Reefton - Silversky Cycle Adventure 2023

Every year we assemble members of the wider Silversky family for 3-4 days of offroad riding in NZ. This year it was Reefton, with two of the best one day tracks at its doorstep it was the perfect place to launch each days adventures.

Track One - Kirwans Track (30kms - 1400m climbing)

A track that had been closed for years due to safety concerns. But the locals have put in alot of work to try and reopen it. The lack of use did show with multiple slips and trees down throughout the route, the final 2 kms to the top was largely clear which made for some great riding, but it took nearly 4 hours to get to the top (12 kms odd)! Admittedly it made for a thrilling 1.5 hour trip down.

It felt like we took the bikes for a walk, but a beautiful part of the country.

Track Two - The Paparoa Track (60kms - 1800m climbing)

Words can't describe how good this track is. Just do it. We had clear blue skies and little wind. Even with near perfect conditions across the tops/above the tree line it was down in the low single digits temperature wise. 

This track has it all, grinding uphill’s, flowy single track across the tops, amazing moss covered beech trees, and then a fast flowy downhill into Punakaiki. Everything is huge in the Paparoa...it is a true show case of the beautiful country we live in.

Track Three- Waiuta Track (40kms - 900m climbing)

Why don't more people know about this track? Apart from a couple of slips across the track it was amazing. A trip with NZ mining history at times, mixed with more epic scenery and climbs and descents.