Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Easton Road Trip - Nelson Marketing

Nelson recently played host to the Easton road trip - check out this short vid via Spoke which shows some of Nelson's tougher trails under the wheels of Blenky, Nico Vouilloz and Graham Agassiz. This type of marketing is global - while its fantastic having riders of this calibre visiting just to ride here, we also thank Aggy for his commentary and raps for the special riding on offer in Nelson and NZ. Posted by Chris Mildon on 16/ 5 / 12; 8:48:44 AM   Discuss

Access Update - Hancock Forests

This year while renewing the club's operating license with Hancocks, we were really pleased to be able to include night riding for the first time. It's always been on the agenda for us, but having this activity formalised and allowed by our major forestry partner has previously been a step too far. This year and with the support of AFM, Hancocks appreciate that it is better to manage the activity than to not allow it, so night riding is now part of your forest access permit. The only conditions around riding at night in Hancock Forests are that it's restricted to the Sharlands Rd (Hira Forest) trail network, and the Fringed/Sharlands Hill area (including the Hancock portion of Codgers MTB Park). Be aware though that with Sharlands Rd especially, there may be vehicles using the road at night servicing the logging operations. This year however, we lose access to Waiwhero Forest. Hancocks have sold this block of land and recreational access to that trail network has been removed. The core of that trail network has been all but lost already through harvesting. We've also added a new page to our menu bar Hancock Forests Harvesting Information which details where harvesting activity is taking place. This will be updated at least fortnightly so keep an eye on this if you are planning a Hancock Forest ride. Posted by Chris Mildon on 16/ 5 / 12; 8:09:45 AM   Discuss

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Heaphy-both ways, damn it!

We had been watching the weather for 2 weeks before the Heaphy opened speculating how dry the track would be and if we would get 3 fine days in a row to do a through and back ride. As it turned out we couldn't have wished for better, we got three cloudless mild days. Getting organized for a Heaphy double is an exercise in logistics. One set of overnight gear, bike spares and breakfast food to send with Trek Express to Karamea a couple of days ahead, clothing and food to take to Takaka for the night before the ride and of course gear to take on the ride. Liz being super organized had lists (which I normally scorn) for every occasion. This time I thought I'd better toe the line and consult the lists. Unfortunately Liz hadn't put one essential on the list - a bike! It wasn't until I arrived in Richmond to load Dennis's car I realized this shortcoming of the list and had to make a speedy trip back to Brightwater to grab mine. Minor detail, but important. Bikes loaded, Dennis, Rob, Liz and I headed to Takaka Thursday afternoon to preload at the Wholemeal Cafe. Their carrot cake got 5 stars.  Story continues here. Heading down to Gouland Downs looking back to Perry Saddle Dennis on one of the technical sections before Mackay Posted by Alan Eskrick on 11/ 5 / 12; 8:39:53 PM   Discuss (2 responses)

60 page Nelson / Tasman MTB Track Book now available

A 60 page A4 Landscape book of the Mountain Bike tracks in the Nelson and Tasman areas, is now available at local bike shops. If they have run out, they will hold a copy for you from the next print run which will be available shortly. The book features 27 full colour maps along with ride descriptions and gradings. Some of the areas It covers are:  The Codgers MTB Park, The Hira MTB Park, The Center Of New Zealand, The Fringed Hill area including Black Diamond / Sunrise / Peaking / 629 etc, The Coppermine loop, Jenkins Hill area, Involution, Kingsland Forest (Richmond), Hackett, Waiwhero , Kaiteriteri, Barron Flat, Killdevil, Canaan, Rameka, Gibbs Hill, Aorere Goldfields and many more If you have been struggling to find tracks, or just need a reference then this should help. Posted by Steve and Jacinta Newport on 11/ 5 / 12; 1:38:10 PM   Discuss (3 responses)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Maitai Pipeline - Work Site Tues 15 and Thurs 17 May

Fulton Hogan will be installing a new 750mm diameter valve up in the Maitai Valley next week, and will be controlling access through this site as it will be quite tight and constricted. There won't be space for cyclist or pedestrian access while the heavy machinery is operating - however ample signage will be set up in both directions, and a Fulton Hogan staff member will manage getting people through if required. If you are planning to be up riding in the valley Tues/Thurs next week, please pay attention to the safety signage and follow all instructions from the Fulton Hogan work crew. Posted by Chris Mildon on 10/ 5 / 12; 8:44:46 AM   Discuss

