A Queenstown mountain bike guide and high-level rider is behind an action-packed "Week of Wonder" encompassing the eagerly awaited NZone Ultimate Jump Brake Burner and the second round of the Raboplus South Island Downhill Cup series next month.
Wakatipu and Canada-based Seb Kemp has organised activities from February 13 to 15, which will encompass standing events established by the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMBC), Vertigo Bikes and Revolver.
Mr Kemp said the five days of dedicated socialising and riding events were designed to welcome the hundreds of riders expected for the national heats, while encouraging mountain bike riders of all types, shapes, sizes, abilities and ages to come out and meet other riders in a friendly, festive atmosphere.
"All the events, bar the Vertigo Bikes Skyline Pro Invitational, are open to all riders, no matter what their ability, and the emphasis for all these events are challenging oneself rather than competing against others," he said.
"All events are of a nominal fee which will be donated to QMBC for trail maintenance, trail advocacy and trail expansion."
The Week of Wonder starts on Monday, February 9, along with the Really Railing Rally Race.
It will involve five timed short downhill stages from The Hub at the Seven Mile Recreation Reserve and starts at 7pm.
Participants are encouraged to bring $2 to support QMBC, plus a timing device, pen and refreshments.
The Vertigo Bikes Skyline Pro Invitational, on Tuesday, February 10, will see about six elite invited riders from around the country compete to be the fastest on the Vertigo downhill trail.
The event, in its second year, offers $200 in prize money along with the title "King of Vertigo".
The Revolver Gorge Rd Jump Jam will boast music, an MC and a sausage sizzle at the revamped park on Wednesday, February 11, starting at 3pm.
It was organised by the venue and QMBC.
Club facility designer and builder Nathan Greenwood said the Jump Jam would feature many of the best bikers in the country and was "the highlight of the week for visual stimulation".
Das Uber D returns on Thursday, February 12.
Riders meet at 7pm at the Skyline Gondola helipad and compete in the self-timed downhill race.
Course times are expected to be 10min-plus and the finish will be at Revolver.
Mr Kemp said Das Uber D was open to all riders from intermediate level up.
Forty riders took part in the race last December.
Friday, February 13, will see the social Pump Track Party begin at 6.30pm, with a barbecue, tunes and challenges at the Gorge Rd track.
"We get a lot of people through town and it's about being hospitable to people who come to check out our scene," Mr Greenwood said.
"It's about interacting together and talking about different tracks, and it's a great social ambience for spectators."
