Mountain bikers hamper walking track upgrade

Mountain bikers have got the goat of the Department of Conservation (DOC) which is trying to upgrade the Manawatu Gorge walking track.

"We are trying to make the track more appealing for city people, so it is easier for them to get a taste of the bush," said DOC ranger Lyall Goggin. "But a few mountain bikers have done a considerable amount of damage, so that we have to spend a lot of time repairing parts of the track we have already upgraded."

In some areas skidding mountain bikes have stripped freshly laid gravel off the track and exposed the geo-textile layer underneath.

"I could see tyre tracks and patches of bare cloth as I walked up the track," Mr Goggin said.

Mountain bikes are banned from the track, which is a major attraction for walkers, attracting about 1200 a month.

Besides causing extensive damage to the track, they posed a significant risk to other track users, he said.

DOC has yet to lay metal on four-and-a-half of the 10 kilometres of track, with a June deadline, but the damage has slowed the work.

In total, 460 cubic metres of metal will be carted and spread along the track before spring in a bid to upgrade it to a more accessible, user-friendly "walking" standard.

It takes a day to fly in 70 cubic metres, which is then carted along the track in a power barrow and wheelbarrows, spread and compacted. The geo-textile mat laid underneath the metal is intended to allow water to pass, but prevent the metal from sinking into the dirt.

DOC area manager Jason Roxburgh said mountain bikers should use areas set aside for their sport instead of hitting the gorge track.

"Takapari Road on the western side of the Ruahine Ranges takes you up to the tussock tops, and Palmerston North City Council maintain excellent biking tracks up the Kahutarawa Valley."

- © Fairfax NZ News