To date, the programme has involved more than 50 rangatahi from Tokoroa High School and Putaruru college.  

And the students are buzzing, says Putaruru College teacher Keegan Pitcher. 

Having the Waikato River Trails Great Ride on our backdoor step is amazing. It gives us an amazing place to take our students that can be within 15 minutes of school and it is something that the students need to see because it is part of the area they live in,” he says. 

Over several weeks the students have been learning everything from bike repairs to how to ride with competence on the trail. 

And that has resulted in both increased skill level and confidence, says Keegan.

“On the bike their level of skill has grown. Off the bike they have also grown in confidence and have started to show leadership skills within their classes and with their peers.” 

Riverside Adventures’ instructor Lofty Filius says the programme has opened up a new avenue to those who would otherwise not have had the opportunity. 

“Many students have not had access to bikes, had a way of finding or getting to the Great Ride or even knew it existed. 

And often, Lofty says, schools just don’t have the resources, time or knowledge to put together such a programme for students. 

“By using the Waikato River Trails they have to be physical. They have to move. They have to interact with others, and the environment. They learn to be respectful, responsible and appreciate their environment, equipment and others around them.  

“They learn to work with others, all while making lasting memories and possibly a new found love for the outdoors and all that it offers.” 

 The collaboration with community, and using the nearby Waikato River Trails Great Ride,  has opened up opportunities, says Lofty.

"Whether that’s to see some of these amazing places, have an experience they never knew was available to them, learn some new life skills or just take a break from what's going on in their lives...” 

Lofty has witnessed rangatahi who couldn’t ride more than a few metres on day one of the programme yet stuck with it and pushed themselves to eventually complete a five-hour, 25km ride without help. 

Then there are the “quiet kids” who start to open up and share and become part of the group. 

"And the kids who sit back and do the minimum in the first few sessions who take on leadership roles, look after the group and make decisions and then take that back to their everyday lives and school.

"I don't think I've had a student that didn't come away with something, and that something for me may be small, but to them it could change their lives forever." 

As Lofty says, the scale of success and improvement among rangatahi is huge. 

“It's my passion to share these kinds of places and experiences with others. The smiles and feeling of accomplishment from the students and the stories from teachers makes it all worth it.”  

See the best of New Zealand by bike.  Check out the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand and plan your next adventure now.