The Old Ghost Road Mountain Biking New Zealand
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- Опубліковано 1 тра 2018
- Mountain biking The Old Ghost Road, the South Island, New Zealand.
PLANNING & PREPARATION tinyurl.com/y9m3nkmw
ROUTE DESCRIPTION tinyurl.com/ycynaxd8
It is a 2-3 day bikepacking great ride, and also an excellent tramping or walking trail. For my trip I took my time - four days - so I could make this film…and also because I’m no fit or expert biker.
The Old Ghost Road is an 85km single track mountain bike trail and walking path in the upper South Island of New Zealand. It begins at Lyell - near the town of Murchison - and it ends on the West Coast at the small settlement of Seddonville. The Old Ghost Road traverses mountains, deep river gorges, dense forest and rough backcountry. It is remote, exposed, with alpine sections above the treeline. On a clear day, there are incredible views in every direction. The steep, jagged rocks and golden tussocky peaks are spectacular.
The Old Ghost Road is so named because segments of the trail were former gold mining towns, now abandoned to nature. On the first day, as you ride up the hill from Lyell, there are fragments of these previous settlements. They include schools, hotels and communities that sprung up around the gold rush of the late 1800s. While there isn’t much left to see of these towns (a few walls, metal implements, a graveyard), it is fascinating to think that what is now a wilderness area was once well populated.
Because I wanted to take my time - taking photos, filming and exploring along the way - I decided to spend three nights (three and a half days) in the huts on the trail. There was also the small matter of not being fit or young. I could do with losing a few pounds too.
Most people do the ride in two nights (two and a half days) and some masochists in one night (two days). A story was circulating among riders on the trail about a guy who rode to there and back in a day...apparently stopping at the Seddonvile general store and pub to buy a muesli bar.
Had I not been messing about with cameras along the way, I think I could have managed it in three days. But then, what’s the rush? I still enjoyed the buzz of zipping through the downhill sections, but then also had time to scout the alluring side paths, rivers and hills.
Great Video Ben, the Old Ghost Road was on my Bucket list, I fear age and lack of fitness will mean i won't get there, thanks for the ride
Brilliant video! Definitely have added this to the list of trails I want to visit, maybe a bit more cardio first for me lol.
Absolutely brilliant - I will never be able to ride that track but very much enjoyed seeing it. Thank you :)
The trail looks so well kept and scenic, you also showed that solo riders can transverse safely. An inspiring video to try this trail some day when i finally put a plan to get there from Malaysia. Thanks for sharing.
Great editing - you captured the ride brilliantly
I see you rode a hardtail, planning to do next March (COVID allowing) and they recommend full suspension bike. Thoughts?
What a beautiful country we live in. Great video Ben.
you are right and thanks
that cliff section with the big drop at about 4.15 looks hairy. but it looks like an awesome ride I would like to do one day.
Yep a bit hairy, but maybe not as much as it looks. A very nice ride.
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your vid !
Thanks!
Finished watching up with my husband and now he has another ride for *his* bucket list (the scootering Vietnam is mine). Keep the inspirations coming.
thanks and nice one. My advice is do them both!
looks so easy i will try it this weekend
great vid
I’ve ridden the Old Ghost road twice. South Island of NZ is my favorite place on earth. Queenstown is my favorite place on earth specifically. Loved your video mate!
Thanks! It was 18 months ago I did it and I feel almost ready to do it again.
Ben Howe Yeah you should definitely do it again. It’s an amazing place. Like I said the South Island of New Zealand is hands down my favorite place in the world.
Wonderful video. It’s such an awesome track and you captured brilliantly! And on your own too!
thanks! Met a lot of nice people up there so wasn't hard to do alone.
Amazing short film Ben - love it !
Thanks!
Goat lake hut... haha at this point you have started to lose your mind!
Awesome video cheers
I think it might have started earlier than that!
Nice work Ben. Looks a helluva trip. Checking out some of your travel videos. Have a few myself etc
Thanks! Will check yours too.
great work
Thanks!
Cool man
Great video 👍
Thanks!
nice one Ben!
Thanks Nick!
Great video,
This ride looks awesome! Thanks for sharing with us! I did one yesterday in Glacier National Park (Montana, USA) (ua-cam.com/video/02c4d5JsU24/v-deo.html) and it absolutely crushed me! If I'm ever in your area i'm gonna reach out - would love a bike tour! I'll do the same if you ever make it out here!