We love nothing more than to meet our trail users and find out what they love about the Queenstown Trail network. So we'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Queenstown Trails Trust team, gravel bike adventurer and social media guru, Louisa Hadfield.
Who?
Louisa Hadfield, UK national, Sunshine Bay resident. Newest member of Queenstown Trails Trust, I have lived in Queenstown for 3 years. An avid outdoor lover and road rider in the UK, I’ve swapped tarmac switchbacks in the Alps, for gravel trails and downhill tracks and I love it!
What brings you to the Queenstown Trail?
I’ll either be commuting to Frankton, or be heading out that way for a coffee and some cake at the Boat Shed or Franks Eatery, usually with my partner Colin. Failing that I’ll be doing some sort of long loop on the trail and head out to Arrowtown from home along the trail and back across the Countryside Trail.
Your favourite Queenstown trail?
The Twin Rivers trail. I love the remoteness of it, all within a stone’s throw of Frankton. There are incredible views, some challenging steep up hills followed by super fun downhills. It’s also great as it connects with the Arrow River Bridges trail or for taking you out to Gibbston. You can basically get to one of 4 places and I love that diversity. Plus the added bonus of going for a swim in one of the rivers!
What bike are you riding?
I have 3…Kona Jake gravel bike, which is great for the trails and my go to for commuting. My road bike, a Specialised Ruby Sport which I missed too much back in the UK so shipped it over here and is perfect for a faster ride around Dalefield, but also goes pretty well on the trails. And my Marin B17, which I use for riding at 7 mile, Skyline bike park or fun, flowy descents of Hot Rod! It’s important to have a bike for every activity here!
Describe why you bike the trails or bike at all?
Biking for me is like therapy. It gives me time to think, to clear my head and dust off the cobwebs! I also think it’s a great way to travel and see a place, as well as doing it under your own steam. The trails take you to places where you wouldn’t be able to get to or know about otherwise. They are a way to get amongst nature and history, without having to travel far at all. Its also great for fitness, especially during the winter months.
What would you like to see more of on the trail network?
A bikeable trail out to Sunshine Bay…or failing that, lots more fun bridges! Complete circuits, around Lake Wakatipu!
A sentence (or two) to sum up the Queenstown trails for you?
An invaluable part of Queenstown, that brings, and will continue to bring, benefits to everyone. Historic, practical, accessible and invaluable.
If you'd like to feature in #talesfromthetrail send us your trail photos or drop us a line at lou@queenstowntrail.org.nz.
