It was after a downhill session with my mate Rob and another regular campaigner, with beer in hand at a pub, that a cunning plan was hatched to hit some trails in New Zealand. It was around early 2008, and we were keen to see what the land of the long white cloud has to offer.
Wanaka Heli Biking With Freeride NZ
Mark trail riding in Alexandra
The People...Part of what made riding the tracks a lot better was the fact that we had a chance to ride with local riders on their home turf. As Dan explains, it gives us tourists not only a chance to be able to interact with riders who are in the area, but also so we are not just coming into someone's home turf, ripping up their tracks, and then ducking away like ships in the night. It was great to have a chance to talk to this guys about all manner of things like how the trails developed in the area, line choices, and even reliving old war stories about riding that they have done in places like Whistler. I met some great people in my travels, and would gladly show them my local trails if they ever came to Brisbane.
Rob riding in a forrest near Dunedin
Mountain biking medias such as 'Dirt Magazine' and 'Drop In TV' have painted such awesome landscapes of the place, it seemed criminal not to make the effort and see what its all about.
We were aware that there were established outfits dedicated to multi day trips in New Zealand, however we had certain expectations of what type of riding we were wanting to do. We both had bikes that had 6+ inches of rear suspension, so freeride/ all mountain / downhill riding was what we were up for. We were looking at around 7-10 days of being in NZ, and we did not want to be wasting much time on dud trails, or hunting around for tracks scrawled on a pamphlet or magazine.
We were aware that there were established outfits dedicated to multi day trips in New Zealand, however we had certain expectations of what type of riding we were wanting to do. We both had bikes that had 6+ inches of rear suspension, so freeride/ all mountain / downhill riding was what we were up for. We were looking at around 7-10 days of being in NZ, and we did not want to be wasting much time on dud trails, or hunting around for tracks scrawled on a pamphlet or magazine.
....After looking at several options, and making initial enquiries, we decided to go with Freeride NZ. We opted for an 8 day multi day trip in the south island, and concentrating around the Queenstown and Wanaka area. With plans in motion, the plane tickets were purchased, and I was about to embark on my first mountain biking holiday.
Wanaka Heli Biking With Freeride NZ
The Trails...In terms of being able to gauge the type of riding that we were up for, I would have to say that Dan was right on the money each and every time. The rides were so varied from each other each time, riding National downhill tracks at Clyde, super slippery runs in Dunedin, or brake burning descents in Alexandra. There were moments where I was riding the trails and couldn't help but think that I was riding on things that you only see in the films and magazines. It's so inspiring to see that there are so many great trails out there, and certainly makes me more keen to travel with the bike.I could write volumes about the trails that we rode over the eight days, but I fear that I would just not do it justice. Those who have ridden the south island would know what I am talking about, and those have not yet but are thinking about it, I would seriously encourage you to hook up with Dan and the crew from Freeride NZ - you would not be disappointed.
Mark trail riding in Alexandra
The People...Part of what made riding the tracks a lot better was the fact that we had a chance to ride with local riders on their home turf. As Dan explains, it gives us tourists not only a chance to be able to interact with riders who are in the area, but also so we are not just coming into someone's home turf, ripping up their tracks, and then ducking away like ships in the night. It was great to have a chance to talk to this guys about all manner of things like how the trails developed in the area, line choices, and even reliving old war stories about riding that they have done in places like Whistler. I met some great people in my travels, and would gladly show them my local trails if they ever came to Brisbane.
Rob riding in a forrest near Dunedin
The 8 day multi trip experience with Freeride NZ was all in all, quite unforgettable. I found myself being challenged, pushing my personal boundaries of my riding, as it is not often that you get that feeling of danger day in day out. A big thanks to Sarge, Tom, Quinton, Kelly, Ashton, Hunter, Naomi, Kev, Tristan, and Russ for sharing their time with us on the trails. Also a big shout out to Dan and Glenn for making the trip all that it was - can't wait to catch up with you guys again!
The land of the 'long white cloud!'
Cheers,
Mark and Rob
