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Lava Lite, Canterbury

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Lava LiteIntermediate

Submitted by Conor Keena

Info Info
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Trail Information

6.70km

410m

410m

 

Canterbury

Christchurch

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic

Intermediate

1:20 (Slow)
0:55 (Moderate)
0:38 (Fast)

-14.0%

+14.8%

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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Up to you whether you use the re-routed MTB track or the original route - either count for FKT and Challenge Pts purposes.

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Description

NOTE: As at Jan 2020 the lower section of the Lava Flow Track has been rerouted a spur to the NW, it is obvious when going down but if approaching from the valley floor take the earlier bridge that connects the Hidden Valley Track and head up the new section. The old bit is still there, but is no longer maintained.

This is a short, sharp kick in the gut with some quick downhill for treat.
Warm up by running in the valley along the Bowenvale gravel track. About 1.3km in you'll cross a few small timber bridges. After the third bridge there will be a track going up to the left with sign saying 'Lava Flow Track'. Go up, and keep going up. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers, if they're coming down this track they'll probably be moving at high speed. You'll arrive at the top of the ridge near the Summit Road with zero breath left in your lungs.
Start along the MTB east and cut down towards the Huntsbury gravel track. After 200m-300m on the Huntsbury Track, veer left down the zig-zag track. Zig-zag down to the Bowenvale Bonus MTB track. This a nicely graded, fast track, lovely place to pick up a bit of speed for a mile or so. Look out for mountain bikers coming up behind, and give way to them.
This track will bring you back in to the valley, with a short trot back to the car park.

Do the track in reverse for a hair-raising downhill on the Lava Flow.


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Features of interest

A nice steep climb up ancient volcanic rock


Make Up of Run

Technical Single Track: 20%

Easy Single Track: 35%

Farm Road / 4WD Track: 20%

Gravel Road: 25%


Route Data

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Overlapping Runs

The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each

Rapaki Sugarloaf Return

Rapaki Sugarloaf Return

Length: 15.00km

Sign Of The Takahe - Rapaki

Sign Of The Takahe - Rapaki

Length: 13.00km

VKV challenge

VKV challenge

Length: 10.00km

Gondola Gallop

Gondola Gallop

Length: 11.30km

Lava - H.ELL Loop

Lava - H.ELL Loop

Length: 10.30km

Port Hills Spur Challenge!

Port Hills Spur Challenge!

Length: 18.50km

Vicki Vale

Vicki Vale

Length: 9.25km


Photos:

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Wild Explorers

I did it!
  • Access

    Car park at the end of Bowenvale Ave

    There are a few parking spots regularly used by walkers / mountain bikers / runners. On-street parking should be available during busy periods.

    7 km

    16 minutes

    No

    No

  • Staying Safe

    Moderate.

    Perfect throughout.

    Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Headtorch and spare batteries.

    Usually none available

    The single track can get quite slippy after rain, especially the lower halves of the Lava Flow and Bowenvale Bonus tracks.

    Just keep an eye and ear out for mountain bikers, particularly going up the Lava Flow, because they'd have to be a bit mad and stupid to bike down that track.

  • Post run indulgence

    Brickworks Bar
    Centaurus Rd
    Good food & drink

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See other runs nearby:

Godley Head loop
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