Dannevirke: New scenic trail gives bikers a blast

SCENIC: The new 2km track goes through beautiful areas of bush. Even the youngest of mountain bikers took to the trail.

On Saturday morning, after a dawn blessing by local kaumatua, the first riders gave a push on their pedals and the new Te Apiti mountain bike trail - Te Ara o Mahurangi - was opened to the public.

The English translation of the trail's name is "The Track of Mahurangi". The trail was named in honour of Rangitane ancestor Tara and his dog Mahurangi's journey through Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge.

Te Ara o Mahurangi is a 2km intermediate grade track that is accessed from 2km up Hall Block Rd. Riders have the option of parking in the newly expanded Bridge Cafe car park and riding up Hall Block Rd, before descending through Te Ara o Mahurangi, or, alternatively they can be driven up Hall Block Rd and dropped off in one of the new turning bays, before starting their descent down the trail.

The track is the latest development of the Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project, which aims to promote and preserve the uniqueness of the Manawatu Gorge.

The new track has been developed in partnership with the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club, and the club's president, Phil Stevens, is full of praise for the efforts that went into creating it.

"We provided our expertise in mountain bike track design and will carry out the ongoing maintenance on the track. Department of Conservation, as a participant in the Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project, funded the track and will help us manage data on the track's use. With everyone assisting it's a win-win situation."

Gareth Cannon, a professional youth mountain biker, who recently competed in the World Mountain Bike Championships in Norway, is also applauding the new track.

"This 2km track is fast flowing, taking you around some swooping corners and some awesome jumps as you go through really beautiful native bush.

"It is suitable for people wanting to give mountain biking a go and experienced riders that have a need for speed."

• In addition to the Department of Conservation, key stakeholders of the Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project includes Horizons Regional Council, Rangitane iwi, Tararua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Destination Manawatu, New Zealand Transport Agency and KiwiRail. Watch the teaser video for taste of the trail, which is hopefully the beginning of more trails in the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve, at www.mmbc.co.nz