Hanmer Springs home to some world class mountain biking facilities.

Team work added to an individual’s vision and passion, all with the support of the community, has been crucial to developing a range of new trail projects led by Hanmer Mountain Bike Club members Steve Pearson, Mike Lawrence and double amputee mountaineer and cyclist, Mark Inglis.

Mark, the Hurunui Trails and Coordinator and Trail Manager of the St James Cycle Trail, says it’s thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm from the Trail Network Group, Hanmer Springs Mountain Bike Group, all the wonderful volunteers, and long standing support of Hurunui District Council, that this has become a reality.

“Nearly all the trails have been hand built, there’s been well over 2000 hours of community work put into the three new trails.”

The three new trails at Hanmer Forest Park include the four kilometre Tombstone trail which is an advanced single-track providing 185 metres of climbing to nearly 698 metres, before a 240 metre descent.

The other two trails are the expert Addiction on the slopes of Mt Isobel, and the Grade 2 Easy Southern Cross in the Hanmer Heritage Forest.

“There is something for every age and ability. The terrain is as good as it gets for building mountain bike trails.”

The additional new feature is the Grading Trail, comprised of 50 metre sections with easy/intermediate, intermediate, and advanced tracks.

“It’s on the side of the hill by the main forest section, so people can try out what trail they feel most confident on.”

A decade ago, with the help of Hurunui District Council, the Trail Network Group was formed, which now encompasses trails for bikes, horses, and running/walking.

“It’s this combination that helps make Hanmer Springs so special,” says Mark.

Things are looking great for 2021 too.

“We want to build more trail entrances, and we need a couple of big international trails.”

Mark says what is so great is that everyone has the same vision.

“We are really excited with the future of Hanmer Springs as a trail town, we really are on the way to making it a reality.”

Photo credit: Johno Fausch