July 2009

Sat 4 July 09 - Flying Nun laps - Christchurch
Event cancelled for now. Starts from 3pm 'till 4:30pm. Organised by Huxster club but open to all riders. Free entry to Huxster members. Membership costs $20. See www.huxster.co.nz

Sat 11 July 09 - MTBO day/night relay event - Bottle Lake, Christchurch
This year PAPO are very excited to be trialling a new MTBO format in Christchurch. This will be a day-night relay competition. Ian Edmond in planning the courses. Basically the format is that there will be 1-person (3 laps), 2-person (6 laps) and 3 person (9 laps) competitions. Each lap will take 30-45 minutes. We will start at 2pm on Saturday afternoon, so the final few laps for the 3-person teams will take place in the dark. So now is the time to start organising your teams. They will be asking for pre-entry so they can prepare the correct number of maps and set up the electronic punching system. An entry form will be put on the PAPO website a few weeks beforehand... www.papo.org.nz

Sat 18 July 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sat 25 July 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
Extending and maintaining the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills, is done mostly with volunteer labour. Each month we have a trailbuilding session for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction, morning tea and good conversation all provided. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc. If you ask to be added to his email list then he will email you each month with the plan.

Sat 25 July 09 - Victoria Park short course - Christchurch
Event cancelled for now. From 3pm 'till 4:30pm. Organised by Huxster club but open to all riders. Free entry to Huxster members. Membership costs $20. See www.huxster.co.nz

August 2009

Sun 2 August 09 - Nelson MTB Club August XC Festival #1 - Nelson
Codgers Tracks. Course will probably follow the Nationals Course but may go up Atmore track and hook in to the top of Firball. Contact Andrew Scott on 027 310 6354.
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sat 8 August 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sun 16 August 09 - Nelson MTB Club August XC Festival #2 - Nelson
Grampians. Start area on the flat near top of Kanuka. Vehicle access to this point. Down Kanuka, across to Kahikatea, up Fuschia to the lookout then down the fenceline to the start. Some modifications may be added. Contact Andrew Scott on 027 310 6354.
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sat 29 August 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
Extending and maintaining the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills, is done mostly with volunteer labour. Each month we have a trailbuilding session for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction, morning tea and good conversation all provided. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc. If you ask to be added to his email list then he will email you each month with the plan.

Sun 30 August 09 - Nelson MTB Club August XC Festival #3 - Nelson
R&R track. Starting from the Quarry at the start of Bobs Fern #2. Up the road to start of R&R. Down R&R to Bobs Fern Rd, up to start of the tree section of Tuckers Trail, down to Sharlands Rd, back to start. Contact Andrew Scott on 027 310 6354.
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

September 2009

Sun 13 September 09 - Top of the South Series #1 - Waiwhero, Motueka
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sat 19 September 09 - Haggis Hunter 6 Hour - Dunedin
More details to come. www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz

Sun 20 September 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sat 26 September 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
Extending and maintaining the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills, is done mostly with volunteer labour. Each month we have a trailbuilding session for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction, morning tea and good conversation all provided. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc. If you ask to be added to his email list then he will email you each month with the plan.

Sun 27 September 09 - Rail Trail Challenge 100 Mile Adventure Ride - Clyde
Never done the Otago Rail Trail? Ridden it, loved it and want to do it again? Well now you can ride the entire length in one day! Organised by Cycling Otago. Commencing 8am at Clyde and finishing 6pm at Middlemarch. This ride is 152km in length, riders can ride solo or in teams swapping at one of the four transitions point on the route. There are a wide selection of classes and categories to enter. Your entry fee includes Lunch & Dinner. $250 to the first competitor over the finish line (thanks to Cycle Surgery). Early bird entry is $80 before 30 June, thereafter $90 per competitor. www.rtc100.co.nz has all the details as well as an entryform. For more info contact John at rtc100ride@gmail.com

October 2009

Sat 3 October 09 - SI Masters Games Cross Country event - Christchurch
Halswell Quarry. Teams of 2 riding alternate "sprint" laps, for a fixed time period of 2.5 hrs. Riders must change arm band and/or transponder at transition area for each lap. Winners are the team with the highest number of laps completed. Course is a 4km circuit in Halswell Quarry including part of the Crocodile and private farm land. Course has a mixture of single track and wider mown trails, with plenty of passing options. Age groups based on average age of the 2 team members on race day. To enter and for more information go to http://christchurch.simasters.co.nz Age policy: 30+, Sports fee (in addition to games fee): $20 per person. Contact Chris Thomas, ph 03 688 5531, or 027 297 9643, fax 03 688 5532, mountainbiking@simasters.co.nz

Sat 3 October 09 - Whaka 100 - Rotorua
The Big One. 100km of riding over a course that is predominantly singletrack. There is nothing else like it in New Zealand. 3 courses will be offered: 25km, 50km and 100km. Plus a teams event with a 60km/40km split. Regardless of what course you decide to race one thing is guaranteed: you will be racing in one of the best mountainbike venues in New Zealand. Forest roads, views and sweet singletrack set this event off from anything else on the race calendar. www.n-duro.co.nz

Sat 10 October 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sat 10 October 09 - 6 and 12 hour Day/Nighter - McLeans Island
10am-10pm and 10am-4pm. 13km course of smooth gravel singletrack at McLeans Forest Park, Christchurch. More details at www.bluedogevents.co.nz, or contact blue.dog@clear.net.nz, Ph: 03 331 7990.

