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Get The Old Ghost Road Across the Finish Line

  • Fundraising Update #9

      29 May 2015
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    Welcome to what is likely to be the last update in our on-line fundraising quest to enable completion of The Old Ghost Road. Yes, that’s right, our Givealittle campaign is scheduled to draw to a close on Sunday 31st May 2015.

    While still short of our ultimate fundraising target, we feel it is only fair to conclude this particular effort and undertake the prize draws.

    This by no means signals defeat or cessation of our efforts. We will achieve our fundraising objective and complete The Old Ghost Road by some means or another! If you have ideas or a sponsorship proposition that may make this task easier, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz

    This campaign has been seriously humbling. Not just because of the amount raised and not just because that amount makes significant strides towards assuring successful completion of The Old Ghost Road, but because of the outpouring of encouragement and support that we have received. To all of you who have given money or words or both, we extend our sincerest thanks. It means a great deal.

    And as one last challenge, how about we try and go out with a bang? We’re just over $4,000 shy of reaching a massive six-figure fundraising milestone - $100,000. What a celebration it would be to reach that target! If you feel you can contribute to this last challenge, then please donate here:

    https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/oldghostroadacrossthefinishline

    And a reminder that every donor goes into the draw for two nights' accommodation for four people at Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge and some exquisite backcountry meal packs courtesy of Absolute Wilderness. And for those donating $1,000 or more, you will go into the draw for an hour of helicopter time on The Old Ghost Road for four people (provided by Karamea Helicharter), plus transfers from Westport (Hike n Bike Shuttle) plus two nights' lodging at Rough and Tumble.

    Thank you, The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust; our magnificent project sponsors; our amazing trail workers; and our hundreds of remarkable volunteers.

    P.S. Recent comments from some of our fabulous donors:

    “Can't wait to see it all open. Well done to everyone who had the vision & have worked so hard.”

    “I hope I get to make it down there and ride this thing. Even if I don't, I'm happy just knowing it's there.”

    “This track is such a labour of love, adventure and passion! Love The Old Ghost Road, and we hope to continue to grow with its awesomeness!”

    P.P.S. Photo credit - Stephen Draisey (volunteer) - Ghost Lake hut sunrise

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  • Fundraising Update #8

      16 May 2015
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    Welcome to another update in our fundraising quest to enable completion of The Old Ghost Road. What a period it’s been. Thanks to your help, we are now knocking on the door of $90,000 raised. Our rate of fundraising is fairly and squarely keeping us in the game, with the amount left to raise essentially no greater than the sum raised to date – it’s doable!

    Nothing comes easily though, and it’s taken some extraordinary generosity to continue to propel us forward. You will have noted Stevenson Mining’s generous donation (as discussed in previous newsletters), but we owe our gratitude to another amazing community-oriented company – MBC Ltd.

    MBC is no stranger to The Old Ghost Road. Their personnel have supported (in a voluntary capacity) a range of project aspects over the years such as baseline ecological assessments and some erosion control activities. They have never been shy of rolling up their sleeves and pitching in when the need arises. But as you may have noticed, they recently did more than donate their skills and precious time – they donated $10,000 to our cause. It is gestures like these that significantly influence our destiny. The Old Ghost Road is deeply appreciative of MBC’s contribution and support.

    We are continuing to work hard and find ways to maintain our fundraising momentum. The Old Ghost Road has always been one big team effort. With your support, it continues to be, and it makes our task infinitely easier. So if you have ideas or wish to make a suggestion or sponsorship proposition, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz

    Regards, The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    Recent comments from some of our fabulous donors:

    "Great project. All the best with getting this completed. I hope to ride it one day!"

    "The most amazing walk I have done. Overwhelmed by work involved and still ongoing. Glad to have walked unfinished sections to really appreciate the work."

    "Will be a great family adventure when it's all finished."

    Photo: MBC volunteer team readying to deploy on The Old Ghost Road

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  • Fundraising Update #7

      16 May 2015
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    How fitting that this fundraising caper is proving to be just like building The Old Ghost Road – every movement forward hard won yet incredibly satisfying and all done via a massive team effort.

