LION FOUNDATION GRANT DELIVERS NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS FOR BLUFF
The first four and half kilometre section has been completed, allowing riders and walkers access to the top of historic Bluff Hill/Motupohue. The remaining lower trails will be completed and opened in the coming months.
A $10,000 grant from The Lion Foundation allowed the Southland Mountain Bike Club to employ contractors to construct the new trails through a mixture of native bush, manuka scrub and granite rock.
Development of the area for recreational mountain biking use has been a joint project between the Southland Mountain Bike Club and the Invercargill City Council, which administers the land on Bluff Hill/Motupohue.
David Brookland from the Southland Mountain Bike Club says the tracks will be widely used by the club’s 200 members, as well as the greater Southland community.
David Brookland from the Southland Mountain Bike Club tests the new Bluff Hill trails which are expected to be popular with both locals and tourists.
“The new trails in this area are very much a community asset. They will be keenly welcomed by our members but will also be popular with walkers who will be able to use the uphill trails. This is opening up Bluff Hill for all to enjoy – including tourists, and that’s great for the region.
“Our club has never undertaken a project like this and it was heavily dependent on getting funding. We’re grateful to our funders like The Lion Foundation for making the trails a reality,” says David.
“There is still work to be done on the trails but we’ll be encouraging our members and the greater community to get out and enjoy them – they will pack down with more riding which, coupled with fine weather, will continue to improve the track quality.”
Operating for 24 years and one of the country’s most widely respected community trusts, The Lion Foundation funds a wide range of arts, cultural, sporting, educational and health focused causes, by distributing back to the local community the funds raised through its gaming venue in The New Eagle Hotel.
“We are thrilled to help bring this recreational facility to the people of Southland, allowing members of the Southland Mountain Bike Club and greater community to enjoy Bluff Hill and its spectacular views over Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains,” says Phil Holden, Chief Executive of The Lion Foundation.
Entrance to the trails can be gained via the access road off McDougall Street and all the trails are signposted indicating riding direction and accessibility. A trail map and further details can be found on the club’s website www.southlandmtbclub.co.nz
