15/12/2024
Well, 2024 is almost done and dusted so it's a good time to reflect on what we've achieved in our first year and to look forward to the year ahead.
DOT was formally established just over 12 months ago and, whilst it's early days, we're pretty pleased with what we and our volunteers and supporters have managed to achieve in a relatively short time. Just a quick summary -
*We've unloaded and laid approximately 80 tonnes of gravel around Taramea Loop and The Elevator - effectively weather-proofing a significant portion of these tracks and, thereby, reducing further wear and tear.
*We've reworked, realigned and "fettled" about 90% of Taramea Loop and The Elevator, focusing on problem areas and making the track true to grade. This has meant that some of the previously-tricky rock features have had a dollop of gravel laid to provide for a better riding experience and encourage riders to remain on the formed trail
*We've built and modified a few new features - Rock 'n Roll, the Taramea Skills area and the Rock Garden alternative line (end of Taramea)
*We've also managed to do a little work on the Bowenvale Bonus
In all, we completed over 700 volunteer hours - 550 of this over July, August and September
And, recently, we secured the use of a fabulous new shipping container which has been provided by the Christchurch City Council and installed at the stockyards at the bottom of Taramea. This will provide for a bit of a base and a more secure and effective space to store our tools and equipment.
We are now looking forward to a busy year ahead and are already in the throes of planning the maintenance and development priorities that will be our focus for next year. We've completed a walk around Taramea, with Nick (CCC Park Ranger) and have determined where the gravel and clay deposits should be located - both for ease of access and optimum distribution to problem areas. This means that we can get the clay and gravel in place well before the digging season and we'll be in a better position to take advantage of the weather windows and ground conditions and better organise and plan our dig days. Our planning includes filling up and restoring seven clay berms (about 140 metres overall) and laying approximately 845 metres of gravel on the Taramea Loop.
This means that there's a heap of work ahead of us and we hope that we can count on those who ride and enjoy these trails to come along and help out. We are extremely grateful to our volunteers who give up their valued riding and spare time to work with us on the development and maintenance of the trails. We are all riders and know that most people don't have much free time outside of work and family commitments, so time for getting out on the trails is always precious. We also know that those who do come along (even if it's only once or twice each year), feel a very strong connection and responsibility of care to the trail/s they've worked on as well as a strong sense of satisfaction and pride in what they have done. So, if you've thought about helping out, but have never had the time or opportunity to do so, keep an eye out for updates - via email or on our website. If you can't join us for a dig day but you'd like to help, consider making a donation - $120 will buy a spade or about 1.5 tonnes of gravel (approx $6 per metre of trail - will leave you to do the maths).
Finally - it's summer, so that means it's tools down and time to enjoy the trails. We won't be embarking on any significant work until the ground softens - May(ish). In the meantime, we hope that you're all taking advantage of this amazing summer and are managing to get out on the trails with family and friends. After all, whether your goal is fitness, fun, increasing your skills, hanging out with friends or all of the above, our aim is to ensure that the trails are in prime condition for everyone to enjoy.
We wish you all a safe and joyous festive season and look forward to seeing you out there - enjoy and stay safe.
Merry Christmas
Dave, Julie, Murray L, Murray M, Chris, Gray and Graham
Dig Otautahi Trust
