Waimak River to get busier

[far queue]

I just heard about this yesterday and thought I’d better alert people.

Environment Canterbury are turning the South Bank of the Waimak into a regional park. We’ve seen the occasional MTB’er and walker in there but it looks as though more will start appearing, so we’ll need keep an eye out for them.

From the council website …

“Looking for a new place to bike, run or walk in a peaceful forest setting? You’ll soon be able to do these at McLeans Forest, stage one in the development of the Waimakariri River Regional Park.

10kms of specially designed, fast mountain bike track, along with walking, running and children’s bike tracks are currently under construction and will be open from 1 October 2006.

The entrance to McLeans Forest is off McLeans Island Road, opposite Orana Wildlife Park.”

The website is here

[Rashika]

Cool! I heard a rumour, but didn't know it was ready to go. Might take the MTB out there this weekend

[cooneyr]

Environment Canterbury are turning the North Bank of the Waimak into a regional park. We’ve seen the occasional MTB’er and walker in there but it looks as though more will start appearing, so we’ll need keep an eye out for them.

Its the south side that is being converted. The current MB Park is in an area that we havent had access to anyway. Can still get along the river as we have previously done.

What is concerning is that there is talk of making a park/track along the whole of the south side from the gorge bridge to the mouth. No doubt there will be some areas for "trail riding" as they put it but they will undoubtably limit access to some of the areas we currently have access too.

I use to drive from Couts Is to Weedons Ross road in a 4x4 and they've fenced that so cant anymore. I can see why with the damage that 4x4's do (guilty on this count). Hope like hell they dont limit Motorbike access the same way cause the damage done is orders of magnitude less i.e. not much worse than a mtn biker does. I'm not sure of the requirements but they probably have to consult before they do any more "works". Make sure your heard if its going to ruin our fun. Not that there is anything wrong with Mtn bikers or other user groups areas just need to remember who the current users are and make sure that all are catered for and not just a select group.

Cheers
R

[SDU]

yip its been happening for awhile, we've already lost some great tracks but they want to make it a safe area for all by separating the different groups.
They have held meetings with 4WD, walkers Trail bikers etc to get imput on how it can be done.
They are looking at things like having the trails one directional for us so we don't get brown knickers by having a head on. Having a lockable gated car park area for those that trailer their bikes with a key available for trailriders.
If you wanna have a say call Diane Parker 027 4322742 & have a chat to her about wanting to be part off trail bikers group. Diane the main park ranger, & is real down to earth about it all. She has even been thrown on 2 wheels to have ago & she was smiling the whole time.
They have listened & done a few things like on the north bank fencing off the area for MX tracks & giving kid tracks.
Linton & Phil at Dirt Action -Saxon st are on the committee & can give you some info.

[far queue]

Its the south side that is being converted.

That's what I meant 1st post fixed now.

[Ruralman]

One thing all off road trail riders need to be more aware of is the noise our bikes make and probably steering clear of after market exhausts, most of which seem to increase noise substantially. We'll get a lot more sympathetic hearings from other recreational users if we can keep the noise under control.

[pevs]

I see the nice people at the council have already signposted a trail bike route.. which is good of them.. hopefully this doesn't mean we get limited to it as the beauty of the place is that there is a multitude of different ways through. Have ya noticed the amount of burnt out cars down there now?? Makes ya proud aye... NOT!

[Ghost Lemur]

Shit my heart stopped when I read the title.

Having only been to the Waimak once so far, and looking forward to the coming months and years of getting to know it like the back of my hand. Envisioned it all being cut short.

Glad to hear it's nothing that apocalyptic. But still slightly disconcerting that this is stage 1. It's not like there's a shortage of MTB and running areas. Majority of the Port Hills tracks are off limits (my understanding), Bottlelake, all the tracks around North Beach. The waimak is the best nearby trail riding spot.

On the positives it sounds like things are being done sensibly (which seems to be a bit of a rarity these days). Having met Phil and Linton, I'm sure our needs are being well advocated. Diane sounds like a reasonable person too.

Might give Linton a call and find out more info. Been meaning to have a catch up with him on the progress (or lack thereof) I'm having with the CRM.

[Kickaha]

It's not like there's a shortage of MTB and running areas. Majority of the Port Hills tracks are off limits (my understanding), Bottlelake, all the tracks around North Beach.

Bottle lake and the Port Hills are far better MTB tracks than Mclean's Island, the track they have built out there is pretty boring

[cooneyr]

Bottle lake and the Port Hills are far better MTB tracks than Mclean's Island, the track they have built out there is pretty boring

Unless you go really fast so you can make use of the banked turns. I'm way to unfit to maintain the speed though. It's kinda interesting at the moment though with alot the track missing due to the flooding. Have to check out the motorbike tracks following the flooding.

R