Retro bike collection gifted to mountain bike club
Bikes and parts to be auctioned and funds used for trail building and memorial plaque to Aaron Barbono
Words: Rob Lee
The family of a Wellington man with a long-time passion for mountain biking and retro mountain bikes has kindly donated some of his collection to the Wellington Mountain Bike Club.
Aaron Barbono passed away suddenly on 26 August 2021 aged 44. At that time, in lieu of flowers, friends and family were encouraged to make donations to the Wellington Mountain Bike Club.
Three years on, Aaron’s mother Agnes has gifted five of his vintage mountain bikes and many parts to the Wellington Mountain Bike Club (WMBC) to help raise funds for the club.
The bikes include early full suspension models from GT, Trek and Santa Cruz, which are likely to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of retro mountain bikes.
Local trail building group Brooklyn Trail Builders (BTB) has been chosen to receive the funds and are organising the sale of Aaron’s collection.
BTB has already planted a Totara tree in Waimapihi Reserve in memory of Aaron and will work with the Wellington City Council to have a plaque installed on a bench in the reserve with views across Wellington city.
BTB spokesperson, Ant Bradshaw, who is liaising with Aaron’s mother, says the donation of the bikes and parts was a very generous gesture.
“Proceeds from the sale of the bikes will go directly back into the sport Aaron was so passionate about, and the memorial tree and plaque will ensure his love for mountain biking is not forgotten.”
“Proceeds from the sale of the bikes will go directly back into the sport Aaron was so passionate about, and the memorial tree and plaque will ensure his love for mountain biking is not forgotten.”
Ant Bradshaw, Brooklyn Trail Builders
Local bike shop MyRide is helping to get the bikes ready for sale and will have them on display at their Vivian St store for potential buyers to view.
MyRide mechanic Gavin McCarthy, himself a retro bike collector, will be on the tools for the project.
MyRide owner-operator Fraser MacMaster says he’s excited to be a part of the Aaron Barbono fundraiser.
“We’re donating our time and expertise to help retain some MTB heritage and raise some cash for our backyard.
“Our man Gav will lead the project to bring these classic bikes up to sale condition, so don’t hold back. We thank Aaron and his family for making this gift.”
The bikes will be sold individually on auction site Trade Me over the coming weeks and WMBC, BTB, and Spoke will have more information about the auctions.