Big picture

Black River takes its name from the thread of black lava that runs down the shelf that this trail follows. Every time I got lost clearing the way, I just had to look down to find the black river. Working on it through lockdown last year has made it even more special for me – you don’t realise how noisy the modern world is until you experience quiet. And that is just what I found, with no cars on the road, planes in the sky or industry humming below, it was contemplative to pass the hours swinging tools in the silence. Of course, it’s pretty fun now it’s rideable, but it is the first trail where I miss the digging more than I enjoy the riding.