Jonny’s Take on Whistler + Christchurch Adventure Park Update

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whistler a-lineChristchurch’s new Adventure Park is set to open on 16 December 2016. One member of the Natural High team who’s counting down the days is our Christchurch mechanic Jonny, who’s recently returned from a seven-week trip to Whistler. Here’s his take on the Whistler mountain bike scene.

The riding
Whistler is the best place on earth if you’re a mountain biker. My favourite trail was A-Line (above). It’s probably the most famous trail in Whistler: an advanced machine-built jump trail full of 20-40ft tabletop jumps and high speed berms and rollers. It’s the best fun you can have on a bike. I could happily have ridden it everyday I was in Whistler – it’s that good!

Choice of bike
I took my own bike: I was riding a Specialized Demo 8 the whole time and it was ideal. Best bike for Whistler would be a downhill bike for sure, or even a long travel trail bike would be fine, just depends on your riding style.

Useful tips
If you’re planning on going to Whistler, early and late in the season are probably the best time to go because the trails are in better condition and it’s not so damn busy! And bring lots of spare tubes and extra money for when you keep breaking parts on your bike because you’re doing laps of the bike park all day, everyday!

whistler mountain bikingBefore he headed to Whistler, Jonny spent a day helping shape some jumps at Christchurch’s Adventure Park. He says from what he’s seen so far, it’s going to be good! Once open, the park will be the first, four-season MTB park with lift access in the world. Features include hundreds of kilometres of hand-built trails for all levels, a bar, restaurant, zip line and on-park lodging.

Add in the riding opportunities of the Port Hills, Bottle Lake Forest and McLeans Island, plus the delights of Craigieburn Forest and Hanmer Springs a few hours’ drive away, and Christchurch is all set to be a true mountain bike paradise. We can’t wait!

Have a great week,
Steve

P.S. We offer an exciting range of guided mountain bike tours, from one-day rides to epic multi-day adventures deep in the New Zealand wilderness. Head here to learn more.