The annual Hawarden Forest Trail Ride was held in Hawarden in July 2021, when over 300 riders took part to raise funds for the local community.
The event was organised by Grenville Button of Adventure Trailrides Ltd and supported by the local Hawarden-Waikari Lions Club. Extending over 40km, riders came from all around the South Island to take part, and even rode through a local carbon farm.
New Zealand Carbon Farming land manager, Wayne Manaton, says a section of an existing track in the 28-year-old Hawarden pine forest was used for the fundraising trail bike event.
“We’d been working really closely with Grenville and the local Lions Club to prepare the track and ensure that the day was going to operate safely,” says Wayne. “We were impressed by the high level of safety measures in place, and that ensured us – and the riders – that all risks were mitigated, and every scenario had been considered.”
Wayne says New Zealand Carbon Farming likes to have a working relationship with their neighbours, and the race was a good opportunity to support the local community.
“The Hawarden-Waikari Lions Club do a lot of good for the Hawarden community, so in any way that we could assist, we were more than happy to do so. Overall, it was an excellent event, and we are proud of how it turned out.”
Hawarden-Waikari Lions Club member, Murray Galland, says the event has always raised a lot of money for the Lions Club, which they distribute around the community.
“All the funds go back into worthy causes in the community, and the event is great as it gets all the locals involved. Having New Zealand Carbon Farming on board this year meant a new and exciting track was made for the riders.”
Wayne Manaton says making sure all the riders were safe and having a good time was the goal of the event, and it was great that the community could come together and enjoy their time on the track.”
“It’s always been a successful event, and we commend all of the work that both Murray and the Hawarden-Waikari Lions Club, and Grenville Button from Adventure Trailrides Ltd put in to make this event possible.”