The Mud Maidens Downhill race has exploded over the past seven years. More than 30 riders showed up to race the inaugural event at the Taniwha track at Whakarewarewa forest. Back then it was with race plates made out of beer boxes and $2-shop medals. Now it’s one of the most memorable events of the year, run by a volunteer committee of six, with 127 entrants and 25 sponsors.

In early April, 127 riders between the ages of 10 and 56 from across New Zealand the globe descended on Skyline Rotorua. Our largest contingent was from Taranaki, who brought their own cheer squads. Nelson riders made the long trip up the island to participate, and we were even blessed with Japanese rider, Yukako Hayashi, who was in town on holiday and was convinced to come along by some of our local riders at the Liv MBR Ladies Shuttle Day.

The event covers six age groups across two tracks; the Intermediate track follows Sprint Warrior and Hucks and Hooves, a fast and flowy grade-three track with the crux of the trail part way down the grade-four lower Sprint Warrior, where the A line goes off a steep wooden feature over roots descending the steepest part of the entire course. This is where most of the excitement was over the day. It was amazing seeing the riders and marshals supporting each other to build the courage to hit it. 

The Advanced course starts on Taxman; a track designed in 2019 for the EWS event held at Skyline. This drops quickly into BYO and Debt Collector (part of the recent Crankworx downhill track) before turning left to avoid a large wooden drop via greasy switchbacks of doom. The final feature, and an absolute fan favourite to spectate, involves the super slow, jank rock drop in the final metres of the track. This feature often claims a few riders, but those who survive it absolutely love ticking it off.

The event is defined by more than just the top–shelf courses though. Pre–event registration starts the day before at Secret Spot Hot Tubs, where riders have the chance to refresh following a day of course practice with beer and burgers. Then on race day Event HQ goes off throughout the whole day with live music by DJ Foote Loose, a rolling snack table, a mechanic zone run by Pablo’s Bike Shop, and an all-day party vibe right on the finish line of the intermediate course. Riders have the morning to enjoy the closed park and half a day to practice the trails, cheer on their favourites and get a chance for an event photo by one of the many photographers on course.