The first stage of the new tracks has been completed and will open to the public within the next few weeks, once the tracks have been signposted.
Newly-formed MTB North Otago has been working closely with the forest's owner, Blakely Pacific Ltd, to provide a recreational facility for mountain bikers of all levels.
Aoraki secondary schools regional sports director Bob Pringle praised the new club for completing such "a monumental construction feat in such a short space of time".
Club president Andrew Milne was grateful to Blakeley Pacific for allowing it access to Herbert Forest.
"They have been very supportive. There is huge recreational potential for walkers and cyclists in the forest."
A small team of club members had been working very hard to create the tracks.
They would be a valuable asset to cyclists in North Otago.
The club was holding regular track-building working bees, and any help from the public would be welcome.
Before the Aoraki secondary schools' event, the club would hold a short "chocolate fish" race on August 26, as a fun way of introducing local mountain bikers to the new track.
The secondary school championships, consisting of both downhill and cross-country events, will be held on September 11.
The downhill featured a 1km course. The top half was on a relatively gentle gradient, with optional jumps and drops to add interest, with the lower half much steeper and faster.
The cross-country course utilised loops of a 3.5km circuit featuring forestry road climbs, and flowing single-track descents.