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Richmond Trails Work Party May 13th

The second of the Richmond Hills MTB Trails work parties is scheduled for this Sunday May 13th. Meet at the Lodestone Road entrance to the trail network, just before 9am. The plan is to continue working on the Lodestone Gully track. Bring a Spade / Grubber / Rake, Loppers, Gloves, some water and food. Looking for a couple of hours of rebuilding the slip damaged trail, and plan to be all wrapped up before 12pm. Any questions contact Mike Brien 0210633880 or mike.caver@gmail.com Posted by Chris Mildon on 9/ 5 / 12; 12:39:54 PM   Discuss

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Club Downhill Series Round One Results

Great, fun start to the series this year with lots of new faces and a real strong group of Juniors having a good time. We ran on the Redwoods trail today, hidden away at the bottom of the Classic. This trail hadn't been used for a while, so over the few days at the end of the week the old line got a good grooming and a lot of trail loving to get it ready for today. Its now also ready for general riding again -just hang a left 10m after dropping over the last big skid site at the bottom of the Classic if you are riding down that way. Results are here, and the next round in the series is on the Maitai Face June 10th. Thanks to the NCC for race approval and everybody who helped out today. Posted by Chris Mildon on 6/ 5 / 12; 4:31:57 PM   Discuss

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Heaphy 2012 Season Opening Today - NelMail Article and Stuff Poll

Here's today's article in the Nelson Mail, and the poll which we'd encourage people to visit. Always at this time each year we are going to see a vocal anti-bike sentiment - nothing some hard facts about track usage and good trail etiquette won't deal to in the long term. For people planning to ride the Heaphy this season, here is the link to the relevant DOC information page, and this is the downloadable track brochure (specifically pages 17-28) which should be read in preparation for the ride. Posted by Chris Mildon on 1/ 5 / 12; 2:32:59 PM   Discuss

Monday, April 30, 2012

2012 Club Downhill Series and Mini MTB Series Details

Two very popular series' are getting ready to launch for 2012. This weekend the 2012 Club Downhill Series gets going, on trails that suit a very wide range of abilities and which are ideal for people wanting to get into the sport in a doable format. Poster and details here. And for the smaller kids, the 2012 Mini MTB Series starts on the 1st June. This year three events will be at Rabbit Island, and one at Codgers. Poster and details here. Posted by Chris Mildon on 30/ 4 / 12; 10:55:06 AM   Discuss

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Anzac Day in the Glenroy Valley

Rob, Liz and I took a Tiki up the Glenroy Valley south of Murchison today. Rob rode it last August when it was quite cold. Today the weather was superb, the track grade 2+ and pretty dry, the scenery grade 5. Well worth doing this time of the year if the day is fine and warm as there are several river crossings. Took us 2h 50mins to get 20 mins past the first hut and 1h 55mins to come back down the valley. For detailed information on the ride see Glenroy Valley. Posted by Alan Eskrick on 25/ 4 / 12; 8:10:19 PM   Discuss

Land Purchased on Dun Mountain Trail

NCC Media Release: 24 April 2012 Council has purchased a 97 ha block of land on the flanks of Fringed Hill to secure legal access for mountain bikes over a section of the Dun Mountain Trail and to improve the backdrop to the city. Community Services Portfolio holder Councillor Pete Rainey says, "The land purchase means access across part of the Dun Mountain Trail is no longer dependant on the good will of a private landowner. We've been extremely fortunate with the generosity of the current landowner but this is about protecting access for future generations" The recently opened Dun Mountain Trail has been identified as one of New Zealand's official 'great rides' under the New Zealand Cycle Trails project and has received $484,000 from the government to upgrade the trail to an intermediate rider level. The Trail opened in November last year and is already getting lots of positive feedback. It looks set to get close to 10,000 riders in the first year with many riders from other parts of the country, bringing economic flow on effects to the Nelson CBD and community. The recent Coppermine Epic race, which uses the Dun Mountain Trail route, had 258 entries this year with over 51% of these from outside of the Nelson/Marlborough area. This part of Fringed Hill has also historically been used for downhill mountain biking, and has been one of the key recreational and competition venues for this purpose. The purchase will open up a range of downhill opportunities in this area. Another important reason in Council securing this land for the community is the desire by Council to protect the city landscape backdrop and reduce the extent of scarring due to forestry operations close to the city centre. Council has a long term target of revegetating the majority of this area in native forest. The purchase cost for this land was $330,000 with settlement completed last month. Posted by Chris Mildon on 25/ 4 / 12; 3:55:11 PM   Discuss

