Queenstown Biking Community ‘thrilled’ with New Rabbit Ridge
Media release - Gibbston Valley Winery and Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort
April 28
2013
Queenstown Biking Community
‘thrilled’ with New Rabbit Ridge Bike
Resort
Queenstown’s Rabbit Ridge Bike
Resort got the thumbs up at the soft launch yesterday
(Saturday 27 April) when members of the
local biking community got to check out the
newly-constructed trails.
Some last minute rain
ensured the trails were ‘bedded in’ and locals of all
ages and experiences took to the trails with
vigour.
From experienced downhill bikers to
families with children, everyone enjoyed the opportunity to
test trails including the beginner ‘Bunny’ trail and
intermediate Donnas Dually track.
The
invitation-only event saw bikers, bike shop owners and front
line staff experience the resort for the first time. Rabbit
Ridge is a joint venture by local bike business Around the
Basin and Gibbston Valley Winery and will be the area’s
only year-round dedicated and serviced bike
resort.
Rabbit Ridge Manager Steve Norton said it
was great to finally see the local biking community being
“thrilled” to have more local terrain to
discover.
“It will take some time for the trails to
settle in but in the meantime there is some great riding to
be had out here,” he said.
Tours of Rabbit Ridge
will be available from Monday (April 29 2013) and include
return transport from Queenstown, shuttles to the top of the
bike resort, refreshments on site and some include coaching
from experienced bikers.
Gibbston Valley Winery CEO
Greg Hunt officially launched the resort and said he had
‘quickly come up to speed’ on what makes a good bike
resort.
“When I first showed the guys (Steve and
John) the land I was pleasantly surprised when they said it
was exceptionally well suited for a bike resort,” said Mr
Hunt.
“The terrain, views and proximity to
Queenstown make it perfect and it’s great to see all their
hard work pay off. The trails are a fantastic addition to
the local biking scene.
“I have to give John and
Steve full credit for their vision and what they have
created to date on the station.”
Ultimately
Rabbit Ridge will feature 30km of tracks suitable for all
levels of riders and initial trails include a new bike trail
linking the resort with Gibbston Valley
Winery.
While perfect for families and entry level
bikers, it also has more challenging trails for experienced
riders, all set in a spectacular remote
setting.
Locals eagerly wanting to try out the new
resort will be able to ride the trails on Free Locals Days
scheduled for the first Saturday of every month, starting
May 4.
A grand opening is planned for September
when the park will be officially opened to the public when
trails are fully constructed and bedded in.
“The
trails mark just the tip of the iceberg for what’s planned
here and eventually it will be a fully-functioning bike
resort with accommodation, a café as well as other
activities such as hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing,
archery and many others suitable to this environment,” Mr
Hunt added.
About Gibbston Valley
Winery
Gibbston Valley Winery is a pioneer in
the wine industry in Central Otago and is home to New
Zealand’s largest and innovative wine cave, available for
wine tours, private functions, weddings and special
occasions, the new Barrel Room for C&I functions and
weddings, and a retail outlet. The multi award-winning
winery expanded in December 2012 when it opened the Vintners
Kitchen experience and General Store at the Gibbston winery,
and the Tasting Room in Arrowtown.
About
Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort and Around the
Basin
Rabbit Ridge Resort is managed by Steve
Norton from Around the Basin in conjunction with Gibbston
Valley Winery. Around the Basin Ltd offers supported and
guided cycle adventures as well as a cycle shuttle service
within the Wakatipu Basin and Southern Lakes regions
including the Rabbit Ridge Bike Park Around the Basin (ATB)
caters for beginner and intermediate riders wanting a
quality cycling experience in one of the most beautiful
areas of New Zealand, renowned for its spectacular scenery.
Packages for guided riding experiences will be available
from Monday April 29 2013. Bookings can be made at www.rabbitridge.co.nz
(L-R) John Knight, Greg Hunt, Steve Norton
ENDS