Through the Lens: What Makes Whaka100 Special?

When you've spent years photographing mountain bike events around the world, it takes something special to stand out.

For photographer Clint Trahan, that something is Rotorua.

"I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Whakarewarewa Forest first," says Trahan. "The trees, the fern, the greenery, the energy. It is a magical place to be."
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Trahan has photographed mountain bike events across the globe, but Rotorua remains the benchmark he compares everything else to.

"I've ridden all around the world and I always come back here. If I had to pick one place to ride for the rest of my days, it's Rotorua."

It's not just the trails that keep bringing him back. It's the scale and atmosphere of Whaka100 itself. "From the 10km to the Miler, it's impressive to get that range of people in the forest at the same time."

That diversity is something that stands out through his lens. First-time riders tackling their first challenge. Experienced marathon riders chasing personal goals. Miler riders preparing for an epic day in the saddle. Different journeys, all sharing the same experience.

Before the Sun Rises
Before the sun rises on race morning, the atmosphere begins to build.

"There's always an excitement in the air," says Trahan. "The mornings are crisp, the sun hasn't risen, riders are using headlamps. It's pretty amazing."

One of his favourite moments comes as the Giant Miler riders roll out into the darkness.
"Golden hour is magical to shoot. Hanging out with riders about to do 100 miles of riding is an experience for sure. It genuinely doesn't get old."

The Creek Crossing Everyone Talks About
Ask almost anyone who has ridden Whaka100 and they'll have a story about the creek crossing.

"The carnage and the crowds," laughs Trahan. "The crowds are there because of the carnage."

Easy to access and packed with spectators, the crossing has become one of the event's most iconic locations, producing some of Whaka100's most memorable images year after year.

More Than Just Bikes
While riders are focused on their race, Trahan is navigating a different challenge.

"The logistics of getting around the forest while trying to cover leaders and riders from all the categories while lugging 20 kilograms of camera gear around."

He describes Whaka100 as one of the most complex events he photographs anywhere in the world.

Yet it's also one of the most rewarding.

The emotion that stands out most? "Joy." "I've never met a rider who isn't living their best life while doing the Whaka. Even on the climbs towards the end of the race."

For Trahan, that's what separates great event photography from simply taking pictures of bikes.

His mentor once asked him a question that still shapes the way he works today: "What is the relationship here? "It's about looking past the action," he explains. "Find the emotion. Find the challenges. Find the successes. The obvious is easy. What isn't obvious?"

That philosophy helps explain why his images capture more than racing. They capture anticipation on the start line, relief at the finish, friendships formed on course, and the atmosphere that makes Whaka100 more than just another mountain bike event.

The Finish Line Never Lies
When riders roll down the finish chute, one emotion dominates. "Jubilation. Stoke. Accomplishment." "There is never, ever, a sad face."

Thinking About Your First Whaka100?
For anyone still sitting on the fence about entering, Trahan's advice is simple.
"Just do it."

"This sounds like an advertisement for Rotorua, but the city is incredible. There's tons to see, tons to do. Wrap the Whaka around a trip and enjoy the region. Life is too short to not experience what Rotorua has to offer."

After another long weekend spent chasing riders through the forest, Trahan leaves Rotorua feeling much the same way many riders do after crossing the finish line.

• Exhausted.
• Satisfied.
• Already looking forward to next year.