Author Archives: laurence

Eskdale

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Effort: 2/5
Technical: 3-5/5
Scenery: 2/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

A large network of trails in a working forest. Some really great tracks, some not so great tracks but its always fun.

In our view the east park of the forest was best. It had the newest, best built tracks. The grand traverse and mint for instance are very new and have some amazing features. The southern part was still great fun, but a bit older and a bit more natural. The western part was all closed when we visited
Top of ZoomDescending zoomGood signageShame about the track, fern gully not the bestWlidlife on Pillon trackNice views from above the forestTrack closures can be a problemOlder tracks still partially goodWell made, fast and fun Ninja trackNinjaSmooth fast berms on Mr WhippyMint is very aptly namedIMG_2963

Statistics
Total distance: 20.3 km
Max elevation: 157 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 769 m
Total descent: -768 m
Moving Time: 02:24:53
Statistics
Total distance: 26.6 km
Max elevation: 237 m
Min elevation: 10 m
Total climbing: 1115 m
Total descent: -1115 m
Moving Time: 03:01:56

Bridge to Nowhere

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Effort: 3/5
Technical: 2.5/5
Scenery: 3.8/5
Surface
75% 4wd track,
25% Singletrack

Good ride along 4wd track to a slightly more interesting single track at the end. Combined with a kayak makes for a great adventure.

Start of the track, start of the climbVolcanoes in the distanceP1040188Optional descent towards Moselys CampsiteP1040204Superfluous bridges, one of manyP1040219Finally, single track aheadOpen meadowsLots of rockfall hazardsA few awkward swing bridgesDeadmans bluffMore swing bridgesThe bridge in the middle of nowhereAt the quayside, ready for pickup

Statistics
Total distance: 43.88 km
Max elevation: 634 m
Min elevation: 68 m
Total climbing: 2507 m
Total descent: -2773 m
Moving Time: 04:05:33

Rotary Ride

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Effort: 2/5
Technical: 3/5
Scenery: 2.6/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

Excellent single track from Taupo up to Huka falls and a little beyond.

The start of the ride on the edge of the parkFirst long descentReally well made trackHuka FallsIMG_2870Totara GullyCrossing the river at the shrimp farmIMG_2880Good signage even in the dusk

Statistics
Total distance: 15.86 km
Max elevation: 410 m
Min elevation: 343 m
Total climbing: 511 m
Total descent: -501 m
Moving Time: 01:23:38

Signal Hill

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Effort: 3.5/5
Technical: 4-5/5
Scenery: 3/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

Lots of downhill tracks with a good uphill track. The XC tracks are pretty old and not worth doing.

Great view from the topGreat singletrack thats not too hardGreat singletrack getting a lot harderOne of the better bits of XC track. Still shit though.Climbing the climbing trackThe sights of the climbing track

Statistics
Total distance: 11.59 km
Max elevation: 309 m
Min elevation: 39 m
Total climbing: 617 m
Total descent: -622 m
Moving Time: 01:20:25

Wakari Creek

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Effort: 2/5
Technical: 2.5/5
Scenery: 2/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

2 easy loops, with the descent through the redwoods being especially fun. Lots of berms and a few obstacles.

Interesting singletrackWell sign postedIMG_2818Last berm of the redwood loop

Statistics
Total distance: 6.23 km
Max elevation: 244 m
Min elevation: 160 m
Total climbing: 289 m
Total descent: -287 m
Moving Time: 00:43:09

Centennial Park – AKA ‘The Scenic’

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Effort: 1/5
Technical: 3/5
Scenery: 2.5/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

Unexpectedly good biking just on the edge of Timaru.

Big berms and rampsP1040992P1040994P1040997checking out one of the scary looking dropsIMG_2846IMG_2851IMG_2852Main entrance

Statistics
Total distance: 12.12 km
Max elevation: 98 m
Min elevation: 16 m
Total climbing: 483 m
Total descent: -432 m
Moving Time: 01:01:59

Description

It was dusk when we first visited so we only had time to ride round one end of the park. To our surprise it was really good. The tracks are well made and have enough up and down to maintain interest. On our second visit, a warm sunny day, we had a proper scout about. There are some ace little trails hidden in this park, enough for a good couple of hours of entertainment.

Bethunes Gully & Forrester Park

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Effort: 2/5
Technical: 2-5/5
Scenery: 2/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

Classic old single track and great newer, easy one side by side. Excellent place for an afternoon pedal.

Big easy berms in Forrester parkWelcome to Bethunes GullyTop of the climbing trackMuddy, ruined and horribleGreat single track descentPunishing, short but steep climbThe odd helpful sign on the fast descent through the pinesDog show in Forrester parkBMX track

Statistics
Total distance: 8.56 km
Max elevation: 220 m
Min elevation: 89 m
Total climbing: 448 m
Total descent: -447 m
Moving Time: 01:01:17

Switchback Track

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Effort: 3.5/5
Technical: 2.5/5
Scenery: 2/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

An incomplete climbing track that once finished will be great.

Gradual climing is the name of the gameIMG_2748Occasional viewsThe end of the trackThe junction with the walking trackTurn right to head towards swampy summitUnbikable walking track

Statistics
Total distance: 12.1 km
Max elevation: 590 m
Min elevation: 141 m
Total climbing: 857 m
Total descent: -859 m
Moving Time: 01:53:54

Naseby

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Effort: 2/5
Technical: 3-5/5
Scenery: 3/5
Surface
100% Singletrack

A great playground of tracks on some really interesting terrain. It can be very confusing at first!

Narrow single trackBarron cleared treesSmooth flowing single trackProper big corners!More lovely singletrackPine needle single track

Statistics
Total distance: 19.15 km
Max elevation: 712 m
Min elevation: 603 m
Total climbing: 522 m
Total descent: -522 m
Moving Time: 02:03:58