A group of up and coming female mountain bikers were the first to take on Christchurch Adventure Park’s newest track today, learning from one of the sport’s top riders.
Two-time national downhill champion Rae Morrison is happy to take on the coaching role, as she transitions from her 10-year professional riding career.
The event, Ride with Rae, marks the return of the Crankworx Summer Series, which had to be called off last year because of the Port Hills fires.
“I’m super passionate about trying to help the next generation…For girls coming up they are so fast, and keeping me on my toes. I’m really excited for the future of women’s mountain biking,” Morrison said.
A group of 10 young women of different stages and ages gathered to learn from her, all excited to meet their mountain biking idol.
“It’s always been awesome watching her ride,” one mountain biker said.
She guided them over Redemption Downhill, a brand new track that was damaged last year in the Port Hills dire.
“We get to ride it top to bottom and the women will be the first ones on the track so super excited to be helping some up and comers and just getting everyone to check out the track. It’s going to be really fun,” Morrison said.
Crankworx event director Ariki Tibble said when the fires brought an end to their event last year, it was an unexpected shock for everyone.
“The Christchurch community has had a tough time of it so they’re super resilient and we’re just looking forward to the opportunity to come back and deliver something pretty special,” Tibble said.
The Crankworx Summer Series will be held from February 13 – 16, with an action-packed festival where local and international riders will compete on the Christchurch Adventure Park’s world class courses.
