Previous rides

Poulter river valley MTB Ride 7/8 Feb 2015

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View of the Poulter River

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 After much to and fro decisions by various people to go or not to go and whether to stay overnight the final crew of 5, 1 day riders and 3 overnighters was established for the ride up the Poulter river valley. The planned day to start was Friday (Waitangi day) but as time went on, the weather on Friday was not looking great so at the 11th hour the decision was made to go for the Saturday start which ultimately proved to be the better choice. We left Rangiora around 6.30am. The ride up the Poulter River starts 25kms along Mt White station road from the Mt White Bridge where the Coast to Coast competitors start their kayak leg of their journey, not far from Arthurs Pass. The road was passable without 4WD vehicles as we deduced later but we organised 4WD’s just in case the side stream wash-outs were too rough. From the carpark, it is 27kms to ride to the trust Poulter hut.We were on our bikes by 9.30am, ready for a day or two’s cycling in one of New Zealands wilder regions. The first section of the track was very rough with washouts and steep rocky terrain but this evened out to the typical river flats of 4WD tracks with occasional rocky streams to cross. With the dry weather we’ve had lately there was not a lot of water in these streams to give us any grief crossing them but you can see from the photo that the previous seasons rainfall has had some major impact on the terrain and the tracks through the valley. With the weight of all the extra gear on our backs or panniers required for overnighting the three overnighters were soon left in the dust of those riding to the Poulter hut and returning the same day. We met them again around mid-afternoon on their return from the Poulter Hut. They worked harder for their supper that day. We had about 6kms to go to get to the Casey hut which is approx. 6kms short of the Poulter hut. Jeremy (14) was a bit done by this point so we decided to stay the night at the Casey hut instead of pushing on the Poulter hut. The Casey Hut is the bigger and better of the two huts and as the afternoon stretched into evening more people had arrived.They had arrived by bike or tramped in through a variety of tracks and so it was interesting to talk to them to share stories and experiences. During much of the ride in to the hut, the track was alive with mice, hundreds of them crisscrossing the track in front of you and jumping around in the grass. I don’t know how but we managed to avoid riding over any of them but never felt that crunch under the tyres. You may be aware of the mice plague affecting Arthurs pass recently mentioned in the news so not surprising to find them in great numbers here also. Apparently all due to the overabundance of Beech and/or other forest flora seeds this year. The other common pest in this territory, the sand-fly was ever present also in great numbers so good to have wire netting on the hut windows to have some reprieve from the bites of the persistent little bastards. After a feed of the usual ‘Country’ dried meal and a good cuppa we had a little time to chat or wander around before fading light turned our direction to our sleeping bags and a good night sleep- the best I’ve had for some time in these huts as there is normally the strange sounds of the bush and mice clambering around looking for food and the odd snorer-so didn’t hear a sound and woke refreshed ready again for a days riding. We had to get Jeremy back by 6pm so not being sure of the time to get back, considering the time it took us to get there, we left reasonably early on a beautiful clear high country morning. We made it back to the car park mid-afternoon with no drama except for one damaged derailleur hangar bent after Jeremy had an off going down one of the last rocky slopes towards the end. He found he had to push his bike for the last few hundred metres or so.

# 7 Ashley Forest Series - Gran Fondo Revised

Make sure you make this one...  The last of the current series of Magnificent Seven Rides.

And very likely the best with a huge charge down Okuku Road from near the top of Mt Karetu.

Nearly 750 metres down to 230.  Long,  fast and guaranteed an exhilarating ride down to the Grey River.

Derek will be there for the history makers to be posted on YouTube.

Here's the route we took:

Click here

Derek made a movie from his home to the start of the ride then rode back home after the Gran Fondo all the way home to Kaiapoi in a marathon effort.

Here's his movie:

​​​​​​​Watch Video

The ride from about 40 - 45k was mostly a mad charge downhill and huge fun.


# 6 Magnificent Seven Ashley Forest Series

# 6 Mt Grey Road - Paringa-Okuku Roads-Okuku Pass-Loburn Whiterock-Mt Grey

For the seven riders that rode the course Saturday it really was magnificent.  For those that thought about coming but didn't you missed a brilliant ride.

The weather was perfect with a bit of a breeze in exposed areas but generally excellent riding conditions and comfortably warm.

The hills gave us a bit of a workout going up. The stream crossings were not enough to get wet feet and roads were bone dry and grippy.

Coming down the hills especially Okuku Pass Road was a blast hitting speeds of 62.5ks.  Quite a thrill on gravel when your body armour consists of lycra...

But everyone stayed on and the worst that happened was new tyres throwing pebbles at the riders following.

Some riders put in extra effort biking to the start:  Robyn and Mark from over Amberley way riding over past Lake Janet so their climbs were over 1600m, Jamie from Rangoon, Derek from Kaiapoi.  Great effort folks.

With a bit of luck the weather Gods will be smiling again next week.  We wouldn't want the conditions experienced the following day with fresh snow on the higher ranges and heavy hail and rain.

Thanks for coming folks and hope to see more people week. Photos:  Click Here


# 5 Magnificant Seven Ashley Forest Series

14 January # 5 Ashley Forest - Makeriri-Martins-River-Winter-Crampton's Flat-Lake Janet-Mt Grey-Corsican Roads

Route revision advised!  Same roads different finish place...

Route now 28k.  Climb 780m
Click Here

The Movie

Click here

Another brilliant day for riding in the forest.  The weather Gods were looking after us again.

