Corkscrew Loop

By now we hope most of you have had a chance to ride up Corkscrew, take in the panoramic view from the skidsite and either head back down or continue along to the expert-grade spur-line tracks off the top ridge.

We're now pleased to be able to offer a third alternative: an advanced-grade downhill that drops you back to the skidsite.
It takes off from the junction of the 'skidsite road' and the top ridge road, by the pond. If you've come in from the top of the Riwaka-Sandy Bay Rd or The Big Loop, this is where you see the marker post pointing you left to Corkscrew.
This is the recommended route for intermediate-level riders.

Those heading towards Velocity, Flamin' Nora & Rockface, or just even more impressive views, continue along the main forest road to the right.
Those riders looking for a bit of downhill action before heading back down Corkscrew can now take a 'middle-road' option that climbs slightly, briefly levels off then plunges fairly steeply down a broad spur.

This had become densely over-grown with gorse in recent years and was further obstructed by a couple of bogs on the level section.

Back in December, Andrew Spittal had generously offered us a weekend and a Chings Contracting 5 tonne excavator to open this old track up again.

Bad weather lead to repeated cancellations but we were confident enough to include the track on our map that went to press early in the new year.

On the last weekend in February things fell into place and Andrew was in action.
By midday on Sunday we had another 500-600m of track :)
It has a number of water bars to shed water from the erosive Kaiteriteri granite soils so there's potential to have a bit of fun on the way down. We'll do a bit of 'sculpturing' to enhance the experience so, if you think it's likely to be your thing, make sure you're on our mailing list for that working bee...

These will be starting up again this month and, with the growing numbers using the Park, we're looking forward to seeing a number of new faces.
Maintenance of the growing trail network is a necessary aspect of our work - less creative than building new track but every bit as important!

 

As Andrew & I were packing up, seventeen members of the Golden Bay MTB Club were celebrating their mastery of the Corkscrew switchbacks.

An impressive total of 41 members made a weekend out of exploring the Park, night riding, sea swims & shared meals.

It's obvious they have a lot of fun together and their blogspot (see sidebar) is regularly updated with their adventures.

Also having a lot of fun was Motueka GP Suzanne Viveen, negotiating the 'rata root' drop-off in Skullduggery's rimu gully.

Hand-benching this section of track was a highlight of last year's working bees. We're wondering what 2012 might have in store...

Finally, a reminder to all of the partial Park closure this w/e for the KBAR event.
Be aware that some competitors will be pre-racing the mtb route from 4.00pm on Friday.
Events on Saturday & Sunday mean the tracks are closed to the public 10.00am - 2.00pm.

If you're keen to ride, you can always enter!