Hey Waitaki, it’s time to get on your bikes.

The Papakaio 8 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge is just round the corner, and community support is key to making the event a success.

The annual event is the major fundraiser for Papakaio School, and is being held next Saturday (February 17), beginning at 9am, at Willow Park, on Papakaio Road - the property of Ian and Gloria Hurst.

The forecast is looking promising for the day, and registrations are coming in for solo riders and teams keen to take on the 9km(-ish) loop.

A new feature this year, for those reluctant to commit for the full 8 hours, is a 4-hour race, which is open to solo riders and teams of two, event village coordinator and organising committee chairperson Fiona Nelson said.

The four-hour event begins at 1pm, and ends at 5pm - the same time as the 8-hour.

The spectacular track remains much the same as last year when it was used in the Mountain Biking New Zealand XC event, aside from “a couple of tweaks here and there”, Fiona said.

“It’s technical, but doable, and there’s A lines and B lines and ‘get off and push’ lines if you want.” 

Between laps, food and drinks will be at hand with The Yellow Pickle food caravan, the school’s year 8 barbecue, and Mr Kool serving ice creams. The bar at the Watering Hole will be open between 3pm and 7pm.

While the young at heart are on the main track, there is also a kid’s loop for ages seven to twelve.

Racing, to complete as many loops as possible in the allocated time, is open from 10.30am to 11.30am for seven, eight and nine-year-olds, and 12.30pm to 2.30pm for the ten to twelve-year-olds. Registrations are on the day.

Also for the children is the Kids Zone, which is open 10am to 4pm. 

“If any kids are at a loose end, and isn't even biking, they can come out and, you know, have a nosy around, get their face painted and play games,” Fiona said.

Categories for the main track include solo male and female, male and female teams, mixed team, and a youth team category (for ages 13 to 18). There is also a social category for teams of up to 10 riders, and an e-bike category.

There will be an auction of donated goods on the day, as well as the opportunity to win a Haro mountain bike, courtesy of Victor Nelson Cyles.

“I think everyone's pretty, pretty relaxed about it. We’re just getting all the finer details in place, looking forward to race day and then just seeing it all underway will be great. 

“It's always a good, good feeling when you get through the day and you're like, ‘ha, job done’.” 

Fiona encourages the public to come along and have a look. 

“Even if it's not your thing, come and see what it's about. You never know, it might be your thing next year.” 

She was grateful to the Hursts for allowing the use of their property, and Brent Stuart and Craig Isbister for the “amazing job they do on that track”.

“And just the committee as a whole, for just working together and getting it done.”

Register for the event here or for or more information, check out the Papakaio 8 Hour Facebook page, which is being constantly updated, Fiona said.