Ref: http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/79
Print date: 05 Feb 2012 11:00:47
Also known as: Spoonhill bypass
Location: Wainuiomata trail project, Wellington, New Zealand
Overview:
491 is the easier, though still tricky, all-weather alternative to the top section of Spoonhill.
Grade: Intermediate
Access: Bike and Foot
Description:
491 deviates off Spoonhill, about 150m down from power pylon 28. Take 491 to the left for the moderate, all-weather track or continue on Spoonhill to the right for the difficult, dry weather track.
Even though 491 is an easier alternative, there are still some tricky sections of track. Parts of the track are riddled with tree roots, which are especially slippery when wet. There are also small, and not-so-small, step down bits to test your skill.
A particularly interesting feature is a wooden ramp on a hair-pin bend. It looks intimidating, but rides really well if you have just the right speed – just watch out for the step down off the end of it.
Getting there:
Take the left hand branch off Spoonhill, about 150m from pylon 28.
After 491 rejoins Spoonhill, continue down to the back of the Parkway playground.
Other notes:
Walkers have the right-of-way on this track.
The track's name comes from the length of the track, which is apparently 491m.
Helmet camera video of a run down Spoonhill and 491
The 491 section is from 0:41 to 2:12.
[video]
Another helmet camera video of a run down Spoonhill/491
[video]
Length: 0.47km
Conditions: Single track
Last modified: 13 Mar 2011 by Ian
Created by: Ian