The Fine Print:

• Gravity Canterbury will be awarding a number of monetary grants to support members heading overseas to race between May and October 2024

• Applicants must have already been a member of Gravity Canterbury as of 31 March 2024

• Applicants must be competing in an international-level event outside of New Zealand

• Applications must be received no later than Friday 3 May 2024 and should not exceed 2 pages

• Successful applicants will be notified no later than Friday 10 May 2024

What your application should include:

• How the grant is proposed to be used, i.e. what it will fund

• What international event(s) the applicant is competing in over the period covered by the grant – proof of entry may be requested

• The applicant’s aspirations as they relate to mountain bike competition and how competing overseas contributes to this

• Details of the applicant’s existing sponsorship and/or funding arrangements

• A summary of performance at recognized national and/or international events over the last 12 months

• A summary of contributions to the club and/or mountain bike community, e.g. dig days, marshaling, coaching, etc.

• How the applicant proposes to recognize GC’s contribution

• Any other relevant information

Evaluation Process:

Applications will be evaluated on the above criteria, plus any additional information provided by the applicant. The final decision on who to award grants to, and how much to award, is at the sole discretion of the Committee

Lets Talk Bikes

Racing Pathway’s

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

What is Enduro?

Enduro is a form of MTB race where competitors ride comfortably and socially during the liaison (usually uphill) stages, then race down the timed stages. This form of racing mimics riding with your buddies; cruise up, fly down!

The club runs a handful of enduro races each summer. These events vary in length and difficulty – the first will be the most introductory level, with the races at Craigieburn and Victoria Park being for more experienced and fit riders. Email gravitycanterbury@gmail.com to find out more about the level and requirements for any specific event.

What is DH?

Downhill mountain biking is a gravity fuelled form of riding/racing, frequently featuring roots and rock gardens, jumps and drops, and steep descending terrain.

Gravity does not have a formal, minimum age limit on riders taking part in our club’s Downhill events, however riders and their families need to be aware that Downhilling is a relatively dangerous sport requiring a reasonable level of riding skill and strength, and appropriate bike and protective gear is required for safe riding.

Gravity wants to ensure that risks are mitigated and managed at all our club events. Young riders and beginners with very little experience can risk their own safety, and can also be a risk to other riders, by potentially crashing and blocking tracks causing subsequent accidents.

Beginners and young riders should contact the club to discuss the most appropriate events for their ability. Ultimately, the Race Director can use his/her discretion in regards to novice riders safely entering a Downhill race.

We suggest that beginners pair up with more experienced Downhill riders, don’t explore unknown tracks alone, and always carry a cell phone with you.

Summer Series

The DH Summer Series is a four-race series running between September and November. The first race of the year is a novice, "Give it a Go" race, and subsequent races increase in difficulty. If there is sufficient interest in a Beginners category at later races, the Race Director and committee can consider adding a category.

The final race in the annual Series is called “Dave’s Race”, named after Dave Balderstone, a very talented young club rider passed away in 2011. The club joins with Dave’s family and ex-employer to remember him each year, riding his favourite track: Tilted Sally.

NZ Open (DH)

This semi-annual race is the club’s top events, attracting the best local, national, and even a few international riders. It’s a great weekend to watch the best riders enjoy our best tracks.

The NZ Open is usually timed to run in the midst of the national MTBNZ Cup series, so that we can ‘catch’ traveling top class riders on their way through north or southwards for nationals’ events.

Dig Days

Dig days will be announced via the Facebook page and are usually on Saturday morning from 9am-12pm and followed up by a social BBQ.

No experience is required and tools are provided. 

Gravity Canterbury is committed to having a great relationship with Christchurch City Council, and part of that is keeping our mountain bike tracks tidy and running well!