Mark Inglis loves a challenge.
When the mountaineer and amputee learned the once glorious St James cycle trail had fallen into disrepair about 5 years ago, he had to get involved.
In the Clarence and Waiau valleys - the 60km trail runs through the 78,000 ha St James Station - one of the country's largest high country farms.
DoC took over managing it in 2008 and it became one of the country's 'great rides'.
The department has struggled with upkeep, and it was smashed by storms in 2021 with a key bridge destroyed.
In August, that was replaced and the trail was stitched back together.
Mark set up the St James Cycle Trust and it has been given a 3-year concession to manage the track.
But raising revenue to keep it going is difficult, and Mark's focus is on getting local community to embrace the trail.
Photo: Lee Slater
