Mountain Bikers of Alexandra (MOA) is keeping its lines of communication open with members, following news Matangi Station has been put on the market.

The station is home to a mountain bike park, which MOA members are hoping will remain available in the future.

MOA sent a e-newsletter to members on Saturday, October 28, outlining thoughts about the sale, their past involvement in the MTB park creation, and some possible scenarios around the recreation permit, which authorises mountain biking on the station.

MOA president Andrew Dowling said he and the committee were working closely with the owners, the Sanders family, and were “in regular communication”.

“The club is looking at all options to help to keep [Matangi Station MTB park] running for bikers, walkers and runners.

“It is the hub of cycling here, for school kids, workers and the retired community. We really want to see it continue.”

The property, marketed by PGG Wrightson Real Estate, was listed on their social media account in mid-October. That post has been liked more than 300 times, shared and commented on. 

The sale raises questions for Central Otago's mountain bikers and holders of Matangi Station MTB passes, particularly around the park's future.

Matangi Station MTB park owners have been approached for comment, but could not be reached by deadline.

MOA’s email said that the recreation permit issued by the Commissioner of Crown Lands (the commissioner) to Matangi Station MTB Ltd is for 15 years from December 1, 2020. 

There are three possible scenarios following a sale.

Firstly, Matangi Station MTB could continue operating the permit, a new purchaser could take over operating the MTB park if they could obtain a new recreation permit from the commissioner, or the commissioner might agree to vary the permit, to transfer it to a new owner of the station.

The third possible scenario is that the permit could be terminated by agreement between Matangi Station MTB Ltd and the commissioner.

The email said MOA will try to connect with prospective buyers to establish a relationship with them and offer members’ ongoing support for maintaining the bike trails.

“MOA has done everything possible to secure access for mountain biking and foot recreation. We have not taken for granted public access on Matangi Station.

“The proposed sale raises the question of what will happen regarding the December 2023 annual renewal of the MTB Park membership, and events at the MTB Park planned for next year. Matangi Station MTB Limited will communicate directly with its members, as soon as possible, on these points.”

Linger & Die Enduro is a grass roots MTB event held in September at Matangi Station. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

Questions still hang over the December 2023 annual renewal of subscriptions and 2024 MTB park events.

The email added: “Brett and Helen Sanders are committed to the MTB park and want it to continue. They need to first clarify some points with the commissioner and will then inform the MTB park members of the situation for next year.

“They appreciate that this is all unsettling and tight timewise. They will update the MTB park members as soon as possible.”

Andrew said he envisaged nothing changing in the immediate future.

“We will forge ahead as normal, regular maintenance [of trails] is going on, local laps are coming up.”

The station sale has a deadline private treaty which closes on December 7. 

MOA maintains many of the trails in the region on a voluntary basis, including the Alexandra Airport, Boot Hill and Flat Top trails. 

Another project MOA has been assisting Central Otago District Council with is to develop a pump track in Alexandra. 

This is in the planning stage and should be up and running in about six months. 

MOA began back in 2000 with just a few members and since then membership has grown to 500, which is made up of family and individual members. 

Along with Crankworx Summer Series, and the Linger & Die MTB enduro and cross country event, The Prospector MTB stage race final day is usually held at Matangi Station.

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. 

Questions or feedback for MOA email: [email protected]

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