From the Trails to the Expo: Gentle / Mental Cycling at Crankworx Summer Series
Earlier this year, I (Chris from Gentle / Mental Cycling) had the wild pleasure of heading to Crankworx Summer Series in Christchurch—the biggest adrenaline-fueled celebration of mountain biking in Aotearoa. I teamed up with the always-enthusiastic Alex Leal from the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), and together we flew the flag for Nelson Tasman right in the heart of the action.
Our stand was set up in the buzzing Expo area, nestled among some of the biggest names in the mountain biking world. Giants of the industry were all around us—literally. But we held our own, fueled by local pride and a mission to tell every rider and spectator just how epic Nelson Tasman is for mountain biking (and life in general, let’s be honest).
Over the course of the event, we talked to thousands of stoked spectators, riders, families, and fellow gear-heads, all hyped up on the madness of downhill, slopestyle, and pump track racing. The atmosphere was electric, and we made sure to turn heads with our unique local flavour.
Of course, it wasn’t just about bikes—though we promoted them hard. We made sure the crowd got a proper taste of Nelson Tasman:
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Pic’s Peanut Butter – our go-to ride fuel (and conversation starter!)
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NRDA’s Monopoly Nelson game – a quirky hit that got plenty of smiles
- Nelson Mountain Bike Club – legendary MTB club and community
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NZ MTB Rally – for those craving multi-day adventure
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Cable Bay Adventure Park – zip lines, trails, and pure stoke
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Gravity Nelson – tech, tunes, and local knowledge
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Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve – coastal singletrack heaven
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Tahuna Beach Holiday Park – for riders and families alike
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Wairoa Gorge – the stuff of mountain bike legend
And of course, we gave people a taste of Gentle / Mental Cycling, our own blend of thoughtful, thrilling, and slightly unhinged two-wheeled adventure.
It was an epic few days of connecting, promoting, and riding the wave of MTB passion that defines Crankworx. We came away with hoarse voices, sore legs, and a reinvigorated love for our local region—and a whole bunch of new fans who now know just how much the Top of the South has to offer.
Bring on the next one!