Official Newsletter of the WUMBATS

WHO ARE THE WUMBATS ?

The Wumbats are the Waikato University Mountain Bikers and Thrill Seekers club.

WHERE WE RIDE

Almost every weekend the club has organised rides both near and far away from Hamilton to such interesting places as The Redwoods (Rotorua) mountain biking meca, Ngaruawahia Forest, Krank’n’Park (Ngaruawahia) private jump park, Big Rock (Tokoroa), Te Aroha, Auckland (Muriwai, Woodhill, Riverhead), Te Miro (near Cambridge) and Craters of the Moon (Taupo), to name just a few.

MEETINGS

This year meetings will be held every second week on Wednesday in room S1.01 at 1pm.

WUMBATS ON THE WEB

The Wumbats web page is now up and running. Check it out at http://www.mountainbike.co.nz/clubs/wumbats. You will find a list of all upcoming rides and contact phone numbers.

EASTER TOURNEY

A WUMBAT team consisting of 5 females and 5 males is to take part in the annual Easter tourney this year is Christchurch. The team will be chosen by Wumbat members, any keen and able bodies interested see Sheryl or come to the first meeting. Deadline for entrants is 16^th March so be in quick.

Upcoming Rides:

The committee is in the process of organising all the rides and a list will be available at the first meeting.

MARCH

The guys and gals in the know are:

President

Sheryl Macleod Ph 855 9684

Vice President

Jarrod Ho Ph 856 0299

Treasurer

Neil Kerrison Ph 855 9684

Secretary

Jen Moffatt Ph 858 3660

Committee

Andrew Sheerin Ph 843 9647

Martyn Simons Ph 856 8355

Rachel Ph 855 9684

Patrick McLaughin Ph 824 6181

CLUB RULES

Upon joining the club you are expected to follow the off-road code and the environmental care code at all times! The club is run as informally as possible so it is up to the individual to be responsible for themselves, but remember what you do reflects on the club! The club does have one hard and fast rule however - always wear a helmet. NO helmet - NO ride! The club is also affiliated to the NZMBA and so follows their rules and guidelines.
 
 

The Off-Road Code

1. Respect Others

a    Always give way to others. Even if it seems inconvenient, being considerate will foster a positive attitude towards bikers. Stop and move aside if you encounter walkers or horses. Allow others to pass before proceeding.

b    Pass with care. Let others know of your presence well in advance. A greeting will suffice. Being startled will upset even the most tolerant walker.

c    Get Permission. Check if permission is required from landowners before heading out. Access to private land is a privilege not a right. The local MTB club, regional council, or DOC will know who owns the land in their area.

d    Don’t run livestock. Give animals a chance to get out of your way. Always leave farm gates as you find them. If you’re riding in a strung out group, don’t assume that riders following will know to close the gate that you left open for them. Steer clear of farmland during lambing - August - October

e    Observe the minimum impact code. Take only photographs, leave only tyre prints. Control your speed. Your speed should be determined by the terrain and your skill. Remember there could be a fallen tree, walker, or rider around the next corner.

2. Respect the land

a    Track Conditions. Avoid skidding, it lessens your control and damages the track. Avoid delicate vegetation and soft surfaces when wet. Stay on the track.

b    Don’t Litter. If you have room, improve MTBers’ image by picking up someone else’s rubbish.

3. Respect Yourself

a    Plan ahead. Check your intended route before you ride to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew. Let others know where you are heading and when you’ll be back. Don’t travel long distances alone. Take a first aid kit (including sunblock) and know how to use it. Take warm clothing - be prepared for weather changes. Maintain your bike to avoid breakdowns. Take a repair kit. Take food and water. Always take a good map on new rides.