Thieves leave cyclists sweating on Great Taste Trail

Cyclists stopping at Tasman View on the Great Taste Trail have been left without vital sun protection after thieves stole a 5x5 metre shade sail over Christmas.

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust administrator Elizabeth Bean says it is the second time the shade sail has been stolen.

“It was taken once before about three years ago but was returned to us anonymously. We really hope the same thing will happen again.”

After the sail was returned last time, the trust branded it with the Great Taste Trail logo.

“It’s huge and heavy and with the branding it will be obvious where it has come from. There is no way a cyclist could have taken it because it’s so big, it has to have been pre-meditated.”

The thieves left the shackles behind so it would have taken considerable effort to get it down.

“It’s not the easiest spot to get to either, so a 4x4 vehicle or dirt bike may have been involved in its removal. We won’t ask questions if it’s returned, we just want it back.”

The spot is one of the most scenic on the trail with 360 degree views of the Taman Bay and Arthur Ranges, and has a picnic table and toilet.

“It’s an amazing site, but because of that it’s really exposed. The shade really did provide much-needed shelter,” Elizabeth says.

She says it’s also the worst time of year for it to get stolen because there are a record number of users on the trail, as well as high temperatures.

“The hot and sunny holiday period has seen the highest number of users of that section of trail this year. We’ve already had reports from cyclists who are feeling the heat when they get to the top and discover the shade is missing.”

The missing sail was discovered by cyclist Alison Cauldrey on one of her regular rides on Boxing Day.

“I’d been up there earlier in the month and it was there, so when I went again a few weeks later and saw it had vanished,” she says.

Elizabeth says the sail was originally donated from a local business which has since closed, so to replace it would cost $1500 which would prevent money being spent elsewhere.

“We are a volunteer trust and replacing it is really expensive. It means we might not be able to do other things on the trail this year now.”

A permanent shade or a wooden shelter are being considered, although they come with an even larger price tag.

“Both of those options are very expensive, so a shade sail really is the best way to cover a large area cheaply. It would be really nice if it was anonymously returned.”

If you have any information on the shade sail, email admin@heartofbiking.org.nz or drop it off anonymously at a police station, no questions asked.