more stats
4,495 ft
Distance
512 ft
Climb
-26 ft
Descent
00:15:11
Avg time
487 ft
Altitude change
587 ft
Altitude min
1,074 ft
Altitude max
587 ft
Altitude start
1,073 ft
Altitude end
10.8%
Grade
-16.6%
Grade max
67.6%
Grade min
2,976 ft
Distance climb
502 ft
Distance down
1,017 ft
Distance flat
00:15:11
Avg time

The Bends Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
  • Riding Area
    Arapuke Forest
    Palmerston North
  • Difficulty Rating
    Advanced Rate
  • Local Popularity
    30 in Mountain Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #254654 in Mountain Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Uphill Only
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Rock Garden
  • Year Opened
    2020
  • Land Owner
    Palmerston North City Council

This climbing trail is perfect for those looking to do a 2nd lap of the park as it is only accessible at the River hub at the bottom end of either Kārearea or Chewbacca.

The Bends is a challenging climbing trail with an average gradient of 10%. It has plenty of twists and turns and the odd pinch, rock step and alternate extra hard lines thrown in just for fun. It's called The Bends not just for the tight turns, but also if you try and ascend it too quickly, you risk feeling a little unwell and perhaps even briefly losing consciousness ;-)

The reward for fitter riders is quick access back into the park network, or take Decompression to quickly get back to the Shuttle Pickup.

Access Info

River Hub at the end of either Karearea or Chewbacca.

Trail Supporters
  • Vestland Trails
    Builder

Bike Park

Local Trail Association
  • trail association logo
  • Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support
    trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 9 miles average
6 Months
  • 4 rides
  • 7 miles avg distance
All
  • 64 rides
  • Last: Sep 12, 2026
update trails status or condition

The Bends Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Mar 1, 2023 @ 6:46am
Mar 1, 2023
 Bit overgrown in sections
Jan 3, 2023 @ 5:16am
Jan 3, 2023
Mar 7, 2021 @ 4:06pm
Mar 7, 2021
 reporter
Jan 16, 2021 @ 12:40pm
Jan 16, 2021
 Dry throughout.
more »
Status:
on Mar 1, 2023
Variable
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to the-bends trailhead (-40.473440, 175.614200)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      1 more »
      mtb
      35 |
      Mar 7, 2023 @ 8:45pm
      Mar 7, 2023

      Videos

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      2 Reviews & Comments

      Traumapak Traumapak
      FML....starts off relatively well and the techy switches keep you honest. Has a flat section thrown in for a tease. Literal grind but worth it. Ends on the last uphill section leading to Check Point Charlie. Would deffo still be a challenge on an Ebike but i'd say it'd be a damn sight easier.

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      Nearby Trails

      Arapuke Forest

      • By dirtologistTF Pro MMBC & contributors
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      Frequently Asked Questions About The Bends

      ▼ Where is The Bends located?
      The Bends is located in Arapuke Forest, Palmerston North, New Zealand. It is part of the Arapuke Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -40.47344, 175.6142.
      ▼ How hard is The Bends?
      The Bends is rated as Advanced difficulty. The average grade is 10.8%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for The Bends?
      The Bends has 512 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 26 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 587 ft to 1,074 ft.
      ▼ Is The Bends a point to point trail?
      Yes, The Bends is a point to point trail. The direction is Uphill Only. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is The Bends?
      The Bends is 4,495 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on The Bends?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on The Bends. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride The Bends?
      Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride The Bends are:
      • May (6 activities)
      • January (5 activities)
      • April (3 activities)
      Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
      ▼ How do I access The Bends? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to The Bends are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride The Bends?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 16 minutes to ride The Bends. The trail is 4,495 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is The Bends?
      The Bends is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 370 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 375 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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