Eagle vs Shark, Rotorua, NZ
This month we take a look at a trail in the home of Crankworx's latest stop, Rotorua, New Zealand. Settled on the south shore of the lake with the same name, Rotorua is in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island. Rotorua has a diverse selection of trails and with the upcoming EWS we'll see some of it's more technical offerings including a surprise for everyone. This months Trail of the Month comes from the other end of the rating spectrum. Although a Grade 3 / Green, don't write it off, we think you'll enjoy the trail known as Eagle vs. Shark.
 | The idea for the Eagle vs Shark trail is to build on the concepts of flow that evolved with Rotorua's Corners Track and the Wairoa Gorge's No Pressure trail - both similar grade - and take it to the next level. I wanted my family to love riding this trail. Riding behind them on these trails I could see that beginner - intermediate level riders struggle with dropping switchbacks, so the number of these were minimized. The trail has super long rolling traverses that give you that feeling of surfing along a wave, top turn, bottom turn, no pedalling - you can coast the whole trail and natural speed control is accomplished with grade reversals. To keep it fun for all levels of rider we spiced it up by building in alternative lines on the sides of the trail where we could fit them in. - Jeff Carter (Builder) |
Photo Credit: Chester Boyes Rider: Matt Hunt
The Whakarewarewa Forest offers plenty of selection ranging from Green to Black including Billy T, Challenge and Dragon's Tail. Shuttles are available from Southstar Shuttles, the same owner as Southstar Trails who built Eagle vs Shark.
Looking for a lift up? Rotorua's Skyline Bike Park has Gravity assisted riding practically in town.
If you like what you see then please support our friends at the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and earn some Trail Karma while you're at it.
Big thanks to Chester Boyes for the photos!
MENTIONS: @RideRotorua @Sstar @RotoruaGravityPark @Lease22