The Pike 29 Memorial Track: Building a $12,000,000 Bike Trail

The Pike 29 Memorial Track was built as a living memorial to the men who died in the 2010 Pike mining disaster.
It was sculpted into the landscape by passionate mountain bikers and track builders and is a world-class and first-of-its-kind mountain bike track which doubles and New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk.
This video shows some of the exploits of the team who built it called the Bush Walruses. MTB track designer and digger operator Milty Coultas, explosives specialist and track shaper Tom Woodward, and tree fellers Logan and Felix.
We cut the track through the bush over three long years while exposed, battered and frost bitten by the elements on the West Coast.
It was the most extreme construction site that any of us had worked at.
This video featured in the 2020 New Zealand Mountain Film Festival.
For track building services follow Milty on Instagram at: / graded_earth
Follow Tom on Instagram at: / tom.woodward.videos
See my Cook Islands video:
• Journey to the South P...
More Information:
Article about building the track: www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-co...
Article about making the video: www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-co...
#Pike29 #Paparoa #MTB

[@almostawesomewithwill9251]

You dam new Zealanders have to go and be badasses. Friggin building a mtb track in the middle of no where in harsh conditions and make a bad ass movie out of it at the same time without a film crew. Lol awesome video

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Best comment yet! Thanks 😊

[@jkelmtb8908]

😂

[@jkelmtb8908]

That’s kiwis for ya

[@Jaeger04]

Dumb question but at the beginning of the video there’s a bird with a really high pitched call just as the music is starting. Any idea what it might be. Thanks from France

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Yeah it’s the rare bush parrots 🦜 called Kākā

[@carolrose9412]

Well done. My son lies within that mine. The track ŵas conceived by the families as a thank you to all of the people the world over and especially NZ and the coasters. You supported us most when we needed it. Great video, was at the mine yesterday paying my respects. Track looking mint. I am humbled by your efforts Thanks

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks very much Carol. The 2010 tragedy affected everyone deeply, I hope the track stands as a memorial to the 29 so that it never happens again.

[@The_Sampler]

This is so epic guys, absolutely incredible what all went into the creation of this trail - well done!

[@liam_mountford]

You should come to NZ and ride it! We've also got heaps of other awesome riding spots. That would be the best vid series ever. (After Covid of course).

[@elijahschulz3749]

Yea please come to nz we have tonnes of trails here

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Hey thanks for the props! Like the others I invite you to come and check it out!

[@JClark2600]

Sounds like you need to make a NZ video Alex!

[@almostawesomewithwill9251]

Alexanders like “hmm my next trip” lol

[@BlueLineRider]

Deserves a PINKBIKE movie mondays airtime.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks. Maybe you can share the video there. I tried it but it got not traction at all. Maybe I don’t know how to do it right.

[@DeaneParkerAdventureChannel]

Tom, you have to write a blog and submit to pinkbike editors, it’s quite the procedure. Pm me if you want some tips.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

I’ve done that now and the video made its way into the front page!

[@simonfleming886]

Tom, you are in an elite group of people who will proudly look back when retirement looms and think......"What a life....WOW....Yeah...I did that"........And the stories you'll be able to tell your grandkids. Cheers to you and your colleagues for all the effort you put in. Amazing videos.

[@-Alex-]

Just wow, this isn’t a KZbin video, this is a movie.

[@Orikix]

Totaly agree

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks

[@rhedegrunfair9209]

This should forever belong in the Mountain Biking, trail building archives! A masterpiece!

[@john-yn5nz]

Please keep the videos coming. You could cover anything and they would be worth watching. For example, exploring the Southern mountains and snowboarding, trail riding in the ranges of Central Otago, and so much more. I've seen so many awesome sights in New Zealand while snowboarding, riding a motorbike, and even out on the golf course. We truly live in paradise.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers mate, have a look at the video on my channel page. Lure of Adventure in the South Island 🤙

[@ethanwalp6984]

One of the best trail building videos I have ever seen. 100%

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks 😊

[@MrStuwr250f]

As an Aussie MTBer, I'd have to say you NZ boys are showing the way with eco friendly trails. Wish our councils and governments in South East Qld would see the benefits that you Kiwi's are showing that well planned MTB trail network brings. Cannot wait to ride this, looks insanely good.