    The last 24 hours have been significant with an incredibly generous donation from Stevenson Mining who has a demonstrated track record of supporting the communities they work in. On this occasion, The Old Ghost Road has been a grateful beneficiary. Stevenson’s donation has literally catapulted our fundraising total to over $75,000. To those of you who helped us reach $55,000 to trigger this donation, thank you. And of course to Stevenson’s – well, what can we say. Thank you very much.

    But wait – there’s more! We have just received confirmation of another very generous and significant pledge. This pledge will materialise as a donation if we can reach $77,000 by the end of this weekend. That is so close! Can you donate now to help us seize this momentum? It’ll be worth it.

    If you wish to discuss an idea or make a suggestion or sponsorship proposition, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz. Thank you for your continued support.

    Regards, The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    Track Spotlight: Jim McIlraith

    Jim joined The Old Ghost Road back in early 2011 and set to work on the early endeavour of helping to restore the Lyell ‘dray road’ as it climbed its way up to the Lyell Saddle – now home of the first new hut from the southern end of the trail.

    Very quickly Jim assumed the mantle of organising and conducting the intensive track construction effort as it escalated in both scale and number of working fronts. He quickly became the ‘front-country’ conductor of the ‘back-country’ engine room of trail builders – some of whom you’ve met in previous Track Spotlights. With Old Ghost Road trail building being a continuous 7-day-per-week undertaking (the only efficient way to operate when faced with such remote work sites), Jim made large personal sacrifices to keep the wheels rolling and be available to his ‘men in the hills’.

    Now managing Team WestReef (the entity constructing the last two sections of The Old Ghost Road), Jim has covered as much of The Old Ghost Road as anyone – often quickly. In January 2014 he completed the first non-stop running traverse of The Old Ghost Road. This year he completed another single day run of the whole trail – arguably in the harder direction - in just over 11 hours and 30 minutes. It is not uncommon for Jim to marry his two passions – often exiting the deep interior of The Old Ghost Road after a work visit on foot in short time.

    As far as commitment goes – The Old Ghost Road has been seen no equal – adding to the incredible team we have been blessed with. Next time you see a blur shoot past you on The Old Ghost Road, don’t confuse it for a ghost – it may just be Jim returning home from work ...

    Photo: Jim McIlraith atop the Lyell Range during a project inspection (2012).

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  • Fundraising Update #6

      28 April 2015
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    We’re now less than $3,000 from a significant fundraising milestone! If we can get to $55,000, we are assured of a significant donation that will thrust our campaign forward. Can you help us get there? Please donate via this website if you can.

    As mentioned in our last update, your generosity is keeping us in the game and brings with it significant benefits. Having raised more than $52,000 since this campaign started, you have bought us more time and because of this, we have been able to extend our fundraising campaign until the end of May - further increasing our chances of achieving a timely completion to The Old Ghost Road. All prizes hold and we’re hopeful of adding even more to the existing pool to reward those of you who have so kindly donated!

    If you wish to discuss an idea or make a suggestion or sponsorship proposition, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz. Thank you for your continued support.

    Regards, The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    P.S. Some recent comments from our wonderful donors.

    "Great work on a momentous trail - the whole project has generated such a wave of respect & appreciation, so richly deserved."

    "Well done to the track builders, stunning West Coast bush complimented by awesome tracks, thanks a lot".

    "A project of such epic proportions, producing such staggeringly good track in the wild south....how can we ever thank the builders, the supporters and the their families enough for making this possible! Hope this small donation helps and good luck with the last few km's."

    Track Spotlight: Steve Stack.

    If there is a mainstay amongst The Old Ghost Road trail building team, then ‘Stacky’ is it. A central player from the very outset, Stacky’s bush skills were at the fore from as early as 2007 as we tramped and bashed our way up and down the project area determining whether it really was possible to connect the two historic ‘dray roads’ at each end of The Old Ghost Road and complete what the old timers’ intended – albeit 130 years later.

