Mountain bike tracks across Central are riding really well this summer according to Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) president.

MOA’s president Andrew Dowling said there were lots of visitors asking about where to go and MOA members were happy to share information about the best trails with those new to the area.

“Tracks are riding well, it’s definitely time to get a ticket [for Matangi Station MTB] and get up there.

“Flat Top Hill, Purple Haze and the Sphinx Track are mint too.”

Andrew said work had recently been completed on the bottom half of the Sphinx Track, creating a really nice loop of around three hours, starting along the Mata-Au River.

“You can complete a circuit without any riding on the road now.”

To combat the heat Andrew said mornings and late afternoon riding was best.

“Often down in the valley it is hot, but on the ridges there is a breeze. People need to remember to take their own water, although at Matangi, [Helen Sanders and the team] have some water available at the Double Gates and the top of Carters Hill.

Andrew named the rock garden and round up as trails in great condition after recent maintenance.

He said the Local Laps Wednesday night social enduro events had kicked off and around 30-40 people were attending regularly. 

The next Local Laps is on January 31 and registration is at 5.45pm.

Dunstan High School student Madison Mannix during December 13 Local Laps. PHOTO: Jo Wilson

Andrew was one local rider who took part in the Bannockburn Classic MTB ride on December 31. 

There were five different races held on a “baking hot” afternoon, with options to suit all levels of riders. He completed the 56km adventure ride.

“It was hot, windy and hard. I certainly burnt a few pies off that day.”

He said the event had about 70 people taking part. View the results of the races here.

Local MOA volunteers have been improving tracks, with Wednesday’s cloud cover meaning cooler conditions for work at Alexandra Airport.

Pictured are (on left) David Forbes and Joe Sherriff doing trail maintenance in Alexandra yesterday. PHOTO: Supplied

Alexandra is well known for its gnarly mountain biking terrain and Matangi Station MTB Park offers 35 trails and challenging varied rocky single track, close to the township. 

The Central App will publish an update on Cromwell’s mountain biking in a few days time. 

Questions for MOA email: [email protected]

Read more: Matangi Station deadline treaty pushed out until February.

Read more: Mountain bikers hope for future access.

Find information on Central’s bike trails under the Cycling | Walking button on The Central App.