New MTB tracks in forest
 A new extension to the mountain bike trails at Bottle Lake Forest Park has proved a hit with the public. Part of the former Burwood Landfill hillside has been opened to public access to allow mountain bikers even more coverage in the forest.
Coastal Parks Ranger Warren Hunt says the new area is a bonus for bike riders, especially those new to the sport.
"The extension allows novice riders to experience an easy downhill ride before they hit the big stuff available on the Port Hills," he says. "It's also good for riders that have just bought a new bike and want to give it a bit of a test run on a downhill slope."
The new trails give riders about an extra 2km of track, most of which is on open grassy hillsides with spectacular views across the forest areas to the central city and Port Hills.
On the subject of Bottle Lake, there have been several fires in the forest in recent months and Council rangers would appreciate cyclists looking out for signs warning of closed tracks and avoiding those areas.
"There's a fair bit of clearing going on towards the Spencer Park end of Bottle Lake and the trails will be reopened up to the public as soon as possible," says Mr Hunt.
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