[@mauort6870]

Double thumbs up

[@onemanmob6756]

Yeah - we know it all too well here in Victoria too with Warburton trail nework held up/delayed heavily by the State government/agencies and their crazy, over-the-top environmental requirements...

[@roryburgin9650]

Unfortunately we don't have terrain like NZ, Tasmania or even Victoria. Just gotta put up with the shaly tracks of gap creek I suppose. Maybe subtropical rainforest like D'Aguilar national Park would be better.

[@MrStuwr250f]

Rory Burgin If you have ever been up to Binna Burra or Springbrook on the Gold Coast we have 1000 meters of decent available in a rain forest environment. Given this video, to create such a trail there wouldn’t have half the challenge this legends managed to overcome. Unfortunately our council does currently have the foresight to see past the beaches and theme parks as tourist attractions.

[@kok_films]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57cn6Gkg7p8n7M This is my mtb trail, I'd be happy to see your comments

[@GraemeBurt]

What a great story, wonderful scenery and an excellent memorial to those miners who lost their lives in Pike River Mine Disaster

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers Graeme, appreciate it 🤙

[@augustkasemaa3290]

I'd say that calling this bucket list wold be a severe understatement. Simply amazing work from all the guys involved!

[@benkilleen3383]

You will never forget your time up there boys. We'll done on such a massive achievement 👏

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers man

[@outdoorsinternational442]

You have captured RAW New Zealand, survived trials via weather and landscape of the body and spirit and produced a film and track that will change people’s life’s for the better- standing ovation 👏 - Awesome job!

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks a lot!

[@Tristan-bp2yy]

Can’t wait for this virus crap to be over so I can come over and ride some of the best trails in the world. Good job you bunch of mad lads. 🤘🏻

[@lorisfoucart2475]

I feel honored watching this video, but feel bad watching it on my 1080p display with mid end headphones, that's how good this is.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Wow, thanks for the props!

[@garretv7247]

With Ennio Morricone recently passing I cannot think of another way to immortalize his music than with a real life epic. Great ballad. Great looking trail. Peace

[@user-be1ze7qu6c]

Rode this finished yesterday best ride ever. Well done team. Fantastic job Sharon renwick

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Glad you like it! a lot of blood sweat and tears went into making it. Hopefully a lot more will get to ride it.

[@user-be1ze7qu6c]

I'm sure it's going to be very popular

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great video! Would love to see more riding from the trail, and would also love to meet the builders! Which means making this into a video series would be totally interesting! Keep it up!

[@gradedearth2444]

Hey man there’s a bit of footage on @graded_earth and more on @miltys_mountains, tom.woodward.videos and Pike.29.memorial.track (all on insta)

[@RawEpics]

That's a superb idea! :D

[@lucasblair3601]

He’ll yeah

[@kok_films]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l57cn6Gkg7p8n7M This is my mtb trail, I'd be happy to see your comments

[@andreasharik428]

GREAT VIDEO GUYS !!!

[@mtb548]

There's a special place in mountain biking heaven for these guys

[@notetrail3826]

Who would ever dislike this?

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Honestly loved this video sooooo much

[@jkelmtb8908]

This KZbin video just turned into a movie and not just any regular movie an amazing movie

[@reubensweetapple1593]

This is fucking epic, me and my old man have been talking about riding this for awhile now. Thankgod you documented this, gives it so much more meaning to ride the trail now knowing what blood and sweat has been put into each turn. Epic dude

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers mate, appreciate it!

[@benproskilled]

This deserves so much more attention than its getting... Wonderfully composed and an amazing story

[@blanket6647]

This video should get 4 Oscars for the creativity and the hard work this guys put in that trail

[@roadlesstraveledd]

this is WAY underrated, it's remarkable work they're doing out there in NZ. Thank you for your amazing work so that one day we all may have a chance to ride this incredible trail. cheers!

[@XXTechMoXXNew]

This video should have millions of views

[@talbingogpo]

Mountains,machines, explosives.......what else could you ask for? Awesome

[@robertarrol1084]

Damm guys this looks amazing, i could feel the MANA in watching this.

[@KTMSparky]

Mind blown to be honest. I'd love to ride this one day.

[@theadventuresofraz8706]

Nice one team. Epic!

[@stewartdoherty4037]

Thanks so much to everyone who contributed. cant wait to feel its flow.

[@kiwiwombatman]

Great work guys !!

