Single Track Mind

Single Track Mind is a feast of classic riding on the tracks of Golden Bay & Nelson

Single Track Mind is a great excuse to enjoy four days that are all about the biking.

With a focus on scenic and cross country mountain biking we ride on a variety of single-track in rolling high country farmland, pine forest and lush native bush including the famous Rameka Tracks and some other gems we know around Nelson and Golden Bay. A mixture of natural and purpose built tracks offer us everything from grunty grunts, rolling, flowy descents, technical creek crossings and rocks and roots.

We spend our days riding through the spectacular scenery and fantastic tracks which Nelson and Golden Bay are famous for, finishing each day in our pick of the region’s guesthouses and lodges with the ever-present hot showers, cold beers, local wines and food at times quirky restaurants!

WHAT IS THE BIKING?
4 days mountain biking : 80% single track | 15% 4x4 tracks | 5% dirt roads.
Suitable for intermediate mountain bikers, with a technical level of grade 3 riding.
A good level of fitness required.
From 20km to 40km per day. Total distance approximately 140km.

+64 3 525 8783

Itinerary / Highlights

NZ$ 1795 |bike hire $250 | single supplement $250 | minimum 2

Price Includes:
Accommodation: three nights on a twin share basis.
Meals: Breakfasts on days 2-4, lunches and riding snacks for four days riding, and one evening meal.
Professional and experienced Escape guides/drivers.
Support vehicle and trailer to carry your gear.
All land transfers for the duration of the tour.
Department of Conservation concession fees.
NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Prices do not include: airfares, optional activities, evening meals, and personal equipment (bikes etc).

DAY 1 – We’ll pick-up you up from your accommodation in Nelson at 9am, or if you are flying in early we will pick you up at Nelson airport. A 1.5 hr transfer (with coffee stop on the way) brings us to Canaan Downs - ‘the land of milk and honey’. We kick off the day’s biking with a zippy roller coaster ride and warm up through a stand of ancient beach forest watching out for the local powelliphanta (carnivorous snail)! After a break for lunch we head down the historic and newly resurrected Rameka Tracks. Rocks, roots and creek crossings keep you on your toes as you sweep through lush native bush; smooth flowing switchbacks sweep through old pine forest and if your smile is not already wide enough - the fun and fast ‘Klicks’ bring you all the way down to the Takaka Valley floor. Approx 25km biking | grade 3+ | 900m descent.

DAY 2 – We head to the wild West Coast near the base of Farewell Spit. Its up and at 'em - our first ride of the day is up a steep 4x4 track and out onto some lovely single-track with spectacular views stretching in all directions. After lunch we head to the Aorere Goldfields for a loop ride and a taste of a bygone era and NZ's first gold-mining boom. The ride starts with a boot up the backside from the Devil, just what you need to get up the at times grunty climb to the summit. From here take in stunning views over Golden Bay and the mountains beyond.  The real fun begins as we drop down dirt roads onto windy and at times exposed water-race, before manicured single rack gets us back home via the Ballroom Caves. Enjoy a well-earned beer at the Mussel Inn on our return trip to Takaka. Approx 35-40kms biking | grade 3+ .

DAY 3 - After a morning visit to Takaka’s village market and a famous Paul’s coffee we head up to the top of Takaka Hill and to ride the full Canaan Loop - a pedally ride through rolling high country farmland. Grunty climbs and swooping descents dip in and out of stands of native bush. Some techy bits and creative track building keep you awake and stunning vistas make sure that you stop and look around. In the afternoon its time to have some fun on the groomed and flowing tracks in the Kaiteriteri MTB park and then finish the day with a plunge into the crystal clear waters of Kaiteriteri Bay. Approx 35kms biking | grade 2-3+.

DAY 4 – We head back to Nelson and into the hills behind the city for our last ride of the trip. The 40km Coppermine follows a disused tram line which climbs gently but persistently up through pine forests, native bush and out onto the rugged Coppermine Saddle. From then on it’s less pedaling and more gravity and the track is fast and fun and scenic (if you take the time to look!) as it drops back down into the city. And then yes it’s time to give our bikes a well earn rest and sit down for a final celebratory beer together. We’ll drop you back at your accommodation in Nelson or the airport. Approx 40kms biking | grade 2-3.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation is twin share - 3 nights in a local eco-friendly guesthouses.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

February 2nd - 5th 2012
February 23rd - 26th 2012
March 1st - 4th 2012
March 22nd - 25th 2012
April 5th - 8th 2012 (Easter)
April 26th - 29th 2012

November 1st - 4th 2012
November 22nd - 25th 2012
December 6th - 9th 2012
December 27th - 30th 2012
February 7th - 10th 2013
February 28th - March 3rd 2013
March 7th -10th 2013
March 28th - 31st 2013 (Easter)
April 4th - 7th 2013
April 25th - 28th 2013

+64 3 525 8783