Words Lester Perry
Images Dominic Blissett

The underground trail builders shaping Christchurch trails.

The winter of 2022 was excessively wet, and the Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) was frequently closed on weekends to preserve the trails. The closures gave CAP riders two options: get grumpy about the park being closed, or take advantage of closed (and consequently, empty) trails to improve them; making lemonade from lemons. Aaron Hogg had a crew of volunteers regularly digging on a Sunday morning, but only some of the people keen to be involved could make that timing work, leaving the door open for a second volunteer crew to get together.

Mark Stewart, Jeremy Burke, and Hamish Petty identified a part on the 3rd Base trail that they thought needed fixing, so they took it upon themselves to get it sorted. Despite not initially informing Aaron, Mark flicked some photos of the completed work through to him, and he was understandably stoked with their efforts and encouraged them to continue their mahi. This tight three-man crew formed the foundation for the Alternative Volly Collective (AVC), and they began to attract more volunteers to their dig sessions.

CAP remained unaware of their work throughout the rest of 2022. Mark, Jeremy and Hamish’s riding mates, as well as members from Aaron’s digging crew, began joining their efforts and spreading the word outside their immediate circle by using Instagram to showcase their maintenance work, attracting more members and expanding the crew to a current total of over 50!

By 2023, the group’s relationship with CAP became more formal, and they requested to be kept up-to-date with planned work so their patrol team could ensure adequate signage was in place – safety first and all that.

Securing funding from GC Super D (via Gravity Canterbury) and with assistance from the Ground Effect slush fund, the AVC has been able to fund additional tools for their projects. Their impactful work has extended beyond CAP, with several members contributing to dig days across the hills in Victoria Park, further north at Middle Hill, and on the hallowed grounds of the Craigieburn Forest Park trails.

If there’s a trail to build or maintenance to be done, the AVC is now big enough that it’s highly likely a mighty group can assemble and lend a hand. Many hands make light work, and enjoying the fruits of their labour is all the pat on the back they need.

Name Mark Stewart
Age 50!!!

Rough number of dig days with the AVC? >100

What’s your favourite trail that you’ve worked on?
The full rebuild of Kama Sutra. We had some challenges with rain events and having to rebuild sections twice, but it runs so good now. And the start of the Crankworx DH line that was never used due to the latest fire.

What motivates you to keep going to dig days/ sessions?
Removing NREs. Everyone complains about them, but few do anything about it. We have just been maintaining trails over the last couple of years but are about to start on a brand- new trail which will be an exciting challenge.

What is the most rewarding part of being part of a crew like the AVC?
Getting out and making a difference to the local trails and hearing the positive feedback from riders after we have fixed\improved part of a trail.

What do you think you’d most like the AVC to be known for?
Being a focal point for people to get involved in digging their local trails. I guess it could be hard to get involved if you don’t know who to contact or you don’t have any experience. Anyone can message us if they are keen; all are welcome.

What’s a hot tip or technique you’ve learned that helps with trail building?
Get lots of tools!! You can never have enough of them

What would you say to people in other areas who are keen to get a trail-building crew going?
Get in touch with whoever manages the land where you want to dig. Get on the socials, it is the best way to reach a wider audience than your normal riding circle. Over the winter months, if you can’t ride due to the weather you might as well dig! You never know, you might really enjoy it.

Name Hamish Pretty
Age 45

Rough number of dig days with the AVC? 40+

How did you end up as part of this trail-building crew?
I’ve been with the AVC since the beginning, before it even had a name. My first dig was with Mark Stewart and Jeremy Burke for a repair session on Rake n Bake one Sunday after the chairlift closed early due to poor weather.

What’s your favourite trail that you’ve worked on?
Pork and Puha. It was always a favourite track, and a track the AVC really took ownership of in our first season. It started with some repair and grooming then, as we gained the respect for sensible building, we started adding new lines and extra features into the trail.

What’s your favourite trail in Christchurch?
Choccy Milk. It’s got a bit of tech, lots of doubles and it’s non-stop busy. You’re working for it, always lining up the next feature, never just riding along.

What motivates you to keep going to dig days/ sessions?
Digging has always been a part of the culture that goes with riding bikes. If you want mint trails, pick up a shovel and help out. We move a bit of dirt, listen to some tunes, bounce a bit of banter, smash a few tins and we get to ride our own work when we’re done. The experience is always fun and rewarding which is why the group is constantly growing, it keeps myself and others coming back for more.

What is the most rewarding part of being part of a crew like the AVC?
As part of the AVC, I’m rewarded with the satisfaction of riding the trails we have worked as a team, but the best part of being in the AVC would have to be all the great people I’ve met who I now know as friends. Come riding day, I dare say, the AVC is the biggest riding group on the hill and I’m proud to be a part of it.

What do you think you’d most like the AVC to be known for?
I’d like the AVC to be known as the dig crew that makes trails great again.

What’s a hot tip or technique you’ve learned that helps with trail building?
Hot tip: strap your hand tools together for easier transportation onto the hill. Wear leather gloves and keep your eyes covered if you’re smashing rocks.

What would you say to people in other areas who are keen to get a trail-building crew going?
Talk to whoever’s in charge of the land so your work is accepted and appreciated; invite people onboard, as you’ll need the help; keep it fun so people return for more; post on social media to spread the word.

More recently, the AVC established a new lower half of one of the favourites, ‘Wasabi’, which had been abandoned after a huge storm blew over many trees, making it impassable. With some direction and help from our mentor trail builders, Aaron Hogg and Richard Goldsbury, the AVC got stuck in and the new trail was forged. Since we made it to the valley floor and had an exit, three more abandoned trails – Captain Torpedo, Drainpipe and SMC – were reworked and have been brought back to a rideable state. All four trails are awaiting park sign off to be returned to service. The Dual Slalom has recently been cleared by the AVC after being overgrown with gorse for years, and we held an unofficial race on it early in May. Our focus has now moved to the creation of a new blue line on the open side of the hill. From a couple of riding buddies fixing blown out berms, to a 50+ strong crew building race tracks and new lines, the AVC has come a long way in a short time. The AVC wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Mark Stewart – he was there from the beginning, liaises with the park, attends most of the digs, records all the attendees, logs the dig tally for the reward scheme, posts the work onto social media tagging all the attendees, and he rides the tracks when they’re done. He is the boss!