The Wanaka Off-road Motorcycle Club is making progress in its search for land to develop a recreational riding area.
Club president Graham Dunbar, of Wanaka, said since the word was put out in January that the club was aiming to raise funds to lease land and develop a track and trails for local and visiting dirt bikers of all ages and abilities, some valuable conversations had been conducted.
''We have had such a good response from people we have talked to.''
An ideal location that would contain the noise and have naturally undulating terrain for both a children's and an adults' track was still proving elusive. However, Mr Dunbar was confident a site would be found and was prepared to wait for a long-term solution, where a facility could be developed over the next decade.
He was aware of negative associations with dirt bikes, concerning their noise and the ''footprint'' they left on the land. The club's philosophy was to stick to the tracks to minimise the damage, he said.
''We don't want to leave scars on anything but the dirt paths.''
The club recently became incorporated, upon attaining its non-profit status, and 70 people had registered their interest in signing up.
''We were surprised at how many people in the area do have [off-road] motorcycles,'' Mr Dunbar said.
