When you join the North Canterbury Cycling Club you get exclusive access to the private forest lands of Ashley, Mt Thomas and Okuku. Fantastic riding dirt roads, single tracks, no traffic, great scenery and great mates to ride with. Even a private single track at Forestdale below Mt Thomas. The local Ashley River Rakahuri track developed by ECANZ with the assistance of NCCC is available for both walkers and bikers.
For serious mountain rides we are near Mt Grey, Mt Richardson, Mt Thomas, and Mt Karetu plus the amazing Blowhard single track to the top of Mt Richardson. If 1000m climbs and serious blasts down are your scene this club is for you..
Ashley forest access Rules
North Canterbury Cycling Club I Matariki Forests Cycling Access Permit
Display your Tag when riding in the forests. Attach to handle bars, bag, helmet or under the seat.
Permitted Access Periods:
• Mon - Fri 5pm - midnight Saturday, Sunday & Publi cHolidays dawn till midnight,
• No Access is permitted when fire danger is High or Extreme.
• Access & Closed Areas must be checked via Club sources & your email.
• All Permit Tag holders must be current financial Members of North Canterbury Cycling Club & abide by the
conditions of membership.
• Riders must abide by Club rules & notified entry areas.
• Any breaches may result in termination of membership
• The Tag remains the property of NCCI & must be returned if you resign or your membership lapses.
• Access is for Tag holder & a maximum of 5 guests who must stay with the Tag holder.
• Tags holders are responsible for the safety and actions of their guests.
• All Tag holders and their guests enter the forests at their own risk.
• Tag holders and their guests must abide by the MTB code.
• Access is for cycling only - Take nothing out - Leave only Sweat.
• No smoking, hunting or activity other than cycling is permitted.
• Keep Left at all times. Expect to see TRUCKS, dogs & hunters.
• Riders must be conspicuous - wear bright clothing.
• Riders are responsible to report any suspicious or hazardous activities immediately to NZ Private Fire.
0274809279. Report fires to 111.
• Permit holders agree to discuss access rules with other cyclists.
MTB Captains report to date.
The last couple of monts have been business as usual for the MTB section Evening riding conditions have been very favourable with only a few nights unsuitable. It has also been great to see new members coming out to join some of the regular riders to explore what tracks are available in the district.
The monday ride is on hold at the moment.
The Ashley forest has now open again to recreational users.
Suggested rides for 2016/2017 Summer season
North Canterbury Cycling club Summer MTB group rides
This coming summer season we would like to plan MTB group rides to the suggested locations listed below. If you would like to offer to lead and organise any of these or if you have any other suggestions for other rides please contact Rob McLeod or our MTB captain Tony Dench using the contact details below.
Leaders should refer to the ‘Ride leaders’ information’ as posted on the Sportsground website.
Easiest/Grade 1: Fairly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road.
Easy/Grade 2: Mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes.
Intermediate/Grade 3: Steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and/or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge.
Advanced/Grade 4: A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.
Expert/Grade 5: Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect walking and possibly bike carrying.
Extreme/Grade 6: Downhill/free ride specific tracks. Extremely steep sections with large drop-offs and other unavoidable obstacles. May include man made structures and jumps.
Contacts
Rob: Ph 033106102, [email protected]
Tony (Captain): Ph 75113544 ,[email protected]
Suggested date/s
Ride name or location
Club member responsible and contact info
References and other information required!!
Poulter River track
This ride can be done in a day or an overnite stay at the Casey or Poulter hut. The ride one way to the Poulter Hut is 27kms. Grade 2-3 conditions , reasonable fitness required.
Click Here
Craigeburn area
There are many route choices in the Craigieburn Forest Park and offers good riding and great views over the Castle hill area. For example the Hogs Back and Sidle 73 tracks, the upgrade/reroute of the Dracophyllum Flat track, and the construction of the Coal Pit Spur track. These four tracks constitute the Craigieburn Trail, 24km of single-track with a couple of short linking sections of ski-field road from Flock Hill to Castle Hill. Generally considered to be intermediate grade 3.
Click Here
Lees Valley
This has been the venue for some competitive racing. The route can start at the start of the Okuku Pass at the end of the Lowburn road and end at Oxford township. This trip may require 4WD backup as the ride is about 75kms long. Travel arrangements would need to be worked out to get back to vehicles at the start along Quarry road.
Click Here
Wharfedale – up to saddle from View Hill or loop from Oxford through Lees Wharfedale and return via View Hill.
The ride in from View hill to the saddle is Intermediate grade 3 to Advanced/Grade 4.
A loop from Oxford over to lees valley, Wharfedale Hut, Wharfedale Saddle and return via View Hill is a 5-7hour ride. Very good fitness required. This track has had some major upgrade work done on it recently.
Click here
Ashley Forest Initiation Rides
Ashley forest offers many cycling routes with varying degrees of difficulty within the forest over mostly gravel roads. The club has been involved in developing some single tracks for the more adventurous.
Intermediate grade 3.
Double Fence Line – Port Hills
A steep start to this adventure around the port hills above Little river. Great views. Approximately 5 hours of riding. Intermediate grade, Good fitness required
Click here
St James Cycleway
One of the Great rides, the St James offers easy to intermediate riding in a fantastic mix of high country and river views- about 65kms long with several huts choices along the route if overnighting. Click here
Port Hills area (anywhere from Godley Head to Kennedys Bush)
Multiple ride possibilities catering for all riding abilities. Many single tracks available along with road and 4WD tracks.
The Christchurch city council puts out a brochure on its city and port hills riding areas otherwise check out this website. All grades of riding to suit all ranges of fitness available.
Click Here
Little River Rail Trail
This is a flat easy going grade 1 ride from Motukarara to Little river of 22kms or 44kms if you choose to return the same way.
Click here
Ashley River stopbank rides
Multiple rides of varying lengths including the Rakahuri tracks reformed since the big wind and along the stopbanks to Waikuku. Grade 2
Click Here for Rakahuri track map
Forestdale – Mt Thomas (Forestdale single track currently closed)
This is formed single track thru private forested area near the start of the Mt Thomas walking tracks and is a great training ground for all experiences. Intermediate grade 3 generally.
Rangiora pathways and Rakahuri tracks
An easy going grade 1 ride through the small parks and reserves around Rangiora via interconnecting pathways which can end with a picnic stop near the Ashley river or for those wishing to continue, a ride through the old forest tracks of the Rakahuri forest which was destroyed by the 2012 winds. This is a family oriented ride which could be customised to suit those attending. Perhaps an advert in the local newspaper to attract the wider community would be advantageous for this event.
Other Day Trips: Suggestions Please?
Contact: Mountain bike captain
Tony: Ph 75113544 ,[email protected]
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