Whitehorse MTB Riders Inc has been awarded a Recreational Track Grant from Council for $10,000 excluding GST for the continued upgrade of the Whitehorse Big Easy to bring it in line with the New Zealand Cycle Trail Grade 2 standard.
M3 Contracting, which recently upgraded two sections of the track, will now continue the work to join these sections completing an upgrade to the entire bush section of the track. Work will include widening of narrow sections, installing drainage features and smoothing the trail surface. The upgrade will improve accessibility to the White Horse Monument area, as the improved surface and reduced gradients will appeal to a wider range of ages and abilities.
“We are once again super grateful to Council for their support via this grant,” says Paul Buckley, Whitehorse MTB Riders Inc secretary. “It allows us to continue building an incredible quality mountain biking area to rival those offered by much larger centres. The work M3 has done so far to regrade the lower Whitehorse Big Easy has been phenomenal and with this final connecting piece, the experience of climbing through native bush to the top will be improved immeasurably.”
Council has allocated $20,000 per year for a contestable grant to support the development of new tracks and the maintenance and upgrade of existing ones. This includes tracks for use by walkers, bikers and horse riders. Council recognises that our recreational tracks are important for the wellbeing of residents and an attraction to visitors. Applications are invited in February and August each year.
