Black Hills Loop <->

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Waimakariri District, Canterbury, NZ

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Route Overview

The Flahute

Mountain Bike Rides, Gravel Rides, Hilly Road Rides

30 mi.

4,824 ft.

My take on the classic Wharfedale track, a full days experience of beech forest singletrack, epic climbs, descents, technical singletrack with thrills and spills a plenty.

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Route Details

The Wharfedale is a classic Canterbury mountain bike track. This is my added extras all-day loop version. Predominantly @photo[beech forest](3670157) singletrack, some gravel, lots of steep hills and descents, river crossings, a hut, a bit of @photo[hike-a-bike](3670159), drop-offs and gullys, @photo[singletrack](3670163) to die for and some amazing views. A good level of fitness and skill level makes this track more enjoyable, @photo[intermediate level riders](3670148) can enjoy this best over Summer. Being under beech forest canopy this makes it a perfect all-year all-weather trail, but be aware that this would be for @photo[advanced/expert riders.](3670164)

Two options for parking, I prefer to start at the corner of @poi[Woodstock and Inghams Road](6957152), there is plenty of space to park on the verge, this allows for an @slice[easy 7 kilometre warmup climb on the gravel road](d,0,7119.89), there are five gates and two fords to cross. The second option is to park at the @poi[View Hill @photo[Carpark](3670156)](6957090), a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended to negotiate the @photo[fords](3670145), particularly in winter. If you bike up, think of the fun downhill to finish your day on!

There are no services (food, water, or even cell phone coverage) on the ride. There is a toilet at the @poi[View Hill Carpark](6957091) and another at the @poi[Wharfedale Hut](6957096). Both are [Long Drops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outhouse#Long_drop) (you will need to bring in toilet paper.)

You will need enough gear for a day in the bush, including food and water. If you like fresh food, I can recommend the @poi[Sheffield Pie Shop](6957088) in nearby village of Oxford. There is also a @poi[Supermarket](6957087) and a @poi[Pub](6957089).

Your @photo[bike](3670143) should be in good condition with trail tyres and you should carry a first aid kit, the Wharfedale often takes a few prisoners in the shape of @photo[flat tyres](3670153), bumps, bruises and sometimes bones.

This track was formed originally as a @photo[stock route](3670151) with the intention of eventually becoming a road linking the plains with Lees Valley. Work began in 1879 but after seven years it was abandoned as a possible road.

The @slice[track sidles and climbs through beech forest](d,7170.76,15601.89) to the @poi[saddle](6957093), which is a good place for a rest and a picnic. It is then mostly downhill to the @poi[intersection](6957094) of the @photo[Wharfedale Track and Fosters Ridge Track](3670158).

@slice[This section](d,17604.93,22028.04) is significantly harder than what you have achieved so far with @photo[narrow track](3670168), steep climbs and often, a @photo[hike-a-bike section](3670176) that brings you to the @poi[intersection](6957095) of @photo[Fosters Ridge Track and Black Hill Track](3670165). From here there is an @slice[exhilerating technical @photo[downhill](3670167) section](d,22028.04,26494.79) that brings you to the @photo[valley floor](3670170) and Dobson Stream and the track that leads you to @poi[Wharfedale Hut](6957096). This is another good opportunity for a rest and picnic stop which includes @photo[shelter](3670175) and a Long Drop Toilet.

From the Hut it is a @slice[steady climb back to the Saddle](d,27984.93,33099.21), where you can catch your breath, take a @photo[photo or three](3670152), and then enjoy the @photo[singletrack](3670154) as it dips and climbs back to the Carpark.

Then you have the grin-enducing gravel downhill back to your car if you parked at the road end and you can enjoy a nice beer at the pub or if you brought your @photo[own](3670178). Relax and reflect on the epic ride you just acheived. It will pay to have an old towel to clean @photo[you](3670177) up and plenty of warm clothes to change into.

There are plenty of @photo[bridges](3670147) to negotiate, superb singletrack sections, @photo[gullies](3670172) to try your technical skills, roots that when wet must be respected as they will take your front wheel with no warning. There is often @photo[treefall](3670146) to negotiate in early Spring but this often provides extra singeltrack fun when pruned.

Best enjoyed with a group as much for safety as @photo[camraderie](3670174).

Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.

Remember that this track is a grade harder in winter and wet conditions and you should respect that this is New Zealand Back Country with no services or cell phone coverage, make sure you have enough gear and knowledge and ensure that people know where you are. I recommend the use of [SPOTNZ](http://spotnz.com) tracking and personal beacons.