491 (Spoonhill bypass)

Wainuiomata trail project, Wellington, New Zealand

491 is the easier, though still tricky, all-weather alternative to the top section of Spoonhill.

Intermediate

Bike and Foot

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.

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.

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.

Another helmet camera video of a run down Spoonhill/491

0.48km

Single track

3 Oct 2009 by Ian

Ian