The Mighty Muddy Clarence Mainly by Mountain Bike

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The Mighty Muddy Clarence Mainly by Mountain Bike Stephen Patience pre-trip meeting over tea and muffins provided us with an opportunity to squiz over maps, plan meals, and determine the bare essentials needed for this trip. Like all good mountain bike expeditions, preparation would make our Easter weekend a memorable one. Formerly used for high country sheep farming, the Clarence Reserve now forms part of the public conservation estate managed by the Department of Conservation. An area not yet fully explored by thei intrepid mountain biker, this reserve is located between the Seaward and Inland Kaikoura ranges. Initially an "all boys" trip, invitations were extended to partners, forming a group of seven mountain bikers. Dismissing concerns of fitness and terrain,1 Ifelthonoured tol be asked, knowing that others were envious. A description of our route would be includedin the 3rd edition of Classic NZ Mountain Bike Rides, researched by Jonathan Kennett. After being dropped off at the entrance to the Clarence Reserve, the morning of Easter Friday began with a climb of over 1,000m tol Blind Saddle. This area is renowned for the discovery of large invertebrates, and also made a welcome rest spot. Looking towards the Clarence River provided views over the Seymour River Pooh Tours erosion-scarred hillside. We took shelteri from the cool wind, when the noise of an oncoming vehicle had us scram- this hut could easily be missed by a poplar trees where the track fords the bling to retrieve our bikes that lay on speedy biker. river. We monitored its level and the road. We learned from these hoped that rain would not fall during motorised travellers that they were Decision time came at the junction to the night. returning with weekend plans aborted Willows Hut and Quail Station. Group as the Clarence River was impassable. consensus ruled keeping us in line Thei night passed without rain and Satwith our original plan to cross the Clar- urday dawned bright and sunny. The We continued on, hoping it would re- ence River near Tytler Point. river level had dropped only margincedel by the time we needed to cross. ally but we were not keen to return Scenic stops were made during the A2 200m climb provided an ideal van- the way we had come. We pondered long descent in order to view the in- tage point overlooking a large hill on our original plans. teresting rock formations and inspect known as the "Clockface". When the local huts. Having made our way shaded by thes sun, it signifies the time On attracting the attention of three down thel bed of the Seymour River, a of day. After deviating around the Quail passing canoeists our hopes were quaint slab hut set behind a row of Homestead, our day ended about 1km dashed when we learned they were poplar trees provided an ideal lunch east of Tytler Point. Others had without a support raft and could be of spot. Located on the left of the track, camped at this popular site set under no help to us. All hope was not lost, TRAMPING & MOUNTAINEERING 1996 however, as we had found a 44 gallon drum the evening before. We planned to ford the river in the afternoon after surveying the best place to cross. A careful selection of branches formed the base on which to fasten the drum. The boy scouts amongst us mustered all lashings including the guys from our tents. A stout branch served as an outrigger, and fitted with inflatables, served as a buoyancy aid. There was a sense of confidence in our team, although one or two uttered doubtful remarks on the river-worthiness of our vessel. After two hours of raft construction, we were ready to launch. There was no time to crack a bottle over thel bow, nor bless those who raft with her. A bone collected for good luck sat on top instead. To our amazement, with seven bikes and all our gear, it floated like a cork as all bodies clung to her sides. At its deepest part, could not feel the river floor as our combined efforts beat the swift flow of the current. The feat was over in a matter of minutes, however, and climaxed when we reached the other side. Most pleased with our endeavours, we reflected on the possible dangers of a remarkable adventure as we quickly off-loaded our gear. Thej journey quickened as we followed the vehicle track down to Muzzle Sta- Hidden hut Jonathan Kennett tion. We ended our short day's ride at Bluff Stream just as dusk began to fall. Lunch in the rain dampened more than to bask in the warm morning sun af- A stoked fire, popcorn and a hot drink our spirits. We contemplated contin- ter a long descent, just short of soon warmed our happy souls. Moun- gencies, unaware ofl how long the mud Coverham Station. After some confutain biking adventures and tall tales would plague us. Thankfully, as Bluff sion over which direction to take, we soon sidetracked our minds from the Station drew closer, the going became regained our bearings and climbed to onset of rain. easier. This stage is ironically referred Chaytors Saddle. to as "The Desert", lasting for 10km. Easter Sunday started with high hopes This lunchtime spot provided seaward of achieving more distance than the As darkness fell a campsite next to the scenes over the Kaikoura coast, and day before. We started out with a Limburn Stream became home for the snowcapped views of Mt Tapuaenuku moderate climb, walking our bikes night. We huddled and ate after an behindus.All were keen to do the long when we would rather have ridden arduous day's trudge that had worked downhill ride to the Kekerengu Teathem. The previous night's rain had up our appetites. We were luckyi if we rooms. While awaiting our transport turned the track into a clay-like mud got seconds before the Easter eggs to Picton, this opportunity satisfied that stuck to the tyres and clogged came out! We slept well that night. junk food cravings for those where around the brakes. This made the weight precluded carrying such luxury wheels impossible to turn and frustra- Our last day began by cleaning the items. tion grew. It was disheartening to walk mud from our bikes. Paint in some or carry our bikes, especially when a places had been worn away by the The Long Riders were: Allen Higgins downhill section loomed ahead. Inow action of the mud. The early morning (organiser), Jonathan Kennett, appreciate the qualities of this mud, sun beamed to the higher spots mak- Bronwyn Wall, Robbie Morrison, formerly used to make cob buildings ing the party keen to cycle from the Stephen Patience, Andrew McLellan in days gone by. shaded side of the hill. Some decided and Jo McKenzie. TRAMPING & MOUNTAINEERING 1996