Mountain-Biking Naseby

I’ve been biking in and around Naseby for 20 odd years, travelling down south three times from Christchurch this year alone. The last time I ventured into the ‘Black Forest’ that surrounds the small Central Otago township, was in August, and there was two foot of snow on the ground then – now that’s a blast. Naseby's appeal is therefore not isolated to the warmer months, its the perfect hang-out for that winter blow-out!

Tip 1: If you are travelling down to Naseby in winter to do a bit of riding, try coinciding the trip to tie-in with the new Ice-Luge they have up & going ( snow-making capabilities permitting)

So being a creature of habit, we packed-up the car at Christmas, to renew our on-going illicit love-affair.

For a place that boasts a permanent population of 150, ‘little old’ Naseby boasts a number of mountain-bike friendly resources, all within easy grasp (a.) It’s very own eclectic bike shop, run by the irrepressible Kila Hepi (that’s Kila as in the band). No one knows the forest tracks like Kila & hidden away in the dusty corners of his bike shop on the main street, is a veritable treasure trove of bike bits & pieces. (b.) Two pubs, with real character. The colloquial names given to them are ‘the top pub’ (The Ancient Briton) and ‘the lower pub’ (The Royal) My preferred drinking-hole is The Ancient Briton – whether this a recommendation or an indictment is subjective (c.) An old-time Kiwi dairy, which brings soothing images floating back from ones childhood.

Only known photo of Kila in his home environment, accompanied by his trusty companion 'Ice' the mutt.

Tip 2: Kila hires bikes out and has these nifty attachments you place on the rear of bikes to enable you to 'tow' youngsters along.

The big plus’s going for Naseby are (a.) there’s something there for riders of all levels and ages (b.) variety of riding environments, single-track, shingle roads, down-hill etc, you name it, it’s there in abundance (c.) proximity to other locations in The Maniatoto.

Naseby is great for families, a safe environment where ‘kids can be kids’, far from the lure of playstations. Who cares if the little buggers, graze their knees, now and again, eh?

Tip 3: From Naseby you are close enough to be able to take the ‘prime bites’ off The Rail Trail or travel up into The Danseys Pass. For the super-fit have a go at Mount Buster.

Here's a Map of Naseby Forest. [Footnote: All my maps are are in the same accessible folder]

Just remember, there are tracks everywhere in The Black Forest (yes, that’s it’s real name, and it was planted in 1900) and this map is for the less-adventurous or those travelling through with not much time on their hands to explore it’s environs to the fullest.

Tip 4: Virtually every forest track you stumble upon, has another one running off it or parallel. It’s impossible to get lost as such, but it’s nice trying.

Just remember some of the tracks are very technical and you’ll risk coming a-cropper if you are not skilled enough to handle some of the down hills etc.

Don’t be a plonker like me and try and tackle something that’s way out of your depth. Choose tracks commensurate with your testosterone level (refer my photo below)

Chain-Ring Tattoos are all the fashion in mountain-biking circles.

Recommended Naseby Accommodation for those on a budget:

The Larchview Holiday Camp

Recommended Naseby Accommodation for those who want some home comforts:

The Naseby Lodge

Tip 6: A small note for anyone who is staying, eating or drinking at the newly constructed Naseby Lodge, the head chef there is Brent and he’s a mad keen mountain-biker who’s ridden tracks around the globe and a mine of knowledge. Now and again Kila can be found masquerading as a bar-man there as well.

Note: In April every year the good people in The Otago Mountain Biking Club, organise a 12 Hour Challenge in the Naseby Forest - which attracts glowing reports and big numbers. More details on this years event, to be held on 25th April here. I’ve ridden the 12 Hour course several times, and it’s fair to say the terrain it runs through, is fairly relentless on ones legs, heart and lungs, for old pricks like me. There are few parts where you can rest either physically or mentally, so put it this way - it's a real test.