Monday, April 23, 2012

Supplimentary Number Plates

As an extra to the fact that the police are now fining you if you do not have a supplimentary numberplate, I was issued with a warning last week for driving with an unlit supplimentary number plate at night! Yes! it seems not only do you have to have the plate, but at night it has to be lit so be warned. I have since bought a cheap numberplate light, a length of wire and a trailer plug for $45 to add to the mounting costs of this new law! Posted by Steve and Jacinta Newport on 23/ 4 / 12; 7:54:30 PM   Discuss

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Club Members on Fire at Secondary Schools MTB Champs

The annual Levin event is always a highlight for Secondary School students, and Nelson's contingent went up again last weekend and did really well, as per usual. Summary of how the crew went: Ben Karalus Under 14 boys: 6th XC, 8th HC, 1st DH, 3rd Overall DJ Holmes Under 15 boys: 10th XC, 11th HC, 2nd DH, 2nd Overall Scott Barr Under 15 boys: 1st XC, 1st HC, 10th DH, 1st Overall Henry Jaine Under 17 boys: 9th XC, 9th HC, 22nd DH, 10= Overall Caitlin Holmes Under 19 girls: 3rd XC, 2nd HC, 1st DH, 2nd Overall Olivia Miller Under 16 girls: 4th XC, 6th HC, 2nd DH, 5th Overall Unforunately Cailtin broke a chain in the XC, ran two km, fixed the chain and regained 1 place to finish 3rd, however it cost her the national overall title this year. DJ and Ben put in great DH runs, Ben beating the Oceania champ from two weeks ago and DJ placing 10th overall in DH. They all put in great efforts in the XC and Hillclimbs, with Scott really showing his stuff to win both. Congratulations all! Posted by Chris Mildon on 5/ 4 / 12; 3:56:38 PM   Discuss

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wiggles all clear.

We have been right through the Scottswood Wiggles and cleared the fallen trees in the upper section. The trail is in remarkably good condition, with only the swampy section in the middle causing any real problems. There are some short sections of over grown grass and scrub and some short soft sections of trail, but in general it is in very good nick. Get on up and ride if you haven't been up there for a while. We will have a working bee to fix things up and we plan to put a long boardwalk across the swampy section. Enjoy, Juddy Posted by Dave Judson on 21/ 3 / 12; 4:23:14 PM   Discuss

Heaphy Track News

With little over 5 weeks until the Heaphy is open again for the season, John Etherington from Escape Adventures sends us this update on the Heaphy Track. 2012 is first year of a 3 year planned track and hut upgrade and Golden Bay and Westport DOC offices have provided a summary of what has been going on and what is coming up on the track. Perry Saddle: A new Hut at Perry Saddle is now well underway. This hut (and a new Heaphy Hut) is being built by the team from Frank Byrne Builders of Golden Bay and it sounds like they are doing a fantastic job. Planned for completion in early May the new hut is being built on the site of the existing camping area and will feature: Solar lighting in the living area, wrap around deck and huge windows with massive views across to the Dragons Teeth and towards Mt Perry, double glazing, fully insulated new toilets have been completed on the site and are now at ground level and a bit less visually obtrusive. So if you are heading through during May you will get to see the finishing of the new hut and the removal of the old. Track upgrade work so far: Installation of buried culverts on the climb from Brown Hut to Perry Saddle, track repair on the slip sections of the climb, track cutting and repair between Aorere shelter and Gouland Hut, track cutting and repair between Saxton and the West Coast/Golden Bay DOC boundry. Discussion is ongoing between DOC and TDC on options for bridging the 3 fords on the road to Brown Hut. And from the West Coast end: Hut upgrades: Heaphy Hut is scheduled for replacement, also by Frank Byrne builders of GB, with planned construction to start in early June. Site clearing work and driving in the foundation piles starts on May 1st, with building to start in June for approx 8 weeks. Mackay Hut, scheduled for replacement maybe later in the year. Bridges: Now here is something all of us bikers love, taking your bike across a wobbly swing-bridge. Well the news is all good: Swanburn swing bridge has now been replaced with a new wider, wooden planked bridge that can be biked over. A new Gunner bridge is also well under way and will be completed to the same standard by early April. Track upgrades: In the Heaphy river valley there is track upgrade work being done between Gunner and Heaphy Hut, resurfacing the areas of track that got damaged during the winter. On Mackay hill, clearing vegetation and draining the mud holes and filling them with gravel. The team will start crushing gravel up the Heaphy River valley this week. From the Golden Bay/West coast boundry to Mackay Hut (across Gouland Downs) work will begin in May to lay plastic matting and gravel in the rutted and muddy sections, keep a lookout for helicopters flying in gravel during the start of the season. West coast DOC are hoping for funding for an end to end track upgrade. So, sounds like it might pay to get out and ride the Heaphy before it is turned into a gravel footpath. Posted by Alan Eskrick on 21/ 3 / 12; 8:52:12 AM   Discuss

