Te Ihu

The original MTB track in Te Mata Park, and one of the first purpose-built MTB tracks in NZ. This track was built in the late 1980's by PD workers (exact date unknown). As a result it has a very old school design - very narrow bench by modern standards, steep, not a lot of flow; you are on the brakes a lot and constantly having to check line choice for risk of falling off the side. There have been some improvements with the addition of Bus Stop features near the top, and a large S-bend to replace the original cross valley chute about 1/3 way down. This track is great as nostalgic experience bringing back memories of when MTBing still was a fringe activity rather than a sport; just don't expect a 'fun' ride in the modern sense of a MTB track. Dust off that fully rigid bike with 1.5" wide tyres and v-brakes and see if you can ride it like the pioneers