The 34 km Dun Mountain Trail, which loops between Brook Valley and the Maitai River Dam following the route of New Zealand’s first railway line, is now closed to bikes during a track construction and upgrade over the next few months.
As part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail system's "Great Rides", it's tipped to become a major draw card for visitors to Nelson. The upgrade starts at the Coppermine Saddle to the Maitai south branch section. It steadily works its way down from the saddle and includes an extensive upgrade and realignment of the trail. The improvements include a new bridge at the south branch of the Maitai River; further improvement to the overall standard of the track, and new facilities including toilets, signs and information boards.
Nelson City Council's Manager Parks and Facilities Paul McArthur, says the trail is now closed from Coppermine Saddle down to the South branch Maitai River crossing for the next three months while the upgrade is underway.
"There will be signage at appropriate places advising all users of this. However, mountainbike riders can still ride the Dun Trail, but only as an in and out ride from Brook St to Coppermine Saddle until the upgrade is finished."
Paul says it's actually a good time to avoid riding other single tracks around the area, due to the extremely wet conditions at present.
"Council and the Nelson Mountainbike Club want to remind mountainbike trail users of appropriate trail riding etiquette in these wet, winter months. All purpose-built mountainbike trails need some drying time after heavy rain or sustained periods of wet weather."
Users should not ride Nelson's mountainbike trails for a couple of days after rain has stopped, to allow these trails time to dry out and recover. High usage trails on Council's recreation land such as the Codgers Trail Network in Brook St, and Involution in the Marsden Valley are especially susceptible to damage when ridden while wet and muddy - choosing to not ride these trails until they have had a chance to dry out is the right decision.
