Must-Do's Cycling 2022-23

Page 86

THE OLD GHOST ROAD

Old Ghost Road © HagePhoto

TRAIL INFO

2-4 Days 85km

GREAT RIDE • THE OLD GHOST ROAD

TRAIL GRADE: LYELL CAR PARK TO LYELL SADDLE HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) LYELL SADDLE HUT TO GHOST LAKE HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GHOST LAKE HUT TO STERN VALLEY HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED), with some GRADE 5 (EXPERT) sections of the trail

BEST FOR: The courageous and intrepid. This is one demanding but life-affirming adventure.

LYELL to SEDDONVILLE 2-4 days

85km

With ridgelines barely wider than your wheels, Grade 4 terrain and place names such as Suicide Slips – you’ll want to put your brave pants on!

A

world-class trail that requires some world-class mountain biking skills, or at the very minimum, plenty of experience, this former 19th century gold miners’ road between Lyell and Seddonville has been transformed into a demanding 85km ride. Skimming one of the most remote, untouched areas of Aotearoa, the

84

track often hinges precariously on the mountainside or tumbles down sheer-sided valleys cloaked in vegetation. Your reward for negotiating such a terrain is a series of trail huts in spectacular locations. Days are undoubtedly taxing, although it is possible to do an ‘in-and-out’ overnight ride from either end of the trail, or embark on a single day ride by including

a heli-trip. For those putting in the hard graft, you’ll discover gold-rush relics and debris left by sizeable earthquakes, including two colossal land slips. There’s also the ominous-sounding Boneyard – a field of shattered rocks scattered by seismic forces. Other highlights include emerging above the bush line to greet astounding views, the lofty face of Rocky Tor – a highpoint of 1456m – and the profoundly beautiful Skyline Ridge. With sheer drops that will leave you delirious, the track eventually (and mercifully) merges into Skyline Steps, where you can dismount to carry your bike. Not much further and you’re on the home run. TOP TIP – Well-facilitated huts are all set in spectacular locations and many have bike tools, gas cookers, crockery and pots.

STERN VALLEY HUT TO GOAT CREEK HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GOAT CREEK HUT TO SPECIMEN POINT HUT GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) SPECIMEN POINT HUT TO NORTHERN TRAILHEAD GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: There is no cellphone coverage other than some patchy spots between Lyell and Ghost Lake. DRINKING WATER: Water is available at the huts as well as various streams. BE PREPARED: The Old Ghost Road is a remote wilderness experience and you will need to plan and prepare thoroughly to get the most out of your ride. There are no towns or shops along the trail so you will need to take all necessary provisions, including a first aid kit and an emergency communication device. TYPE OF BIKE: A ship-shape dual-suspension mountain bike is absolutely essential, as are tools and good mechanical skills. In accordance with Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails trail policy, e-bikes are not recommended on trails graded 4 and above. Responsibility for e-bike use remains with the individual rider. GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) GRADE 5 (EXPERT)


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WEST COAST WILDERNESS TRAIL

7min
pages 90-92

MOLESWORTH MUSTER TRAIL

4min
pages 98-99

RAINBOW TRAIL

5min
pages 100-101

ST JAMES CYCLE TRAIL

8min
pages 102-104

HURUNUI TRAIL

8min
pages 106-108

LITTLE RIVER RAIL TRAIL

6min
pages 110-111

ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL

9min
pages 113-116

OTAGO CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL

8min
pages 120-122

LAKE DUNSTAN TRAIL

7min
pages 125-127

THE OLD GHOST ROAD

8min
pages 86-89

ROXBURGH GORGE TRAIL

6min
pages 129-131

CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL

7min
pages 132-134

THE QUEENSTOWN TRAIL

8min
pages 135-137

AROUND THE MOUNTAINS CYCLE TRAIL

6min
pages 140-142

SOUTHLAND TRAVERSE

3min
pages 145-146

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails for First Timers

3min
page 14

Kia ora from Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails

2min
page 11

Plan Your Ride

3min
page 13

WAINUIOMATA CONNECTOR RIDE

2min
page 75

REMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL

7min
pages 71-73

MANAWATŪ CYCLEWAY

7min
pages 68-69

TASMAN'S GREAT TASTE TRAIL

10min
pages 81-85

HAWKE'S BAY TRAILS

7min
pages 63-65

COPPERMINE TRAIL

6min
pages 79-80

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK

7min
pages 76-78

FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY CYCLE ROUTE

5min
pages 61-62

MOUNTAINS TO SEA NGĀ ARA TUHONO

8min
pages 58-60

GREAT LAKE TRAILS

7min
pages 56-57

THE TIMBER TRAIL

6min
pages 53-55

RERE FALLS TRAIL

4min
pages 51-52

MOTU TRAILS

7min
pages 46-48

WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST LOOP

6min
pages 40-42

WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS

6min
pages 36-39

HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL

8min
pages 32-34

KAIPARA MISSING LINK

6min
pages 30-31

KAURI COAST CYCLEWAY

6min
pages 28-29

FAR NORTH CYCLEWAY

5min
pages 26-27

POU HERENGA TAI TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL

5min
pages 18-19

Bikepacking in New Zealand

6min
pages 16-17
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