Mountainbike event proves to be a sweet ride

On Sunday April 15, the annual Nelson Mountain Bike Club (NMTBC) Jellybean Alley mountainbike event took place at Moturoa Rabbit Island.
Now in its sixth year the hugely popular event drew 380 participants, making it now one of the biggest mountainbike events in the top of the South Island.
The idea came to organiser Wayne Pool when he wanted to compete in a cross-country race with his daughters, but could find nothing suitable around, so decided to make his own. Wayne says, “It is now my favourite event to organise, as we get so many families that come along and have a fabulous time together. The feedback about how much fun people have has been really positive!”
Past competitor Warren Burgess says, “it’s the best family fun to be had on two wheels! Our kids absolutely loved it, and not just the jellybeans!”
The 2.6 km event was run on the conifer park trails which suit all age and skill levels, including children on small push bikes. It can be ridden as a relay, in pairs or whatever people choose. A hole punched “luggage label” worn on the wrist recorded the number of laps completed by each team.
Jellybeans were handed out at the halfway mark, as an incentive to the participants, and obviously worked as 12 kg of the sweet treat were consumed.
The free event was all about getting families out on a bike and enjoying the outdoors together.