    Rain, hail, snow, sleet or knee-deep mud – whatever Mother Nature has thrown at Stacky and his teammates has been met head on. This is impressive if sustained for a week - it is downright heroic when sustained for more than 4 years, through all seasons, at all altitudes – all the while living remotely. It is this tenacity, determination and loyalty that has got us to within shouting distance of the finish line. We frequently receive comments from those of you who have biked or tramped along The Old Ghost Road about how blown away you are by the sheer effort that has gone into the trail construction. It is the likes of Stacky, those featured in our previous ‘Track Spotlight’ features and others you are yet to meet (but will do in the coming weeks) that are responsible for this and deserve our deepest gratitude.

    Now working as part of Team WestReef (the entity constructing the last two sections of The Old Ghost Road), Stacky was there for the very first sod of dirt turned and it would be fitting if it was he who ceremoniously turned the final sod. Your fundraising support makes that a very real chance.

    Photo: Steve ‘Stacky’ Stack (left) and Marion ‘Weasel’ Boatwright (right) – foundation members of The Mokihinui Lyell Backcountry Trust during a 2009 project reconnaissance mission, Mokihinui River South Branch

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  • Fundraising Update #5

      10 April 2015
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    Welcome to another update on our fundraising campaign to complete The Old Ghost Road. We are constantly blown away by the support we receive from you all – whether donations, words of encouragement, or both. Thank you.

    We have an exciting new opportunity in front of us. A significant contribution has been pledged to the project when we reach the $55,000 mark. At $48,820 raised, we’re almost there! Can you help us reach $55,000 in the next few days so we can secure this donation and provide the impetus needed to drive this campaign ever so closer to the finishing line? If so, please donate here.

    https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/oldghostroadacrossthefinishline

    Another major development of our fundraising campaign is that the dollars raised to date are helping by keeping us in the game – thus ensuring the prospect of having to cease trail construction stays away for the time being. This has bought us more time and as a result, we have been able to extend the duration of this campaign to the end of April. Your generosity is already bringing benefits and increasing our chances of continuity and timely completion of The Old Ghost Road.

    If you wish to discuss an idea or make a suggestion or sponsorship proposition, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz Thank you for your continued support.

    Regards, The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    Track Spotlight: The Old Ghost Road Hut Building Team.

    As those of you who have ventured on The Old Ghost Road well know, the effort to construct it has been immense. Constructing the huts along the trail has been a monumental part of that effort. Ever built your own house and been challenged by the logistics? Try doing that that in the middle of the wilderness without the ability to pop down to the nearest Mitre 10 for another box of nails.

    The hut building programme on The Old Ghost Road has only been possible via the courage, skill and commitment of three main players - Marion Boatwright, Art Corn and Dale Robertson (pictured from right to left). Four brand new hut complexes – built over an 18 month period – have been delivered at the hands of this team. Each time they’ve disappeared into the field for up to a month at a time, only emerging when the job is done. This has involved enduring all sorts of climatic conditions and hardships, not to mention sandflies…….and did we mention they have done this as volunteers? For those fortunate enough to stay in the Lyell Saddle, Ghost Lake, Stern Valley or Specimen Point hut settlements, we encourage you to spare a moment’s thought for the heroes that made these possible.

    Comments from some of our fabulous recent donors:

    "Did the enduro up there a few weeks ago - epic!! Such a good intro to this awesome project & can't wait to get back to ride the whole thing . Keep up the fantastic work."

    "Love the track - visionary project. Ride on."

    "I SO enjoyed my adventure, (joining three unknown but very friendly, women from another part of NZ), tramping the track Dec 2013."

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  • Fundraising Update #4

      27 March 2015
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    Four weeks into our fundraising campaign to complete The Old Ghost Road and the tally continues to climb (having reached almost $45,000 at the timing of writing). Thank you to all who have contributed – some of you more than once! Fourteen generous donors are in the draw for the grand prize having donated $1000 or more. All donors are eligible for the general prize draw.

    We are hoping to secure some significant pledges in the coming week – please stay tuned as we may need to reach a fundraising ‘threshold’ in order to convert these pledges into donations and we’re likely to need your help. And speaking of help, last week we kicked off a ‘spotlight series’ – a short feature on some of the heroes behind this project that have helped in some immeasurable way.

