Epic views of Christchurch

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to trails in this country, from north to south there are trails everywhere. From bike parks to backcountry, there is something for everyone. When it comes to picking just one favourite trail it can be hard, but we gave some people the hard word and made them pick, and these are their favourites, their Local Dirt.

Nick Middleton discovered bikes just after he learnt to walk at the ripe age of 8 months old, deciding that walking was boring and for all his life he has had something to do with bicycles.

He started riding and racing downhill as a 12 year old super grom. Then mixed it up when Enduro became cool and had a crack at that (really it was because Downhill was getting too extreme and Enduro was a good way to spend less time in hospital). Now Nick just rides bikes for fun with friends with the aim of the game being to have a sweet time.

Rocks… So many rocks…

Downhill focused tracks are more Nick’s style and you’ll find him giggling all the way down most techie tracks for two main reasons. One they have more options and techniques needed to ride them so he doesn’t get bored of the track quickly and two he’s lazy and doesn’t like pedalling.

When pressed he would say that the local trail Lava Flow would be his all time favourite track. The trail is very appropriately named as it follows an ancient lava flow down a ridge line of the Port Hills in Christchurch. So naturally it’s rough…very rough. But weirdly if you know the lines the trail has an amazing flow to it and you’ll find yourself hopping and skipping down a minefield of rocks. Then the trail drops off the ridgeline and gets nice and steep to mix it up, as it makes its way down to the valley floor.

This trail has some teeth, if you get off line or make a mistake you can find yourself on the floor and when the floor is made from volcanic rock it can be less than ideal. Staying rubber side down is rather important. Also unless you like spending money staying super smooth is key. Since there is such a vast array of pointy rocks you can do some damage to your bike.

The more you ride this track the better it gets and it isn’t uncommon for people to not enjoy it on their first run. But the more you put into learning this track the better it gets. Probably not ideal as your first ever mountain biking experience, but if you want to put some fire into your Port Hills mission, are up for a challenge or if you are a rock connoisseur this is the place for you.

Ethereal rock roller