This weekend’s Lawrence Trail Ride will start from Mr Bradfield’s farm in Tuapeka West and takes in seven other farms.
"Most of the farm owners were pretty happy for motorbikes to come on to their place. A couple took a little bit more convincing but I’ve managed to twist their arms," he said, laughing.
The trail ride had previously been located at Beaumont for more than 15 years.
"We want to have three or four different locations, so we can share the trail ride around each year and give riders different terrain.
"It also gives the landowners a break; they’re not having to host every year and have their paddocks ripped up," he said.
This year’s ride will take in native bush and sends riders along the Clutha river.
"And there’s some big gorges, too. It’s a cool way to take in some awesome scenery."
The trail ride is jointly organised by the Lawrence Lions Club, Lawrence Bike Club and Lawrence Area School PTA.
"The Lions look after all of the paperwork and get all of the gear to the site, like the tents and portaloos. The PTA does all the catering and the Bike Club does the track marking and set up and break down. It’s a massive event for our small community. It’s too much work for just one club," he said.
Last year the trail ride had record numbers attend with more than 1200 people over two days and Mr Bradfield hopes for a similar turn out this year.
"The Bike Club is building a mountainbike park in a 50ha tree block which will cost around $400,000.
"It’s about giving people in our area things to do, including visitors. It’s all about looking at the big picture and making this place a destination in its own right."
The majority of the riders who attend the trail ride are novice riders and Mr Bradfield said that is mostly who they cater the trails for.
"We will have a 50km loop and a 30km loop which will be very doable for families to go on together. A four-wheeler or side-by-side can be driven on the main tracks and there’s about 25 detours along the way where people can challenge themselves and take on more advanced options."
The day Southern Rural Life talked to Mr Bradfield, he was about to head out and do a test ride on part of the track with his 11-year-old daughter Lola, as well as other mates and their children.
"It’s a really good way to gauge how lesser experienced riders will handle it.
"We’ve had a lot of fun testing out the tracks with the kids in tow. It can get a bit ugly if it’s raining, though," he said.
By Alice Scott