# 4 Magnficent Seven Ashley Forest Series

7 January 2012 # 4 Ashley Forest – Makerikeri Road-Mt Grey Road-Lake Janet Return.

Pleasant forest ride to Lake Janet return same way. Climb 620m Distance 25.03 Km Starts Picnic Area, beginning Makerikeri Road 1230H Click Here

Despite adverse forecasts the reality was that we had dry roads cool, humid conditions. 10 riders turned up for what I think is an excellent ride through pleasant forests, some open bits following logging, good views and a good work-out in safe zero traffic condition.

Some riders drove to the start, a few rode.  Robyn was a champ riding over the track to the start from Amberley then back past Lake Janet clocking up about 60ks.  Derek rode from Kaiapoi putting in about 70ks.  I was the lone rider from Rangiora and I'd had enough by the time I got home.

No-one came off but there were a couple of exciting times making turns on the downhill charge coming back from Lake Janet.  Returning down Makerikeri Road developed into a race which was pretty good fun.

Bruce managed two flat tyres in almost the same place going and returning.  Pip had a tangle with a bee which promptly stung her on the cheek, the bee winning that round.

Overall a good ride.  Thanks for coming and hope to see more riders at #5 Photos:  Click here


# 3 Magnificent Seven Ashley Forest Series

#2 Magnificent Seven Ride Ashley Forest

17 December # 2 Ashley Forest – Barron-Thomson-Stony Creek- Fox's Creek-Pines-Lawrence Roads

Reasonable workout, not very hard, not very long, one creek. Overall climb 575m

Distance 18.74 Km

Starts Barron Ave, Ashley Forest HQ 1230H

Click here

Our second ride of this series is completed.  The weather gods were kind to us again despite a cool, light southerly blowing but not too cold, with the breeze dropping slowly and the sun breaking through the cloud occasionally.

There is something about these rides...  Last week we started with 10 and finished with 11.  This week we started with 11 and finished with 12.  Perhaps a change to the name of the ride series to reflect this phenomenon is needed?  Maybe Modulus with a weighting factor of +1 ?

Surprisingly the tracks were in good condition after plenty of rain and were largely dry or just a little damp.  The only mud encountered was on Stony Creek Road.  Go figure.  And that was gloopy and not splashing all over us so we stayed pretty clean.

The grind up the hills in the forest is made worthwhile by the uber charge down the other side.  Riding like madmen down Fox’s Creek Road was good fun.    No one came off, everyone got wet at Fox’s Creek despite there being, “Only a few inches” of water.  After the rain it was actually more like knee deep…

Next Saturday is Xmas Eve.  In the interests of preserving marital bliss we decided not to go riding for a few hours that day and postpone it a week.  Definitely no ride Saturday 24 December.

However, the following Saturday is New Years Eve.  I am going to ride.  Everyone is welcome to come and work off a little Xmas pud.  Hopefully a few can get out.

So thanks for coming.  Good humour and good company is always welcome.

Photos here:  Click here


#1 Magnificent Seven Ride Ashley Forest

Our first ride in the Magnificent Seven Series has come and gone with 10 riders starting.  But we finished with 11!    Must be a first.

Perhaps there is something in the legend of Secret Men's Business?  Actually Derek missed the start after riding about 50k to get to the start catching up before the charge down Thomson's Road back to Barron Avenue.

We were treated kindly by the weather gods and turned out warmer than expected circa 18 degrees so very pleasant riding conditions in the forest.  The easterly back on the flat was it's usual beastly self but most of us that rode over had a good tail-wind heading home.  Robyn had the doubtful pleasure of riding back to Amberley headwind all the way.

For several riders this was their first experience of riding in the forest.  Vaughan is a new rider from Christchurch and pleased with his new found riding domain and determined to do every ride. Bruce's caching mate Eddie had never ridden in the forest before.  It was quite a change from his usual riding haunts around Bottle Lake.

Thanks for turning up folks.  I hope you had fun.  With a bit of luck more will turn up next week for a little higher and longer ride. Photos here:    Click Here



Lees Valley Trip report

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Double Fenceline Trip report

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North Canterbury Cycle Club

Three Peaks MTB Medley 2012



Hi Folks,  that time has come round again!  It's the bit where you take on Mt Grey (933m), Mt Karetu (972m) and Mt Thomas(1023m).

You must reach the summits of each, complete with your Mountainbike, take a clear digital photo of yourself, your bike and the relevant trig, all in one shot (or several, just send me your clearly labeled selection).  Your last years pics won't do either...!

You have until the last weekend end of March to do this,  including April the 1st.

1st step is to send me your intention to participate . (Important)

Just a few simple guidelines :-

All rides are at your own risk. Ensure your bike is in good order.

Take sufficient clothing, food, hydration and spares on all rides.

All riders are to abide by your Forest Permit Conditions and NCCC Club rules.

Do the summits in any order you choose. (As many times as you like...!)

Go on your own, or go as a group.  (I'll try and sort a leader/guide if you want.)

There is no pressure to complete all 3 before all your mates do!

Suggested (and easiest) routes will be posted via email and/or Sportsground.

Have fun on all the rides.

Label your pics clearly with names, where you are,  time and date.

Tell me any good stories we need to share!

Good luck!!


Terry Snee
Mtb Capt, NCCC

[email protected] 
03 327 7435
0274 368754