    Track Spotlight: Rhys Bowen (photo credit: Sven Martin).

    Compared to some, Rhys is a relative new-comer to The Old Ghost Road, having enlisted as a volunteer through the summer of 2013/14. Many of you who volunteered as part of that campaign or who have stayed at Ghost Lake may have met Rhys. Rhys made his mark with his tireless work ethic, his physical strength and prowess, his attention to detail and his overall commitment to the project.

    Rhys has since become an essential part of The Old Ghost Road construction team, leading efforts on Skyline Ridge north of Ghost Lake, a unique section of technical single track that tip-toes its way through stunning and rugged sub-alpine terrain. It is here where Rhys will finish his work – leaving Team WestReef which is building south towards Rhys to join the trail and complete The Old Ghost Road.

    As an avid outdoorsman and mountain biker, Rhys bikes the 30km/1200m climb to work each week (refer earlier comment about physical prowess…). He recently biked the entire Old Ghost Road in a day (with a fair amount of bike carrying in the unformed middle section). After these antics, he is as keen as anyone to see the trail completed and the bike carry eliminated.

    Click on the video link to meet Rhys and some of ‘Team WestReef’ and to understand just what your fundraising help is contributing to. As Rhys says in his final comment, “To get it across the line is going to be something pretty special.”

    Comments from some of our steadfast donors over the past week:

    "Have already walked the whole track in June 2014 and have ridden almost to the bush line at the Lyell end. Not local but a regular visitor to the area and love what the team is doing. A major challenge & vision & a lot of hard work. Well done!."

    "As a visitor to this country, this was one of my first tramps and I have been back many times since. It is amazing what these individuals have done to make this possible for people like myself to see this beautiful part of the country! Thanks so much!"

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  • Fundraising Update #3

      25 March 2015
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    Three weeks into our fundraising campaign to complete The Old Ghost Road, we're delighted to report that our total has surpassed 20% of our target of $182,212. Reaching this target will enable us to build the final 2.6km of trail. Thanks to your generous efforts, the 'unfunded' distance is now down to just 2km.

    Thirteen kind donors are in the draw for the grand prize (having donated $1000 or more). All donors are eligible for the general prize draw that just grew thanks to Absolute Wilderness generously contributing five delicious freeze dried meal packs (containing 4 assorted meals per pack) – perfect accompaniments for any adventure on The Old Ghost Road.

    We are proud of the fact that, as a volunteer-run non-profit organisation, our fundraising dollars are going directly to the cause of track building and completing the trail. We are also proud of our track workers who do the hard yards day in and out. The spotlight below is the first of a series of profiles celebrating just some of the amazing track workers to grace the project.

    Track Spotlight: Paul Jennens (photo credit: Sven Martin)

    Creating New Zealand’s longest continuous single track does not come easily. At the very heart of this undertaking is an amazing team of trail builders and volunteers. Paul Jennens is one such example. Whether it’s slogging away in knee-deep mud, swinging a Pulaski axe in all-day summer sun or standing over a rock drill in winter sleet, Paul is unwavering in his work ethic and will always return at the end of each day – no matter what it threw at him – unfazed and with a smile on his face. Paul has committed over 7,000 hours to The Old Ghost Road since 2011 – essentially all of this time based deep in the wilds. A qualified teacher and outdoor education instructor, Paul is also an accomplished bushman with professional hunting and trapping experience. He revels in the hospitality aspect of the job - many of you may well have been the recipient of one of Paul’s freshly brewed cuppas at Ghost Lake or Lyell Saddle. Paul is central to our core team of trail builders – a team that remains committed to trail building into this winter and completing The Old Ghost Road - all of course if we’re successful with our fundraising efforts. Next time you ride or tramp along The Old Ghost Road, ponder for a moment the sheer effort and toil that people like Paul have given. Not only are we indebted to them, we are in awe of them all.

    Footnote: Comments from some of our marvellous donors over the past week include:

    "A monumental effort worth supporting in every possible way. Love the ride, love the huts, hope this helps a little to join the dots."

    "It is amazing to see the power of volunteers with vision and determination, creating an icon for the Buller District and New Zealand. The Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust and its team of helpers is simply inspiring."

