His commute a total beaut

NICHOLAS BOYACK/Hutt News

STUMPED: Mark Renall has played a huge role in the development of mountainbiking across the region. In mountainbiking circles he is known as Marco Renalli after Italian motorcyclist Marco Luchinelli.

Relevant offers

Hutt News

Lodge owner offers Baring Head access deal City has 'failed its heritage responsibilities' Rider's mother says motorists' toots, speed spook horses Hutt dancers shine at Australian dancing showcase Local is swept up in debate over stream bank planting Ranger keen to get to bottom of seat theft WelTec gets go ahead for N Block Curtain may come down on Hutt night classes Kelson resident wins court battle with Hutt City Council Prison inmates showing caring side

Mark Renall has made a huge contribution to the development of mountainbiking in the district.

In less than 30 years, mountainbiking has grown from non-existence to one of the biggest participant sports in Wellington.

Renall has played a major part in that growth through his involvement with the Port Nicholson Poneke Cycling Club, helping build tracks, and keeping everybody informed through a weekly newsletter.

He is also actively involved with groups in Belmont, Makara and Wainuiomata, and organises an annual series every spring.

Life for the Normandale resident changed in 1988 when a friend encouraged him to ride to the Belmont Trig.

"I just struck one of those nights with zero wind and the Sun was setting and I could not believe it. I could see the Tararuas and the Kaikouras and it was in my backyard. I was just immediately hooked on this new sport."

Worldwide, mountainbiking started as a sport in the 1980s. Renall could immediately see the potential.

The Wellington region has many perfect areas for riding. He says it is a great way to experience the great outdoors.

"It gets you out of the city and into the bush. You can see great views and get close to nature, and have fun with your friends, when you get home, you feel great because you have a good workout."

Our geography, he says, also offers a huge range of routes, with novice riders having the Hutt River Trail, Rimutaka Incline and Pencarrow Lighthouse.

"They are three perfect tracks for first timers. It will spin your wheels for sure, trying those."

While traditional sports like rugby and cricket struggle for numbers, mountainbiking and cycling are experiencing growth.

He has no idea how many people mountainbike across the region, but says the increasing number of bike shops tells the story.

Locally, he is thankful to the city council, which he says has recognised the need for facilities and have been supportive. The council put in $250,000 to develop tracks in Wainuiomata and there are also plenty of options in the Belmont Regional Park.

One issue that does cause some problem for mountainbikers is conflict with walkers.

That, he says, can be overcome with education and better signage, so walkers and riders are aware where it is safe and where to expect each other. Although mountainbiking was seen by some as a fad, he says cycling is a sport that is here to stay and he believes there is plenty of scope for growth.

In Wellington there are still many untapped routes, and he predicts one day there will be a race from the top of the Akatarawas to Red Rocks, using trails all the way.

Renall rides to work in Wellington daily and says it is much better than going to the gym.

"Commuting is fun and free, and you are getting your exercise while you are on your way to work, and by doing so you are multi-tasking."

Some people are put off the thought of commuting because of drivers' behaviour, and he agrees that is a problem.

"Once I was run over and got a broken leg but I should not say that, as it will put people off. Every week I have a fright or two but you learn to treat every road user as a potential threat to your safety."

Over the years, he has put a huge amount of time and effort into mountainbiking and he says he is proud to have played a role in the development of the sport.

In his role of organising events and developing facilities, he estimates he has helped develop 20 national champions and says that is a big factor in keeping him motivated.

- Hutt News

Newest First

Oldest First