Trail Ride Info


Location:

The Basecamp for the Danseys Pass Trail Ride is located on Bushy Creek Road, 9km from Duntroon, via the Livingstone – Duntroon Road. Signs will clearly mark the basecamp from both Duntroon and Tokarahi from 6.30am on the 23rd of March.

Price:

Registration Price

  • Adults $70
  • Junior $20
  • Start Time:

    • Registration: 8am at Base Paddock
    • (Early registration will also be available on 17 March from 5pm – 7pm at Duntroon School)

    • Spark Arrestor Checking: 8.30am
    • First tracks open: 9am

    Tracks close at approximately 3pm depending on the conditions on the day.

    Track descriptions:

    The track crews have been working incredibly hard to build the longest (and best) one day trail ride in Australasia. The tracks wind through 165km of private high country farms, braided rivers, forestry, native gorge and rolling farmland in the stunning Waitaki Valley. You will not be disappointed! Please note: Longer loops mean you must to refuel after each loop. No Side by Sides allowed.

    Apex Engineering JUNIOR LOOP (Purple) 6km – ATV Welcome;

    The Junior Loop is included in the family loop, but is shorter and doesn’t climb as high. It is suitable for those younger or less capable riders to have a go for the day and enjoy the outing too. Remember under 16’s MUST be accompanied by an adult.

    Apex Engineering FAMILY LOOP (Green) 24km – ATV Welcome;

    The Family Loop is a 24km track, suitable for all types of ATVs, from Quads to 50ccs (but not Pee Wees sorry). The track follows farmland & tracks through paddocks to weave up & over terrain, to a tussock hill block. The track goes over the river bed, and through farm tracks to make its way back to base camp. It is suitable for junior riders and family members wanting a great day of riding. Remember under 16’s MUST be accompanied by an adult. Caution! The Extreme joins up with the Family and Junior loop.

    Central South Island Helicopters INTERMEDIATE LOOP (Blue) 30km – ATV can ride this year;

    Easy to moderate riding flowing track from shallow river riding and crossings with loose gravel to high country tracks on the Ben Lomond Range. Spectacular views in all directions with the highest elevation of all tracks (1000m), so bring your camera. Warm clothing recommended. Towards the end of the track, ATV’s will be required to leave the Intermediate Track and join the Advanced track to return to base Paddock via the river as the last section is not suitable for ATV’s. Follow signage! The Extreme and Intermediate start on the same track, and the Intermediate and Advanced Tussock diverge and cross.

    Take the intensity up a notch or two with one or both of these advanced loops:

    Bennett Transport ADVANCED TUSSOCK (Black) 43km – Strictly NO ATVs

    Starts off with open gravel river riding followed by some lane riding which progresses to some steep hill climbs and descents. After that it’s the bridle track and trees with more steep hill climbs and descents. The end of the ride is in the newly opened up river ride back to base which includes river riding, single track, open track and some motocross track before returning to base paddock. Follow signage! The Intermediate and Advanced Tussock diverge and cross.

    Vetlife ADVANCED TREES (Orange) 50km – Strictly NO ATV’s

    The track starts out on the river, and has some decent river crossings, then into some open riding with some hill climbs. There are forestry tracks, tussock country and some steep hill climbs and descents. At the halfway point the track is fast and flowing with some technical areas near the end. Near the end of the track it joins up with Advanced Tussock to ride down the newly opened river track which includes river riding, single track, open track and some motocross track before returning to base paddock.

    Both advanced trails are of similar difficulty.

    But wait there’s more, just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better:

    Calect Electrical EXTREME LOOP (Red) 25km – Strictly NO ATV’s

    Entry to the Extreme trail is on the Intermediate trail. It leaves the Intermediate Loop and is short and technical. First up there are tight parts through pine trees and then into the “gorge” (which is native bush and creeks). There are swamps and steep hill climbs. There is a strop set up at the top of a short hill climb to assist in getting bikes up if needed. This loop then joins back onto the family loop to head back to base paddock. The most challenging and difficult terrain on the Danseys Pass Trail Ride. This trail is for serious riders only, with quality tyres and good brakes. Do not ride alone. Follow signage! The Extreme and Intermediate start on the same track Caution! The Extreme joins up with the Family and Junior loops.

    Please note;
    Cell phone reception at the base paddock is poor, reception is available intermittently throughout the trail network. No Side by Sides on any tracks.

    Special thanks to the ongoing support of our Land Owners & Sponsors who help make this event possible.

    Central South Island Helicopters will be on site throughout the day
    Bike Recovery $400-500/bike approx
    Scenic Flights may be available on the day.
    All transactions with CSI Helicopters are separate from Duntroon School.
    Cash payments

    Trail riding is a fun sport filled with freedom, but it is a high risk sport

    The following are our events Non-negotiable “Ride Rules”

    ‘Ride Rules’

      Fuel tanks and drinking water supplies must be FULL before every loop.

      CHECK TRACK STATUS/UPDATES BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT ON EACH LOOP (whiteboard at Registration Tent)
      Riders are only permitted on tracks once opening loop marshalls have led out, and before track closing marshalls head out.
      Tracks can be subject to temporary closures.
      Tracks can have permanent changes due to weather or other events.

      DO NOT OVERTAKE LEAD OUT MARSHALLS (Pink vests) on the opening loop of the day.

      RIDE TO YOUR ABILITY and vision on the trail. You must always be able to stop within half the distance you see in front of you.

      STAY ON THE MARKED TRACK (and know which track you are on) If your safety is at risk, ride to the next road crossing, or wait for a marshall and follow advice given.

      OBEY ALL SIGNS. The track is marked clearly with signage which includes electrical tape (bunting) pink paint, pink flags on the ground and corflute signs/arrows. (Colour blind people please ride with someone)

      ALL ROADS ARE OPEN. Road rules apply. Give way to all road traffic at road crossings.

      RIDE IN CORRECT SAFETY GEAR
      Compulsory: helmet, boots that cover the ankle (no gumboots), long sleeved top, strong long trousers.
      Recommended: gloves, goggles, knee pads, body armor.

      The committee reserves the right to remove any rider for any reason if deemed unsafe.

      SPARK ARRESTORS ARE COMPULSORY Do not lie hot bikes down on the grass.

      NO SMOKING
      UNDER 16’s MUST RIDE WITH AN ADULT and be kept within view.
      10 KMPH SPEED LIMIT IN CAR PARK If you speed in the car park you may be asked to leave.
      NO DRONES Air space MUST be kept clear for the helicopter.

      ALL RIDERS MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND EVENT RULES AND BRIEFING, then sign the event disclaimer of liability before riding.

      EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT – Registration Tent

      IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT/EMERGENCY/FIRE (Do NOT call 111)
      Call base paddock emergency phone 027 4317077 / 03 2429800
      If no reception (Radio communication)
      – Ride/send someone to next point of contact with base paddock (road crossings or as marked on map)
      – Wait for a marshall. NEVER ride back through other riders. Some marshalls carry radios.

      In case of an accident
      You need 3 people to help (one to aid injured person, 1 to control oncoming bike traffic, 1 to call for help and communicate with base).

      In case of fire
      Alert marshalls
      Alert as many other riders as possible
      Get off the track as soon as possible (see road exits and additional fire exit and assembly points on track map)