Sunrise Ridge
| Sunrise Ridge is a serious ride of 4 to 5 hours that can be done right
from the centre of Nelson. This is not a beginner's ride, but for
riders who like grade 4-5 with technical riding over roots it is hard
to beat. Even though it is close to the heart of Nelson you are in
thick bush country so treat it with respect and carry spares and repair
equipment. There is no water on the route and you will need to take
care to follow the markers. | ||
 | ||
 |  |  |
| From Tantragee Saddle take the Fringed Hill road to the top. This takes about an hour to an hour and a half. | There is a gnarly steep little bit right at the top to stretch the legs on. | Go to the highest point by the trig where a signposted track heads east into the bush. |
 |  |  |
| From Fringed Hill the track is rooty and rocky in places with a few steep little carries. | Some steep rooty and rocky descents as the track follows the ridge top will keep you entertained. | You need to ride this section of track a few times to get to appreciate it. |
 |  After about half an hour you reach a 4 way signposted intersection. Turn left here to the Maitai via Sunrise Ridge. If you've had enough turn right down to Third House and back along the Dun track. |  |
 |  |  For the next 1 - 2 hours there is a smorgasbord of roots, rocky outcrops, the odd log pile and always more roots. But most of them are rideable. |
 |  | |
| Eventually you emerge from the bush in a gorsey clearing on to a 4WD track. | Follow the main set of wheel tracks down to a major forest road which takes you down to the South Branch of the Maitai. | Keep to the true left and follow the benched track to a footbridge across the Maitai just below the dam. From here cruise the road back to a latte in Nelson. |