Of course you could do this 90km ride in the summer months, but where would the fun be in that!? Now a yearly, winter gathering with friends the Timber Trail is one of my favs – with untouched native forests, 5 suspension bridges, climbs that keep on giving and uncomplicated, flowing downhills, you won't be disappointed. Of course there was rain, plenty of rain, muddy puddles and cold air but we were well-warmed and fed at the Black Fern Lodge. For the hardy, you could carry all your gear and camp at a DOC site but for the over-thinkers of what-to-take, the transport option for your food and clothes was worth the extra cost – as was the spa! In most parts, the trail was well-formed and a hardtail would do the trick (the Avanti Atomic we took was indestructible) but for rolling over the ruts on day two, the Scott Sparks, with their 29 inch wheels and 130mm of travel, gave an added fun-factor. Definitely layer-up, there is much scenery to stop and view, and so the constant cooling down and heating up is a real thing! You don't need to hurry this ride, it's by no means as gentle as the Hauraki Trail but with steady pacing, achievable for most.

– Jo