[@LisaGray1000]

Funny to stumble across this tonight. I bumped into Logan today. Makes me realise what a full on job he was doing. What a great video!

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Logan the church bogan

[@LisaGray1000]

@@TomWoodwardVideos haha not a bad way to be known

[@michaelgoodwin593]

Absolutely sick!

[@leonhartcoreman]

You Guys are HEROES

[@HaloWolf102]

Why is arguably the best video on KZbin only have 200,000 views?

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Haha thanks, I don’t. Share it around 🤙

[@ramesesgarcia6889]

Dedication and discipline and positivity every person has in this video deserves the blessings.

[@JayMessie]

The track is epic. You guys are absolutely awesome! It is so cool to see the work documented this way. It makes me want to go back there. Thank you :)

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the track 🤙

[@ahmed0719]

amazing video and even better accomplishment

[@JClark2600]

That's amazing! I've been building dirt jumps since I was 10, I'm now 40. My vision when I was a kid was to buy some land and build bike jumps on it because the city would always destroy our work. I never was able to buy land for a bike park but I wish this type of job was around when I was in my 20s. Thanks for sharing!

[@alyx680]

Epic Trail and such a sad circumstance the brought it to fruition.

[@winterhawk1987]

Excellent work on building the trail, capturing the raw beauty of the landscape, the wildlife, the sounds and the talent of the men.

[@lplacido61]

I have seen some great trails here in California, but nothing like this... All I can say is "WOW".... Utterly and completely speechless! Congrats!!

[@fougereh]

A beautiful and interesting film. Full credit to the builders and the videographer. What a legacy!

[@MrGarthHardin]

All the way from Hood River, Oregon - The Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific North West .. hats off to you homies !! I raise a toast and a clink of a cold one for your care of the 'aina' and dedication of the sport I now indulge in, hitting as many jumps as humanly possible at my geriatric age. 55 goin on 16 .. the hei matau that hangs around my neck is the ancestor of my homes makau and a poignant reminder of my 'safe passage at sea' despite being knocked out multitudes of times under water from the reef or my board. A dream would come true to ride this trail in honor of those who lost their lives as they did spurring the creation of this trail. Garth Hardin on utube to see some trails and me goofin off in my neck of the woods ! Godspeed to all of the Walrus crew !

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks Garth Hardin 🤙

[@streddaz]

That's seriously one epic looking trail, well done! Another one for the bucket list

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Sweet, get down here!

[@streddaz]

@@TomWoodwardVideos so it's open now? Is there any info on access to the trail about?

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Currently the department of conservation is holding off the official open until the body recovery from the mine is complete. The Paparoa trail is already open. Google should supply all the info for that.

[@streddaz]

@@TomWoodwardVideos Sweet thanks

[@DeaneParkerAdventureChannel]

Great, footage, editing and story. If I were a judge I would of voted for this as best NZ Made at NZMFF 🙌

[@lucasblair3601]

This is amazing, I would love to see an extended cut that goes more in depth through the challenges and processes, and especially more riding!🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@abcdefgh1]

A truly beautiful little film ...and track. You should all be proud!

[@alwaysonyoutubem8]

So much work in this edit. Simply epic.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks, at least lockdown was good for something

[@alwaysonyoutubem8]

@@TomWoodwardVideos cheers for putting the work in dude. exceptional.

[@mar1nk081]

Guys, huge respect from me, I'm building trails In my forest and this is on another level! You did amazing job of keeping the inviroment safe and just like before! The trail looks SICK ass hell! End once more time... HUGE RESPECT! 🎖️

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thank you

[@mar1nk081]

@@TomWoodwardVideos No problem for real guys🎖️

[@Funkingout]

Awesome video guys, and topical soundtrack, RIP Ennio Morricone

[@nickay2549]

Love your work mate! creating memories for sure!

[@blanket6647]

Even tho I'm watching this for the 15th time it still amazes me what this guys did

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

YourFriendlyMountainBiker haha thanks, you’ll have to come and ride it then 🤙

[@dominicyard]

Incredible!

[@paulstuart525]

What an incredible achievement in honour of a such a special cause. Well done!!!! You have given me good reason to finally come to NZ to ride this legend of a trail.

[@killquazi]

Good job fellas 👍🏻

[@michelboerboom2825]

Amazing Job

[@CodesInURFace]

What an epic project! Great work

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Glad you think so!

