The first three days of the inaugural Queenstown Bike Festival have laid a solid foundation for the remaining week, and the resort continues to put on the weather for it.
The weekend featured the Coro 1200 race from Coronet Peak to valley floor and the 16-inch Pub Champs, on Saturday, and wrapped up with the Enduro and Whip Off Jump Jam at Skyline yesterday.
The Coro1200 attracted 150 riders, who were among some of the first to experience the new upper section of the Hot Rod trail.
Riders commented the section needed a bit more time to pack down, as it was quite dusty, thanks to Queenstown’s recent lack of rain.
Fastest man down the slopes was Cole Lucas with a time of 19min 51sec, joined by quickest woman Morgane Jonnier, with a time of 22:14.
Six E-bikers joined the traditional mountain bikers of all ages.
After speeding down the slopes, riders and supporters carried on the party at Cargo Brewery in Arthur’s Point for the 16-inch Pub Champs.
Winding their way through trees, around sharp turns and over ramps, riders young and old joined in, though not all sat comfortably on the smaller bikes.
A few sported battle scars from the earlier race, but refused to let that deter them from the sun and craft beer.
The Queenstown Bike Festival runs until Sunday, wrapping up with McGazza Fest events in memory of Kelly McGarry, mountain biking legend and X-Games athlete.
