During the week 5 of us camped up on the Maitland Ridge for 3 days to finish off the two uphill sections which were difficult to ride. The track is now 100% rideable by a good rider and we are getting great feedback from all who have ridden it.
Rob Kay, Bruce and Jane McCallum, Ket Bradshaw and Alan and Liz Eskrick put in 90 hours of work to finish off the track. They walked in from the Beebys end and camped in the first low saddle at 1030 metres. We found water about 80 metres below and 10 minutes from the saddle in Beebys Creek, where there is a beautiful waterfall.
Waterfall in Beebys Creek
From the initial reconnaissance, gaining approvals and setting up management agreements with DOC took one year. Actual work to complete the track took 16 months and 541 man hours. The total volunteer contribution was $12,300 after putting a value on labour and vehicle running. The Trust is proud of its accomplishment in completing this 8.5km trail in a bit over a year through remote terrain.
Jane takes a break from her handiwork
Bruce figures two heads are better than one
Bruce tackles some pesky roots while Alan contemplates the
ground...a vital part of back country trail building
Bruce, Rob and Alan roll a big log aside to realign the track
Liz clears branches from in front of a marker
Liz nailing on one of the 500+ trail markers
ground...a vital part of back country trail building
Bruce, Rob and Alan roll a big log aside to realign the track
At the weekend Liz and Alan went up to Red Hills Hut for two days and nailed up trail markers on the eastern half of the track. The track is now marked pretty well all the way through apart from one short section at Beebys' end which is easy to follow anyway. The track starts where the Beebys road emerges from the bush. Look for the big orange triangle on your right. Allow 5-6 hours to do the round trip. Best to park at the Upper 6 Mile carpark at the bottom of the hill past the Rainbow Skifield turnoff. There is no water enroute until you reach Red Hills Hut which takes 4 hours or so.
As this is likely to become part of the Te Araroa Trail we had to take particular care that the trail was well marked for east-west travel.
As this is likely to become part of the Te Araroa Trail we had to take particular care that the trail was well marked for east-west travel.
Liz clears branches from in front of a marker
Liz nailing on one of the 500+ trail markers