Friday, March 16, 2012

Jenkins to Third House - Ride it!

A bit of a combined effort between the Coppermine boys and Nelmac has seen all the 2007 windthrow finally cut off the Third House to Jenkins Hill track. Theres still a bit of scrub clearing to be done at the Jenkins end, but really, the track is good to go again. Its pretty much the same as it ever was, rideable all the way in the Jenkins to Third House direction, but with a bit of a portage from Third House to Jenkins going up the famous 'Ramp'. Grading - definitely an advanced 4/expert 5 at the moment, and it needs riding to get it humming again. Go to it! Posted by Chris Mildon on 16/ 3 / 12; 3:54:54 PM   Discuss (1 response)

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Bikes Obscuring Number Plates

I thought you should be aware that the Police have commenced giving out tickets should your bike(s) be obscuring your number plate. I got pulled over on SH60 going into Motueka on Saturday, with three bikes on my rack. This was the first time I had heard of this and was somewhat disbelieving. Anyhow, the upshot is I received a $100 fine, which will be waived if I produce a receipt for the purhase of a supplementary license plate.  These can be obtained from www.licensys.com for $17.08. You are then meant to hang it off the last bike on the rack. The officer  reckoned that this had been communicated in various bike magazines and web sites? Posted by Craig Beer on 13/ 3 / 12; 8:09:48 PM   Discuss (3 responses)

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Lost Vest

Lost, a Ground Effect yellow high viz vest with a remote garage door opener in the back pocket somewhere between Atmore Tce, the Fireball Track, Turners track, Matai track or around town / Zumos the Atawhai cycle/walking path.  If anyone has found it, it would be great of they could call me ˆ Gill on 021548110 Posted by Alan Eskrick on 11/ 3 / 12; 5:12:43 PM   Discuss

Friday, March 9, 2012

Sharlands Rd/Hira Forest Access from March 8th

From Action Forest Management As from Friday 9th March, the forest will be closed to recreation access from 8pm each night and the Sharlands Creek gate will be locked at 8pm. Recreational access during the week in the evenings will be from 6.15 pm to 8pm until the end of March, thereafter the gate will remain closed to the public during the week, due to daylight saving finishing. A reminder to all those Motor Cycles / Mountain Bikers that if you haven't renewed your permits you need to do so asap. Posted by Chris Mildon on 9/ 3 / 12; 6:48:40 AM   Discuss

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Update on 629

629 is in great condition at the moment with some small adjustments been made on the top half of the trail to improve the flow. On the lower half of the trail, the excellent pine section that contained the jumps and log rides was lost to logging a while back and the trail crew built a new line down the native gully next to it. This section of trail is very much an advanced trail with steep chutes and a lot of exposure which unfortunately has meant a lot of riders have been avoiding riding 629 since. The 629 trail crew have been working on re-establishing the old trail that used to traverse in the pines from half way down 629 since late last year and this trail work is almost complete. The line is an all new intermediate level trail that traverses the face 6 times so far and reconnects back into the old native track below the steeper sections. Its a flowy track with lots air if you ride it fast, with crests you can double at speed and the odd drop line if you want. The crew hope to be working on the bottom section where the log rides were shortly, creating a new burmed jump line hopefully with some new skinny rides to test your skills. Posted by Alan Eskrick on 6/ 3 / 12; 9:27:30 PM   Discuss