[@dabadoo7631]

wow gotta ride this in my lifetime!

[@grahammayes1968]

This trail looks epic. I will definatley be making sure i do a south island trip just to ride this. Thanks for the blood sweet and tears guys.

[@mcintoshfamilynz]

Absolutely EPIC guys - watched it 2 x now and have loaded it to the top of the adventure list in 2021 - you captured the essence of how beautiful New Zealand is and built a trail that is iconic in the Pike river memory.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@LarsPetterLarsen]

Absolutely stunning! Once the world is back to normal I might just travel all the way from Norway to New Zealand to experience this wonder that you built! Kudos to the trail making skills, the effort through all sorts of weather and the movie making skills. Top notch all the way and awards to be won! Cheers!

[@andybrady3521]

Absolute epic. Raw nature at it's best with access made by an incredible crew. Major credit to all involved. Some day maybe.

[@tekkphear]

What a sick video bro!

[@elmonggalavlogs148]

this is amazing hell yahh riding this trail

[@lilgilly4613]

We need a full movie !😂

[@terenasimons5247]

Wow what a crazy job and another great video!!!!would have been so challenging at times but ultimately rewarding at the end, awesome !!!!

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Yeah so much effort went in we could only pull it off because we cared about it so much. Glad we did it.

[@Sportilium]

What an adventure you lived. Great stuff 🤘 soundtrack timing is impeccable RIP Morriconi 🍝 🤠

[@Sportilium]

😍 Last of the Mohicans, too

[@grantrogers1858]

Absolute punnacle of trail building skill right here. Puts things into perspective

[@proximusadiemus8731]

AWESOME 👏 👏 👏

[@hughieross]

Incredible!!

[@coraautumn1130]

you have such talent for film design and your project skills too! You're a legend mate!

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers, appreciate it

[@leodelaunay7048]

amazing and beautyfull!

[@NaturalExplorerNZ]

Love looking back on this experience with you lads and how incredible it was to be a part of. great skills Tom , cheers !

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Cheers, yeah it was an epic project. Who are you? Can’t tell from the channel name

[@NaturalExplorerNZ]

It's me the sensitive bushman

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Ah Felix🤙🤙😆

[@micahrushin]

It must be so satisfying to ride what you've put such an insane amount of work into

[@alistersladen1212]

Amazing work and video footage, thank you all ssooooo much for the hard work and dedication. Can't wait to get a ride.

[@whatthehuck9059]

Thank you Thank you Thank you. Thank you for the Track Thank you for the Movie Thank you for your respect!

[@abrand305]

Bucket list one day 😀

[@starlightfrontier2218]

Epic soundtrack

[@jachym1642]

best video on yt ive ever seen

[@onawave]

awesome video

[@Skogmtb]

Epic work 🤘🤩

[@Ben__David]

Love the music by Ennio Morricone. Great trail guys💪

[@camdenbryngelson247]

This deserves way more recognition

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Share it around :)

[@SuperSwimmingman1]

What an amazing journey! Beyond badasses working in those conditions to get this trail built! High on my bucket list

[@jantzensteves]

Build it and we will come! As if I needed another reason to visit amazing New Zealand!

[@ericthebikeman8559]

What kind of debby downer is down voting this masterpiece of a video?

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

That’s what I think. Thanks.

[@joeywilson4818]

@@TomWoodwardVideos misclicks

[@vr4razza]

Awesome video, well done. And massive credit to the team that put this track together. You guys must be tough as nails!

[@anewperspective247]

Awesome! Bucket list for sure.

[@andrefarnell4977]

Just forkin amazing cant wait to get my self down there to try it out.

[@Frack_Black]

Stunning imagery. The clouds flowing over the mountains was beautiful. Man, I'd love to ride that track. Good work on the trail and capturing the process.

[@yukonpeteneff]

Absolutely amazing work in terrifying terrain and conditions. Your safety report might just be the most incredible achievement. Well done.

[@cameronmcguffie5145]

Soo amazing, its definitely on my bucket list

[@judebottlik6395]

Fantastic, absolute amazing craftsmanship, what a ride, thanks guys

[@dhjet2000]

This is absolutely one of the MOST beautiful MTB films I have ever seen.

[@TomWoodwardVideos]

Thanks. Share it around 🤙

[@mattcarver7070]

Epic mate 👌 great video and amazing work on the track chur