Hello and a belated happy new year from myself and the Bike Taupō committee to all new and existing members.

Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who have become Bike Taupō members for the year 2014.  We knew that the introduction of membership fees and the implications for access to Craters was going to be a huge change, but we were not prepared for the level of support and positive feedback that we received from you all. Currently we have close to 2000 members for the 2014 year.

Secondly I would like to invite you all to our AGM which will be held at 5:30pm on 26th February at the BNZ bank on Tongariro Street in Taupō. Please come and join us and hear a bit about how last year went and what is lined up for 2014 (plus refreshments!!!). We are also looking for a couple of people who are keen to join the Committee to replace Thea, Mike and Shorty who have stepped down this year. If you think that this could be you and you want to find out a bit more on what is involved, please do not hesitate in getting in contact with me.

On other fronts, I would also like to make mention of the following recent Bike Taupō highlights:

• Pete and Pete have just taped out the final part of the Great Lake Trail. This means that there is only 3km left to build to connect the Waihora Link to Kotukutuku Landing on the shores of Lake Taupō.
• With the exception of Buddha, Craters is pretty much back up to its pre storm state. Whilst it is missing a couple of trees, the tracks have been rebuilt, in some cases re-named, and are being well ridden. A huge thanks to Pete, Pete, Pete, Bruce and all of the other track builders who aren’t named Pete who have been working hard over the last 18 months.
• Nearly 7,000 kids from all round the Taupō District took part in the Kids Bike Taupō programme in 2013. Thanks to Cath for being the heart and soul of our hugely successful programme.
• We have just hit 900 likes on our facebook page so not far to go till we hit 1000. If you have not liked us already go to www.facebook.com/biketaupo
• We have received a grant from Southern Trust that will allow us to open up the Steamfield Block that will be an extension to Craters MTB Park.
• And finally if you did not already know, the Walters, our resident Kārearea or NZ Falcon, fledged two healthy chicks before flying the nest in December last year. An extra special mention should go to Mr Walter who attempted to do a flyby/bombing run on every single rider who took part in the Huka Challenge last year.

Looking forward to building on these accomplishments in the year ahead so keep riding and we will hopefully see you at out AGM next month.

Rowan Sapsford

Bike Taupō Chairperson

Phone:  +64 (0)21 744 957

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