Monday, March 5, 2012

Kaiteriteri MTB Park

Link here to the latest newsletter from Kaiteriteri MTB Park. Posted by Alan Eskrick on 5/ 3 / 12; 11:24:11 AM   Discuss

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Track updates: Sharlands (Hira Forest), Dun Mountain Trail

From Rob Kay: Scottswood Wiggles is blocked in a number of places by substantial trees. It will need a chainsaw to clear out quite a few of them. There is also a tree blockage on the Supplejack side of the junction at that end of Willow Lane. From Kelvin Brown: There are 3 trees down on Broken Axe - one quite close to the very top will need a chainsaw, two others (1 in top section and 1 just in the pines in the bottom section) could be cleared with hand saws. From Alan Eskrick: There are numerous trees down on the Dun Mountain Trail between the crossroads and Windy point. Also quite a big one in the South Maitai right at the start of the 4WD road. No problems getting over them though. Posted by Alan Eskrick on 4/ 3 / 12; 9:40:17 PM   Discuss

Genius bike - " FOUND"

Found well hidden in property nearby - thanks for keeping an eye out. Posted by Jo Harris on 4/ 3 / 12; 3:22:13 PM   Discuss

Saturday, March 3, 2012

GENIUS APACHE

Does anyone know of a bike that is similar to the Genius Apache (no longer in production) - I need to inform our Insurers of a brand/model that is comparable.  FYI the frame is 16" not the wheel size.  Any info pls email harris.builders@xtra.co.nz Posted by Jo Harris on 3/ 3 / 12; 4:29:27 PM   Discuss

Friday, March 2, 2012

Hira Forest Closed Saturday 3rd March

Severe gale southeast winds are expected to develop overnight tonight. Gusts of 150km/h are possible from 3am Saturday.  Therefore for the safety of all forest users, HFM have advised that the Hira Forest will be closed Saturday 3rd March all day.    Please be vigilant and if you see any smoke in the forest call 111 immediately.  Contact AFM on 03544 8541 for further details. Posted by Chris Mildon on 2/ 3 / 12; 2:29:58 PM   Discuss

Lift for the Rainbow Rage

Hi All, I am looking for a lift to complete the Rainbow Rage. A lift from Nelson to start of race on Saturday morning, A lift from Hanmer to Nelson after prize giving or on Sunday morning Happy to pay expenses to cover costs of travel or combine to make a group of 4 and hire Warwick Sandler's vehicle $125 per person. Warwick's details listed on Rainbow Rage website under Transport Offered. Please contact Gareth 545 6473 or 02102795608   Posted by Gareth Cashin on 2/ 3 / 12; 7:44:20 AM   Discuss

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

STOLEN BIKE

My Kona Kula Deluxe was stolen from central Nelson last weekend (between the 24th and 27th of Feb). It's red, white and blue with brand-new silvery flat pedals. Medium frame, hardtail. Please contact Annabel at 548 9108 if you see it. Posted by Annabel Boyes & Jacob Stallard on 28/ 2 / 12; 12:16:13 PM   Discuss

Monday, February 27, 2012

STOLEN BIKE

On Friday 24th Feb we had a bike stolen from our property it's quite distinctive and I've only seen one other in Nelson.  It's a White Genius, with silver and a bit of red, hardtail, 16".  Please contact Jo or John 03 548 5074 or 021 454 489.  If spotted please contact me asap or the police. Posted by Jo Harris on 27/ 2 / 12; 9:16:41 PM   Discuss

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Quartzopolis Challenge

Who else is riding this? It's at Reefton on 31st March and I hear it's an excellent ride. I though a good contingent from Nelson MTB Club should invade Reefton for the weekend and have a great club member turn out and yahoo weekend. Google quartzopolis and have a read for yourselves or use the links in the article below this one. (It'd be rude not to!) Posted by Bryce Buckland on 26/ 2 / 12; 9:01:49 PM   Discuss

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Quartzopolis Challenge

There is a great event coming up on March 31st in Reefton, the Quartzopolis Challenge. Starting in Reefton you ride up the 4WD road to Big River then take the old pack track through to the old mining town of Waiuta. If you haven't ridden any of the tracks around Reefton this is a great opportunity to do one of the classic ones. More information Entry Form Posted by Alan Eskrick on 21/ 2 / 12; 1:38:50 PM   Discuss