerely thanks the 19 sponsors whose support helped to make the event such a great success.
And just so you know who they are:
Gold sponsors
- Maungatua Contracting
- Stonewood Homes
Silver sponsors
- Aspiring Helicopters
- Ecco Landscapes
- Four Square Wanaka
- Hirepool Wanaka
- Jodie Rainsford Photography
- Mistyflip Web Development & Advice
- Pukka Signs, Design, Print & Web
- Rotorworx
- Wireless Rentals
Bronze sponsors
- Alpine Auto Centre
- Challenge Wanaka
- ClubHub
- Custom Digital
- Lakeside Property Services
- Puzzling World
- TyreLand
- Wanaka Marine & Sport
The WTR organising committee would further like to thank the following supporters:
Amigos – Bayleys Wanaka – BP Wanaka – Caltex Wanaka – Cardrona Alpine Resort – Davidson Honda – Double Black Café – The Good Spot – Highlands Motorsport Park – Infinity Investment Group – Kai Whaka Pai – Lake Bar – Lakeside Appartments – Mitre 10 – Moto South – Patagonia – Soul Food – Southfuels – Subway – The Green Room Flower Company – The Spice Room – Torpedo 7 – Treble Cone – Trout Bar – Upper Clutha Messenger – Vice Food Company – Volunteering Central – Wanaka Auto Repairs – Wanaka Motorcycle Centre – Wanaka Wastebusters – Wanaka Helicopters
10: The number of letters in ‘Safety First’
Despite the large turnout of riders, everything went smoothly on the day, with no major incidents. “The Wanaka Trail Ride is renowned for the systems we have in place,” says Incident Control Manager Brent Arthur. “Riders know they will be looked after personally and we are there for them.”
Much of the success of the event is due to the planning, says event manager Nicolle Masters. “We owe a lot to the dedicated track and safety managers who make this event happen,” she says. “Putting in the hard yards in the lead up, arriving well before riders on the day and leaving long after they’ve gone home.”
2: The number of schools to benefit from fundraising
The money raised from WTR 2017 will be split between Wanaka Primary School and Montessori. “It’s important to have tangible outcomes from fundraising events,” says Duncan Stewart of Wanaka Montessori’s Board of Trustees.
“Last year the money raised funded a new kitchen for the Bambini class and this has had a hugely beneficial impact on children and teachers,” he says. “This year we are looking forward to redeveloping the outdoor area with the funds.”
Wanaka Primary School board member Hamish McLean says the school will be using the funds to develop their new outdoor ‘Fit Trail’.
