Racing Video

Race Report: The Redwoods Coast, Rotorua, New Zealand

12.11.2014
by
5 Rob Metz Zerode Alan Ofsoski 810x540


It’s simple, really. Start at the top of a steep hill at the northern trailhead of Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike trail network. No pedalling, just momentum and who coasts the longest wins the titles – bike, small bike, tandem and overall. In 2014, the fastest recorded time was a shade over 71kph at the bottom of the hill.

Throw in a very tight right-hander for the final run into the Redwoods, some extravagant costumes and a big, loud crowd of spectators and that’s the Redwoods Coast.

There’s even a special out-of-competition category for trolleys.

The Coast was a feature event of first two Rotorua Bike Festivals and will be again in 2015 event.
The Festival opens on Black Friday, February 13 and runs to Sunday, February 22.

10 days, 30 events, 10,000 wheels – all under summer skies. www.rotoruabikefestival.com
www.facebook.com/rotoruasinglespeed

Photos: Alick Sauders

Morgan Wilson, who runs Rotorua MTB café, Zippy Central, overall winner in 2014.
Morgan Wilson, who runs Rotorua MTB café, Zippy Central, overall winner in 2014.
Chris Newson took out the small bike category on a BMX and rocking the Kiwi kit.
Chris Newson took out the small bike category on a BMX and rocking the Kiwi kit.
Tandem winners, Sam Farquharson and Kirk Austin on Sidehack I.
Tandem winners, Sam Farquharson and Kirk Austin on Sidehack I.
2013 Tandem winners, the X-Men. Rotorua Deputy Mayor, Dave Donaldson (pilot) and Festival co-ordinator, Martin Croft will be back in 2015. The tandem trash talk has already started.
2013 Tandem winners, the X-Men. Rotorua Deputy Mayor, Dave Donaldson (pilot) and Festival co-ordinator, Martin Croft will be back in 2015. The tandem trash talk has already started.
Local rider, Rob Metz on his own design, the revolutionary Zerode. Supernaturally skilled on a bike, he rode the whole course like this hitting over 50kph. (Photo: Alan Ofsoski).
Local rider, Rob Metz on his own design, the revolutionary Zerode. Supernaturally skilled on a bike, he rode the whole course like this hitting over 50kph. (Photo: Alan Ofsoski).

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