LATEST... DRAGON'S TAIL... runs from Red Tank Road, with the entrance on the left hand side not far down from Bunny Jugs and exits back on to Red Tank just up from the Tank. TURKISH DELIGHT...from just past the exit of Lion Trail to Nursery Road in the stand of forest between Tokorangi Pa and Katore Roads... CORNERS...starts on Hill Rd next to Little Red Riding Huck. Sublime XC goodness with many corners...check it out. BUNNY JUGS ... runs from Red Tank Road down to Pipeline Road and then on to the exit of the National Downhill/Taniwha.
Photo: Ray & Dave at the head of Ball & Chain, the link trail to 8 Mile Gate and Hill Rd opened early in 2008.
From Waipa Carpark
The most popular entry to the forest is from the Waipa Mill access road, signposted off SH5 a few kms south of town. It is easy riding distance, especially if you are staying at the very cool Alpin Motel on Sala St.
• Through the carpark, past the free bike wash stand (with drinkable water) over the little bridge, and you are on the trail. If you go hard right you have a nice flat trail to warm up on, and you can work your way around the whole thing from here. Remember that to get back to your car (don't laugh, people get hopelessly lost 5 minutes from the exit) go downhill on Pohaturoa Rd, off Nursery Rd at the big intersection. There is a sign which helps but not if you are too rooted to read.
• There are over 30 kilometres of named, signposted trails in this section of the forest, which is amazing because the area we are talking about is only a couple of kms square. The whole thing is mapped, and you can get maps from the visitor centre in Long Mile Rd, and also from Ed at Planet Bike in the carpark.
Ed makes a great coffee, rents out good bikes, and has basic trail essentials. He is a wealth of knowledge, a good guy and a good mechanic.
• If you're caught short while in the forest this is also the place to head to. Thanks to Dean "Kenny" Watson and Marcus "Denny" Diprose, there is now a very luxurious toilet block - flushing toilets, running water and all - at the car park. This replaces the portaloos which did get a bit skody, especially in the summer. Thanks to Dean and Marcus from NDURO Events!
• You can easily access pick up points for the South Star Shuttle from here (or drive past the car park and the Red Stag Mill to the Hill Road gate entrance to the forest). • Photos: 1) entrance to carpark; 2) Ed's Planet Bike; 3) Nduro Ndunnies (click to enlarge).
Unfortunately, there are some selfish dickheads for whom the trail system doesn't provide what they seek.
Instead of going somewhere else in the other 90% of the forest and building what they want, they shortcut, or otherwise modify the established system. Their activities could make it difficult for you to navigate if you are not a local. Please don't be shy, ask anybody who looks like they know where they are going if you are in doubt about where you are headed.
Also - no skids on Old Chevy.
Have fun!
From Long Mile Rd
There is a Visitor Centre in Long Mile Rd where you can get up to date information and maps.
Call in and tell the staff how cool the trails are. The Redwood grove around this area is full of walking tracks, and horse tracks, and is off limits to bike riders.
If you want to start your ride here, go to the far end of Long Mile Rd from Tarawera Rd and cross the gate to head up the tarsealed climb of Nursery Road. The trail system has entrances at the top of the hill.
From Green Lake Lookout Carpark
A great place to start for some different/big loops.
The first portion of the trail at this entrance is a shared track - so please watch for people, dogs etc.
A good choice from here is to ride up Tikitapu Rd to Morerangi (to the top) then to Split Enz and all the way through to Chinese Menu and then Pipeline Rd back to the Blue lake. (Big loop - fun trails)
This carpark is behind the Blue Lake at the top of the hill. Follow Tarawera Rd some 8kms from the round-about at Te Ngae & Tarawera.
Remember to lock your car & keep all valuables out of sight. Rotorua has its share of a'holes that will wreck your holidays if you aren't careful.
Rotorua MTB Club working bees....
The last one for 2008 was on Sunday November 30...
with the focus on SOAKHOLE, one of the core network's original XC trails.
Ian Collier has adopted it and the crew gave him a head start.
Buddleia was cleared and a few older lines reinstated. Next up the berms will be restored and new signs will be installed thanks to Rutherford Signs in Tauranga.
"Thanks to all who showed up Sunday and through the year, your efforts are well worth it. I’m reminded of all the good work done every time I go for a ride" - Rhys Cleverley, RMTBC trail crew wrangler.
Stay tuned for information on when the Working Bees will kick off again in 2009...
