Ten years on, Krankin’ Kids celebrates a decade of community on wheels
Ten years, thousands of riders, and countless muddy smiles later – Krankin’ Kids has celebrated its tenth birthday with the people who made it possible.
On Friday 14 November, Krankin’ Kids coaches, celebrated riders, sponsors and supporters gathered for a birthday ride and BBQ at Codgers Mountain Bike Park – the perfect spot to mark a decade of adventure, learning and community spirit.
Founded by Emma Bawtree in 2015, Krankin’ Kids has grown into one of New Zealand’s most loved youth mountain biking programmes. From after-school sessions to school holiday and in-school coaching, the programme now welcomes hundreds of riders each term, supported by a dedicated team of local coaches.
“Mountain biking has exploded in popularity over the past decade,” says Bawtree. “We’ve seen mountain bike parks and trails in the Nelson Tasman region really grow and evolve, local clubs thrive, and whole families getting involved – it’s become a real community affair.”
“We’ve now realised that growth in mountain biking means more lower grade tracks for families and a focus on a fun experience,” says Ross Maley, Manager of Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park in Tasman.
Community spirit was on full display at the Krankin’ Kids birthday celebration, which Bawtree says was as much about the people as the pedalling. “We brought together the coaches, the families, the sponsors and the riders who’ve made this journey possible. They’re the reason Krankin’ Kids has thrived for a decade.”
The event highlighted how mountain biking connects communities across all ages and stages – from newcomers to expert riders, young shredders to parents inspired to take up riding themselves through Krankin’ Kids’ sister programme, Wheel Woman.
“Gone are the days of training wheels and baskets,” says Mike Anderson, Owner of My Ride Richmond. “We’ve had people from as young as five to as old as eighty-five come through our doors looking for a bike they can play seriously with!”
From humble beginnings as a once-a-week activity to keep the kids busy while mum and dad hit the trails, Krankin’ Kids has firmly established its place in the legacy map of the Nelson Tasman region.
“It’s incredible to see what’s grown from a handful of kids in the park ten years ago,” says Bawtree. “Now, mountain biking is woven into our local culture – and Krankin’ Kids is proud to have been part of that story.”
About Krankin’ Kids
Established in 2015 Krankin’ Kids is dedicated to empowering the next generation of mountain bikers, from ages six to fifteen, through a comprehensive programme of in school, after-school, weekend and school holiday mountain bike (MTB) coaching workshops.
Krankin’ Kids’ key goals are to build bike confidence and skills whilst encouraging a greater appreciation of nature and the infrastructure helping riders to explore it.
Supported by a group of around 30 experienced and passionate coaches Krankin’ Kids participants are given insights into bike maintenance, fitness techniques, riding etiquette, basic first aid and track building in-between riding time.
Attended by over 350 kids per year Krankin’ Kids is offered in venues across the top of the South Island including Kaiteriteri, Richmond, Nelson and Blenheim.
You can find out more about Krankin’ Kids online at krankinkids.co.nz.
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