    "When I win Lotto I will donate heaps. A well worth track to help fund."

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  • Fundraising Update #2

      13 March 2015

    Since its conception more than 8 years ago, The Old Ghost Road has always been blessed with amazing support. Join Westport locals Graeme and Sharon on their Old Ghost Road experience. As Sharon says in the video, “it’ll be really cool once it’s all open right through.” And that’s what this fundraising campaign is all about. In the weeks to come, we’ll share more with you about what our journey involves.

    So, week 2 (of 6) of our fundraising campaign to complete The Old Ghost Road has passed and we are now approaching 200 donations totalling $33,738 towards our goal of $182,212. To all of you who have added to the tally in this last week, thank you. And once again, thanks for your kind words of support.

    We have now received nine donations of $1000 or more. These donors are in the grand prize draw which just got a whole lot better! Westport-based Hike n Bike Shuttle has generously joined the throng and are contributing return shuttle transfers from Westport to the original prize package of two night’s accommodation at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge and an hour long helicharter over The Old Ghost Road with Helicharter Karamea - to be used as you please - helibiking, helihiking or scenic tour - whatever takes your fancy. The value of this package is now well over $3000!

    But it doesn’t end there. Every donor goes into the draw for two nights accommodation for four people at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge at the northern end of The Old Ghost Road. In our next update, we expect to be able to announce additional great prizes - stay tuned.

    There are many non-financial ways in which you can help. Our Givealittle fundraising page has several easy methods – all located on the lower right hand side under ‘Other ways to help’. These include:

    • HELP FUNDRAISE - setting up your own fundraising page that points to our cause;

    • GRAB A WIDGET – embedding our specific fundraising widget in your web page;

    • SEND BY EMAIL – emailing your friends and family our fundraising page details.

    If you wish to discuss an idea or make a suggestion or sponsorship proposition, please contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz

    Sincere thanks, the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    P.S. A few comments from some of our amazing donors over the past week:

    "Waiting for completion then off to sample this amazing venture with our grand-daughter before we are too old! Good luck with this 'push'. Very exciting, like the old 'Telethon' watching the donations coming in!"

    "Walked the whole track back in October 2014, had a fantastic time. Amazing the work that has been done........good luck with the completion of it. Can't wait to get back and bike it now! Cheers!!"

    "A great track that many New Zealander's and overseas visitors will enjoy."

    "Yeeahhhaa can't wait!!!"

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  • Fundraising Update #1

      6 March 2015
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    Wow! What an amazing start to our fundraising campaign to enable completion of The Old Ghost Road.

    Week 1 (of 6) has come and gone and we have been humbled by the generosity of 137 people who have collectively donated $28,868 towards our completion goal of $182,212.

    Yes, we have a way to go yet, but thanks to your efforts, we are off to a great start. To everyone who has donated we extend our heartfelt gratitude. As if your donations were not enough, your words of support and encouragement top things off.

    So far, we have received eight donations for $1000 or more. Each of these donors are already in the prize draw for two nights accommodation at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge and an hour long helicharter over The Old Ghost Road with Helicharter Karamea - to be used as you please - helibiking, helihiking or scenic tour - whatever takes your fancy. And of course every donor is in the draw for two nights accommodation for four at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge at the northern end of The Old Ghost Road.

    In and amongst an exciting week, we have had people come forward seeking to help in other ways. In the near future we expect to add more prizes to the offering. Stay tuned!

    There are many ways you can help beyond donating. Our Givealittle page has several easy methods by which you can share the campaign among friends and family (look on the right hand side under 'Other ways to help.') The more we can spread the word to people whose lives will be positively impacted by this project, the faster we can reach our goal. You may also be able to contribute to the effort with prizes, sponsorship propositions, exposure etc. If you wish to discuss an idea, contact us at info@oldghostroad.org.nz

    We look forward to bringing news and updates of progress over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for the first of a series of features about special folk who have graced this project along the way and left their own indelible mark.

    Sincere thanks, the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust

    P.S. Photo credit - Sven Martin (Ghost Lake at dawn).

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