From Hutt Valley Trails to Wanaka Hills: Pete Mitchell’s Mountain Biking Adventure
Meet Pete Mitchell, Bike Glendhu ambassador and all-around legend on two wheels. Pete’s been shredding trails since he was a kid growing up in New Zealand’s Hutt Valley, and he’s here to share his rad journey from a pint-sized pedal pusher to a community trailblazer. Let’s dive in!
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Pete’s love for biking started young. Like, toddler-young. “I was probably around three when I got on my little bike with trainer wheels,” he laughs. “My parents love reminding me about the time I first ditched the trainer wheels, shouting, ‘I don’t need no people!’” Classic Pete.
Fast forward a few years, and mountain biking became a thing thanks to his dad, who was crushing the Karapoti race—New Zealand’s OG cross-country race. But the real magic happened when 12-year-old Pete and his schoolmates pooled their pennies to buy the chunkiest downhill bikes they could afford. “We all got these Kona Stinkys—absolute beasts of bikes—and spent hours pushing them up hills so we could ride them down trails we probably shouldn’t have been on. That’s where it all started for me.”
FROM HOBBY TO FULL BLOWN CAREER
Mountain biking wasn’t always Pete’s main jam. Growing up, it was just one of many outdoor adventures he loved. But after high school, he became an outdoor education instructor and thought, “Why not get qualified as a mountain bike instructor?” Turns out, it was a game-changer.
“I ended up loving teaching people how to have more fun on their bikes,” he says. Before long, Pete landed a gig as program manager for WORD, a youth mountain biking charity in Wānaka. “Suddenly, mountain biking was my career… wait, what?”
Through WORD, Pete discovered how mountain biking is so much more than just a sport. “It’s about belonging, community, and connecting with yourself,” he explains. “Seeing the impact it has on youth is pretty mind-blowing. It’s something special.”
BIKING HEREOS AND LOCAL LEGENDS
Pete isn’t starstruck by the high-performance side of mountain biking. “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the skill and effort those athletes put in. But for me, it’s all about the people and what biking does for the community.”
Working with WORD’s founder, Ash Peters, gave Pete a front-row seat to how biking can transform lives. “Ash has built this incredible sense of belonging and connection in the communities she’s worked with. It’s hard to even put into words how special it is.”
Closer to home, Pete’s stoked about the efforts of locals like our very own Kelsey Mackay and fellow BG ambassador, Toby Roberts, who are all about making mountain biking accessible and inclusive in Wānaka. “There are so many legends working behind the scenes to grow the sport here.”
TECH VS FLOW?
When it comes to the eternal tech-or-flow debate, Pete’s got no hesitation. “Tech all day! Slow, steep, and gnarly is where I’m happiest.”
ADVICE FOR NEW MTB FROTHERS
And for anyone new to biking, his advice is simple: “Find some mates to ride with. It’s just better with friends. And if you don’t know anyone, rock up to Bike Glendhu after work—someone will definitely pull you into the crew.”
LOCAL FAVES: TRAILS AND SNACKS
Pete’s current trail obsession? Black Pearl. “It’s the kind of trail that makes you really focus and ride with intention. Such a good challenge!”
And post-ride snacks? “The brownie from Velo. Unreal. Honestly, I’d ride just for that.”
SMOOTH OPERATOR
While Pete might not be throwing backflips or tail whips, he’s all about keeping things smooth and steady for the long haul. His journey—from a kid bombing hills in the Hutt Valley to a community leader in Wānaka—shows how mountain biking is as much about connection and stoke as it is about gear and trails.
So, if you’re looking for a reason to hit the trails, let Pete’s story be your nudge. And who knows? You might just catch him cruising Black Pearl or hanging out at Velo, brownie in hand, living his best bike life.