iBike4kids 2024 has been. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and kids who participated. Stay tuned for 2025.
iBike4Kids is a fun event for primary and intermediate aged kids, run by Manawatu Mountain Bike Club. This event started 20-years ago as the Bikewise Kids Bike Jam, back in 2004. When the promoter was struggling to run the event in 2012, MMBC decided that they could run an event themselves and iBike4Kids began.
The initial goal was to run an event with a half the entry fee with double the prizes, so the model for todays event was created. Today the entry fee is still the low $15 from 2013 and there are still two mountain bikes major spot prizes and numerous smaller prizes. With the help of our sponsors we aim to give back the entry fees in medals and prizes.
Participants can choose between short, medium or hard courses and can also test their talents on the skills course. There is also a 'Balance bike' section, just for the little ones under 5 riding balance bikes.
Most of the profits from the event are invested back in our club skills development program or public access trails. Our Skill Development program is a series of free coaching clinics that run throughout summer at Paneiri Park. These are well attended and provide a great introduction to mountain biking.
This year we are also going to donate $500 to the New Zealand Spinal Trust.
The Manawatu Mountain Bike Club are developing trails at Arapuke Forest Park in partnership with PNCC. There is now a network of over 40km of trails, with more trails added every year. See www.arapuketrails.co.nz for more info
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ENTER
Participants must ensure their bike is in a safe condition before entering the event.
Helmets and shoes must be worn.
This is not a race. It is a fun family event; there are no prizes for winning
Geared bikes are not essential. BMX style bikes are adequate.
Bikes with trainer wheels or non-pedalling bikes are allowed to enter the Balance bike COURSE ONLY.
The event will run whether it is wet or fine
Photos will be taken at the event and published on social media. The event is public and the organisers cannot control who publishes photos. The organisers will publish photos to help pubicise this event. Entry into this event implies acceptance of these conditions.
Safety
The course is open to the public at all times.
Marshals will be stationed around the course to assist riders and control pedestrians.
There will be lead and tail riders for each group.
Spectators must stay behind the tape/barriers in the start/finish areas.
Event organisers reserve the right to change the course for safety reasons.
Accompanying riders
All Balance bike riders must be accompanied by a person over 10 years either walking or running.
Under 6 year olds must be accompanied by a person over 10 years old either walking, running, or biking in Short course only.
Adults may only accompany riders on the balance bike or short course
Those on trailer bikes must start at the back of the group in short course only.
Adults riding bikes must wear a helmet too.
No accompanying riders on the medium or long course.
All accompanying riders must wear a helmet.
The Event Director's decision is final for any disputes.
iBike4Kids Tee Shirts
Check out our Cool iBike4Kids T-shirt Design...you know you want one!
Sizing
Sizing XS=6, S=8, M=10, L=12 XL=14 or Small Adult
Ordering
Tee shirts have to be preordered to allow time for printing. Sales close at midnight on Tuesday 20th August to allow time for printing. Your tee shirts will be available for pick up on the day.
Colours
Black with White text
What's in it for Schools?
Due to increasing cost pressures, we are pausing the Schools Prizes for 2024.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD I ENTER?
Mainly because its heaps of fun and you can do it with your friends from school. There is a cool medal for everyone who takes part, a bunch of stuff just for entering and the chance to win cool prizes, like mountain bikes, helmets and other cool stuff
HOW DO I ENTER?
To be in the draw for prizes and to make sure you get a medal, you need to enter before the event. You will need to get Mum or Dad to help you enter on-line, by clicking on the "Enter Now" button. Get in early as there are limited places
WHO CAN ENTER?
The event is open to Primary or Intermediate aged kids. If you can ride a bike you can enter. If you need mum or dad to help you must ride the short course with them at the back. If you ride with trainer wheels or balance bike you can do the special balance bike course with a helper. Entries are limited to 400.
WHAT EVENT SHOULD I ENTER?
Please choose the course carefully. Consider how long it would take your child to ride the course. We will close each course off in time for the next to start.
Use the following as a guide.
Long course 9km – (3 x 3km laps) under 15mins each lap.
Medium course 6km – (2 x 3km laps) under 25mins each lap.
Short course 3km – (1 lap) no limit, but they would have at least 35mins.
Balance bikes 800m – (1 lap) kids have about 20 mins to get around. Must meet the criteria below.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Balance bike Course-A short 1km lap for those with Balance Bikes (bikes without pedals) or 16in wheel bikes with trainer wheels AND must be under 5 years. Note: We encourage all pedal bikes, even under 5's, to do the short course if possible.
Short Course- If you are not a confident rider but could pedal around a nice easy 3km, then the short course is ideal. Under 6's should be accompanied by an adult or sibling. *
Medium Course - If you have had a bit of practice riding a bike and can get up little hills and can ride 6-7kms the Medium course is for you.
Long Course - If you can ride a bike confidently up and down small hills and some obstacles and can handle 9-10km the Long course is for you.
* If you need someone to ride with you, the only option is the Short course or Balance bike course. No adults to ride on the Medium and Long courses please.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Just $15. You can order a cool event t-shirt as well. Price $22.50 each for Cotton Tees.
WHAT TIME IS THE EVENT?
Times listed below. You need to go to registration on-the-day to pickup your event pack and you may have a spot prize.
Registration Opens at 8.15am
Registration closes
09:00 - Long course
09.55 - Medium course
11:00 - Balance bike course
11:15- Short course
Events Start at
09.15 - Long course
10:10 - Medium course (in 2 waves)
11:15 - Balance bike course
11:30 - Short course
There will be a briefing just before each category starts. EVERYONE must attend, so make sure you are there and listening hard!
WHERE IS THE EVENT?
The event is in the Victoria Esplanade, Palmerston North. Here is a map below to show you how to get there and where the course goes.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Balance bikes - Mostly flat, no obstacles. Approximately 1km. Recommended for under 5 year olds on balance bikes( no pedals).
Short - Mostly flat, no obstacles and one short downhill section. 2.6km. Recommended for 5-6 year olds.
Medium - 2 laps of the short course, 5.2km. Recommended for 7 years + or beginners.
Long - a slightly longer course which includes obstacles, a short set of steps, steeper climbs and descents. 3 laps of a 3km course. Recommended for 9 years + competent rider
See a larger version of the map below here
Sponsors
Team DH Painters
Palmerston North Cossie Club
