Hira Ridge

This loop is a great weekend ride to take in the views from several great vantage points and blow out the cobwebs while you are at it.
A mixture of forestry road with a couple of short steep rutted road bits that can easily be walked for those not keen or able. It also has a short uphill single track bit, that I am yet to get up in one go! But once again it≠s short and easily walked.
Once you have done this loop, you find yourself doing it more often as there are just sooo many variations you can do and places to explore.

To get to the start of the loop, ride out from Nelson up the Maitai Valley road until you get to the turn off to the Hira Forest which is the start of central and Sharlands roads.

Waypoint 1 (S41 16.552 E173 19.733) Turn off from the Maitai Road

From here travel up the road a short distance until you come top the turn off to Sharlands Road.

Waypoint 2 (S41 16.408 E173 20.069) Start of Sharlands Road

Turn left into Sharlands road and cross the concrete ford. From here it is a 8.5km moderate uphill ride to the highest point of the loop at the intersection with Thomas Road.

Waypoint 3 (S41 15.130 E173 21.856) Thomas Road Turn Off

Turn left here into Thomas road and enjoy a bit of a downhill blast before cruising along the ridge line looking out over the Lud Valley and Hira.
There are a couple of roads that go off to the right, keep to the left and follow the road until you see a steep road going off to the left, this is easily missed so you need to look for it. If you get to the firebreak, or even further on to the Trig, then you have gone too far.

Waypoint 4 (S41 14.206 E173 21.897) Turn off to Bobs Fern Road.

Before Turning off and heading down, cruise further along to the fire break and you can look out over the valley and see the Ground Effect Slingshot and Scottwood Wiggle tracks. If you are mad, you can even ride down the firebreak instead of the road. Ride the last bit to the Trig Station and enjoy the view out over the Hira Valley, the Glen and the sea.

Waypoint 5 (S41 14.079 E173 21.968) Firebreak and view of Tuckers trails.

Waypoint 6 (S41 13.943 E173 22.315) Trig Station

After your diversions find your way back to the road that drops down.
This is a steep rutted and stony road that requires a bit of care. Originally I used to see it as a bit of a challenge, but now it's just fun.
Ride (or walk) your way down the road to the top of the Bob's Fern Road. You come out where the Tuckers Trails start.

Waypoint 7 (S41 13.785 E173 21.670) Top of Bob's Fern Road and Tuckers Trails

Its easy to get diverted here and say "What the hell" and take the wiggles back down, and no one would blame you, but we are on a scenic tour, so putting those urges to one side, carry on along the west side of the valley following the road along past a road to the left that goes down, and along to the next road to the left that goes down.
This is Bob's Fern Road, and if you're running late and want a quick way out, head down here.

Waypoint 8 (S41 14.274 E173 20.899) Turn off down Bob's Fern Road.

Cary on up the short climb past the turn off and then you come to some fun.
Cruise down through a couple of skid sites and then down the fence line.
It starts to get a bit tricky for some along here, and you end up at the top of another steep rutted "challenge". Rather than go down the ridgeline firebreak, take the left option and go down the steep rutted road. This will challenge your ability to stay upright, but after a couple of times you grow to enjoy it!

Waypoint 9 (S41 14.700 E173 20.350) Steep Rutted Road

Once at the bottom of the road you can turn left and head home if you have had enough, or turn right and cross the gate to get to a small clearing.
At the clearing turn left up the single track. This has become my nemesis!
I know I can do it, it's just that for one reason or another I never have!

Waypoint 10 (S41 14.816 E173 20.247) Uphill Single Track

Ride (or walk) up this short single track to the road at the top.
Turn left and follow the road all the way around to the lookout

Waypoint 11 (S41 15.138 E173 20.224) Supplejack Lookout

Take a break and enjoy the view, it's all down from here (well almost).
There are often goats or walkers here as well.
Once you have sucked in the view, head off down the road.
At the bottom of the hill you can turn left and take a road back down to Sharlands Road, though in winter it's very icy.
Carry on straight ahead to the intersection with Kaka Peak Road.

Waypoint 12 (S41 15.552 E173 19.925) Kaka Road Intersection

Once again you have a choice. You can turn right and head on up to Kaka Peak. The view over Nelson from up there is well worth the detour, and the suicidal then get the opportunity to take one of the downhill tracks, or kill themselves attempting the firebreak. Once you have taken your detour (if you feel like it) turn left and heat the brake pads up on the ride down Kaka Road back to where you started from.
Once you have finished this ride you will realize what a great area it is to explore and do in a myriad of variations.