After the recent deluges it was nice to have another weekend of brilliant blue skies. It was colder than of late, but more typical for this time of year and perfect weather for tackling the steep stuff.
I recced the start a few weeks ago so I'd know where to start.
The start of the track is by this post with the bag on it
We started our ascent from the Maitai Valley ascending a Grade 6 Mountain Bike Track. (Grade 6 means you really need to know what you are doing to attempt riding it). Both of us ride regularly around Nelson, but this track was definitely one that leaves you thinking, how do people ride this - particularly the start (end for the bikers!) which was a very steep, narrow piece rock. Very pretty though. The track eased off a bit after that but was still frequently steeper than 30%.
When this track joined the other MTB track the gradient eased off a bit more, but it's all relative, it's still a downhill bike track.
Somewhat old signage on the ridge
Once we hit the ridge the track undulated up and down all the way to Fringed Hill. Here we recharged with lunch and coffee. It was a lovely clear day, and we spared a thought for the views the other group must be rewarded with today on Robert Ridge.
Summit views
Suitably fueled and caffeinated we started the descent. It's all downhill from here. We found the spur track I had hoped to follow to avoid the road. Unfortunately we could only follow it half way because then it turns into another MTB track and this one was very much in use. There was a queue of bikes in fact because there was a local schools downhill competition today.
A competitor descending
This meant we had to use the 4WD access road for the rest of the way to Tantragee Saddle, but before long were back at the pipeline bridge.
In all we walked 13.5km and climbed 996m. We were both a little miffed that we were just 44m short of a 1000m and that will be the target for any future repeats.
Statistics:
Distance: 13.6km
Elevation Gain: 996m
Max Elevation: 828m
Moving Time: 3h20
Total Time: 4h50
Participants: Rich (Leader & Scribe) and Sylvano (Wingman)