“Working together for better trails”
Trail Fund NZ conference focuses on how volunteer and professional trail builders will shape NZ’s trails going forward
With the emergence of highly skilled and experienced trail building companies, and an explosion of mountain bike and dual-use trail networks, is the role of the volunteer trail builder changing? At this year’s trail conference, we’re looking to host and initiate a forum that explores the changing landscape and includes views from volunteers and professionals alike. How do volunteers work in with the professional crews? What works? What doesn’t?
To take part in the discussion, or just listen in, join Trail Fund NZ in Rotorua to dig, ride and discuss the roles volunteers and professionals will play in developing NZ’s trail network going forward. There will be shuttles, craft beer and plenty of time for banter. Register HERE and check out the full details below:
Date: 4-6 September 2015
Location: Rotorua
Schedule:
Friday, 4 September – Training and Certification SOLD OUT
Trail Fund NZ is working on a series of certifications for volunteer trail builders, from working as part of a trail crew, right up to leading a project. On the Friday, we will be running through all three of these certifications. Join us for one, two or all three. There will be a mixture of onsite work, and classroom exercises.
*More information will be posted about the certifications before the end of June. Everyone who completes the Trail Crew certification gets a limited edition TF Trail Crew t-shirt.
Saturday, 5 September
Morning – Indoor Sessions
Venue: Holiday Inn Rotorua, 10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa
There will be a combination of talks and panel discussions around the conference theme. If you have a story that you would like to share, then please let us know and we can book you a slot.
We will have representatives from DoC and some of the territorial authorities partaking in a panel discussion focussing on volunteer trail building from a land managers’ point of view.
Programme
| 08:00-08:25 | Registration |
| 08:30-08:45 |
Welcome Ben Wilde, Chair Trail Fund NZ |
| 08:45-09:00 |
Keynote – MTB and the impact on Rotorua David Donaldson, Deputy Mayor, Rotorua |
| 09:00-09:45 |
DoC Community Conservation Partnership Fund and MTB Update Richard Davies, DoC |
| 09:15-09:45 | Panel : The Ecology of Mountain Biking |
| 09:45-10:00 |
Trail Crew Certifications: Where are we at? Where to from here? Russel Garlick, Training Coordinator, Trail Fund NZ |
| 10:00-10:30 | Morning Tea |
| 10:30-11:00 |
Old Ghost Road Rhys Bowen |
| 11:00-11:55 | Panel : Volunteers and Professional Trail Builders working together |
| 11:55-12:00 |
New Programme Launch Followed by information about the dig day on Sunday |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 |
Shuttle Departs For all those riding in the afternoon |
| 13:30- 16:00 |
Trail Crew Course For those who have registered. |
Afternoon – Shuttles with Southstar
Thanks to Jeff and the crew at Southstar, we’ll head into the forest around 2pm for a few hours on bikes and enjoy the fine work of the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and the professional crews who have contributed to the network in the Redwoods.
*Note weather dependant
Evening – Trail Fund AGM 6:30pm – @ Brew, Eat Street Rotorua
Trail Fund NZ was established in a bar and we like to keep close to our roots. Each year we keep the formal parts of our AGMs short and sweet and this year will be no different. Chairperson Ben Wilde will briefly present the achievements of Trail Fund over the past year and we’ll drink some beer.
Sunday, 6 September
You can choose to race the final round of the N-duro winter series, or join us for the Trail Sessions.
Morning – Trail Sessions
We will head into the forest, split up into teams and work on a series of challenges. These sessions are a chance to work with other trail builders from around the country and to share ideas for how to solve different problems – from drainage or armouring, to incorporating flow or tech.
Come ready to dig. The trail sessions will wrap up around 1pm. This will mark the end of the conference proper. Our thanks to the Rotorua MTB Club for hosting us and allowing us to use their trails.
Afternoon – Trail Ride
For those of you not heading off home, groups will be heading out for at trail ride.
Cost:
Friday Trail Crew Levels 1 t0 3 Certification – SOLD OUT!
Saturday Indoor Sessions and Afternoon Shuttles – Just $39 Register Now !>> Closes 1 Sept
Saturday Trail Crew Level 1 – Just $30 – Register >> Closes 1 Sept
Call for Speakers
We are looking for people to come and present based on the conference theme. If you would like to present, then please drop a line to Russel Garlick on russel.garlick@gmail.com
You will need to include:
– Your topic
– What length spot you would prefer (15 or 30 mins)
– A brief description about what you plan to talk about.
We will then get back to you to confirm your slot.