Both the new car park at The Hub and the GLT Otaketake loop are now complete. Lots of rebuiding work going on in Craters after logging around the Connection.
We have a new access way at Whakaipo - the old e-bikers were having trouble with the stile!
The new Otaketake trail is underway turning right, north away from the lake about 2.5 km from Kinloch on the Kawakawa Bay trail. The trail will exit on to Kawakawa Road, a short distance from the Orakau carpark on Whangamata Rd.
Entry point
With the completion of the section from Kinloch to Kawakawa Rd Bike Taupo track crew are developing an off road track beside the road. There was no off road option through the cutting on Whangamata Rd so a concrete path has been laid on the road verge.
The new Otaketake track is the right hand section of track between the arrows.
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Concrete path through the cutting.
New sections beside the road.
The new car park at The Hub is taking shape with the hotmix going in today (9/10/19)
As we get toward completing the Otaketake loop there is a neccesary on-road piece through the cutting on Whangamata Road, between Kawakawa Road and the Orakau shelter car park. Photo shows the site ready for concreting.
The new Otaketake loop is getting close to completion! As at November 3rd, the gap between the two tracks is about 500 meters in a direct line which will mean around another 600 meters of track to be constructed.
Kerbing going down on 13th August.
The digger has arrived at the western end of the new Otaketake extension. The crew will build the trail to join the completed section on the Kinloch end. Rock on lads!
July 6th - The car park is all pegged out for the kerbing to go in over the next few days, weather permitting.
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July 5th - The Otaketake Extension has reached around halfway from the Kinloch end, so it is time to move the construction team to the Kawakawa Rd end. There are a few inconvenient rocks to be removed first so expect some action on the western end in a week or so. The picture will answer your technical questions.
Seays continue shifting dirt around the new park area. They are working to the pegs indicating the final levels in the main area and the second area along the roadside opposite FourB.
Work has started at the Whangamata Road end of the Otaketake extension. As well as the track building there is planting taking place and some meaningful engagement with the locals. He/she is one of the original greenies.
Seay's have been busy shifting lots of pumice at The Hub to sort the levels at the new car park. Taking shape nicely.
Side note: The Otaketake extension is now at 4.2 km.
The Otaketake extension is now a total of 5.6 km from Kinloch Store and we have a new bridge to cross!
Latest video from Jonny (FourB) at the hub.
The new Otaketake trail now extends almost 4km from the intersection of the K2K track. Photos show the inspection crew at the trailhead Saturday 29th June. Lots of ticks on their clipboards!
You may have wondered about the blue pipes going in. They are an upgrade of the exisitng water pipe to include a fire hydrant. This work is almost complete, so it's
Latest shots from the Otaketake build from our intrepid early morning reporter. Apparently you have to be really really early to be up there first!
In 2018 Bike Taupō were successful in getting half a million dollars from a TIF (Tourism Infrastructure Fund) one of the few non-government groups to do so. This funding was for the development of a new mountain biking hub (the Hub) on the vacant land opposite Kefi at the Hub and FourB. Bike Taupō has a licence from TDC to occupy this area until 2028.
This is the concept plan:
A large part of this funding will go towards creating a carpark for trail users. There will be 51 parks in main area and a further 19 along Huka Falls Road. These parks will be longer than normal to allow loading and unloading of bikes and pedestrian access. There will also be a shelter, a bike wash facility and toilets. We will ensure that all trees currently on site are preserved. Roading and pedestrian signage will be modified to ensure everyone is safe with the increased activity.
The carpark will link to Craters MTB Park via the tunnel under Wairakei Drive, the Cafe and Bike Hire, the Huka Trails and a soon to be constructed, shared path along Wairakei Drive to Taupō town.
Everybody is familiar with the tricky road crossing from the old main car park to Hammer and Tank Stand across Karapiti Road. The good news is we are getting close to constructing a dual underpass to improve access to the northern side of the park. The pipes below have been purchased with generous funding from Lion Foundation, Grassroots, and Craters of the Moon Trust. The pipes are now on site and we are in the process of fundraising to purchase a hole to place the pipes in.
Trail has passed the 2km mark and includes a switchback up to a rocky outcrop with great views to the south and east over Kinloch back to Tauhara.
Mac keeping Jack on task.
