Grade 3 opened in mid-2007 - Murray Avery, who built most of it, has hit another home run. It’s a cracker.
To see the satellite view of this trail tracks.org.nz
AT MAY 2010 - this trail has recently reopened after logging operations. Pondy DH was clear felled but the digger's been in and restored the trail so it is ride-able.
Starts off Loop Road and you have to earn it, either up Hill and Moerangi or the south side of Moerangi or from Tuhoto Ariki. The last one is the toughest option because to get to Tuhoto you have to climb to the top of Tawa Road.
Whichever way you get there, it will be worth it.
Connecting the high altitude trails, Billy T and Tuhoto Ariki, to the top of Pondy Downhill, Split Enz creates an epic loop that will be the key to great long days out as well as a stunning option for an hour and a half of spectacular riding.
The entrance to the trail is off Loop Rd, which cuts off Moerangi Rd at the top of the town side of the climb. So, out of Billy or Tuhoto and turn left, then climb for 5 minutes and turn right.
The entrance is signposted, and the first section of the trail is flowing and quite open with some very cool berms that will pack in and be mint. The Murray-built middle section is very obvious for anybody who has ridden his lovingly-crafted trails, the exact squareness of the benching and perfect camber and width of the trail beggars belief. It is a magic carpet ride for the next couple of kms, with so many neat little sections that after one run down it can't be properly recalled except in a general, whoop and holler way. Halfway down the trail sketches along the top of a steep clearfelled area that provides the best view in the forest, or at least as good as the top of Hot X anyway. Muzz has cut out a little spot for a bench, and built a platform in front to stand on while you oggle the scene.
Then the flowing goodness starts again, and the trail descends to an old skid site with another view point that is still really high in the woods.
The trail exits onto the skid site at the end of Pondy Road. From early in November 2007 you come out of this part of Split Enz, ride a short, fast, connecting section of the end of Pondy Road and drop into more Split Enz goodness that spits you out about halfway down the second part of old Pondy Downhill for a quick run to Pondy New and on to Rollercoaster.
Split Enz is special, and opens up a heap of cool options. Awesome work. Think Pondy New cubed - and with wonderful views.
It’s a lot of fast, flowing trail.
Planned by RMTBC built by Murray Avery. A master class in trail building - should have been called Triple A Trail.
Ride it now.
Predominant Species Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)Secondary Species Radiata Pine, 22 years old
John Lavery - www.duffillwatts.com - 19/09/07 02:40pm
The new Split Enz, (not to be confused with the old Split Enz) is now open.I rode it yesterday afternoon.It's wonderful.Take your camera, great views over the forest towards the sawmill.Great website.Thanks
dixie - 21/09/07 10:55am
Thats one smooth trail dude,very nice 2 ride i even stopped 2 check out the view,awesome well done
dave g. - 24/09/07 09:45pm
Simply divine folks, the perfect link up form Billy T to Pondy DH etc. It flows sweetly, berms are sensational, if this doesn't get you grinning, give up riding now! Full kudos to the builders! Well done!
Alex - 26/09/07 07:07pm
Best xc track I have ever ridden awesome!!
Hope entry fee of Moerangi climb remains,it would be a shame if Downhillers bus was allowed up here.
David Carman - 23/10/07 09:18pm
The best track I have ever seen...Thanks
Yves - 30/01/08 10:56pm
Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears. I weep when I think of Split Enz.
Jay - 28/08/08 01:37pm
Amazing stuff, glorious flowing and the odd test to keep you on your toes. Ride it.
Nige - 07/09/08 08:04pm
Just rode this trail for the first time and it is without doubt the best trail i've ever ridden!, can't wait for my next road trip to give it another go
Michael - 16/10/08 08:49pm
Split Enz is a fun trail during the day, but is absolutely made for night riding. I can't believe I didn't try it until now -- I'll definitely be doing it again and again. The swooping singletrack just begs to be ridden in the dark. Try it, it's a total blast.
Erik Westra - 04/01/09 10:11am
rode for the first time a couple of weeks ago AWESOME still got grin on my face.