Sun 11 October 09 - Top of the South Series #2 - Picton (TBC)
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sun 18 October 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sat 31 October 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
Extending and maintaining the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills, is done mostly with volunteer labour. Each month we have a trailbuilding session for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction, morning tea and good conversation all provided. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc. If you ask to be added to his email list then he will email you each month with the plan.

Sat 31 Oct 09 - Timaru 12 Hour Day/Night MTB Race - Centennial Park, Timaru
A team relay event riding laps over a 12 hour period. Fantastic singletrack and gravel track course that is fast and challenging. Teams of up to 5 riders - categories include Corporate, Open Male & Female, Mixed, Superman Vets and Juniors. Also Interschool 12 Hour Challenge and Solo 12 Hour and Solo 6 Hour. Heaps of spot prizes. For more information or to enter on-line head to www.timaru12hourmtb.co.nz, or phone 03 688 5531

November 2009

Sun 8 November 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sun 8 November 09 - Coastal Classic - Taieri Mouth
Three courses to choose from: 59km, 39km and 15km. All courses include forestry tracks, gravel roads and a great 8km 4WD track downhill to the finish. Check their website for further details, pics and entryform... www.coastalclassic.org.nz

Sun 8 November 09 - Top of the South Series #3 - Canaan Downs, Takaka Hill
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sun 8 November 09 - Vaude Highland Fling - Bundanoon, Southern Highlands, NSW,
The Vaude Highland Fling is a 100km MTB marathon starting and finishing in the village of Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia. Open to solo or teams. The 100km will follow a unique route that will take you out from Bundanoon on great tracks and eventually into and around Penrose State Forest and out via farmland to Wingello. From here you enter the beautiful forest and gully country of Wingello State Forest. You then loop back to Wingello village and follow a different route back into Penrose State Forest and eventually back to Bundanoon. All but 2km of the route will be off-road using singletrack, open paddock, rough tracks, dirt roads. There is a total of 2450m of enjoyable climbing and given you finish back where you started that means there’s 2450m of sweet downhill! It will test all who take on the challenge. Heaps more info can be found at www.wildhorizons.com.au, or email fling@wildhorizons.com.au.

Sat 21 November 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

Sun 22 November 09 - MTBO rogaine - Mt Keretu
More details closer to the tme at ... www.papo.org.nz

Sun 22 November 09 - Nelson's Mammoth event - Nelson area
Nelson MTB Club's 20/40km pinnacle single loop adventure ride, mystery location.
www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sat 28 November 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
Extending and maintaining the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills, is done mostly with volunteer labour. Each month we have a trailbuilding session for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction, morning tea and good conversation all provided. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc. If you ask to be added to his email list then he will email you each month with the plan.

Sat 28 November 09 - Kekerengu Moa Hunt - Kekerengu
The 40km course takes in some spectacular coastal and high country farm scenery. More info at www.moahunt.co.nz.

December 2009

Sat 5 December 09 - Trailbuilding at Haven MTB Park - McQueens Valley
Building a network of XC trails at the new Haven MTB Park in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula (near Gebbies Pass). Heaps more information about the mountainbike park and the club is on their website... www.havenmtb.org.nz

January 2010

Sun 24 January 2010 - Maungatapu Gold Murderer's Trail - Pelorus Bridge to Nelson
40km race from Pelorus Bridge to Nelson over the infamous Maungatapu. From the picturesque and tranquil Pelorus Bridge Reserve riders follow a gravel road approximately 12km to the foot of the Maungatapu. An 8km climb to the saddle at 740m passes 'Murderers Rock' - from here there's an 8km descent into the Maitai Valley, known to be technical, where many an experienced rider has misjudged sections and 'bit the dust'. Around 12km (a mix of gravel and seal) takes riders to the finish at Sunday Hole, Maitai Valley. More info from Averil West, 03 548 3655 or 021 303 160, admin@nelsonevents.co.nz, or head along to www.nelsonevents.co.nz.

February 2010

Sat 7 February 2010 - X-Scenic - Centennial Park, Timaru
This event takes place entirely inside Timaru’s Centennial Park – well known locally as the Scenic Reserve. This race has been created in response to the exploding interest in mountain biking in the Timaru area, thanks to the Timaru District Council and the South Canterbury MTB Club who have created heaps of new MTB tracks throughout the park. Head to www.xscenic.co.nz for more information closer to the time.

Sat 13 February 2010 - Black Stump Adventure Ride - Waikato
Race on a great variety of terrain, singletrack, farm track, and 4WD tracks whilst enjoying spectacular views. Enjoy exhilarating down hills and challenging climbs. A choice of 12km, 18km, 30km and 40km length rides. A choice of two team rides - grab your friends, work colleagues and family to enter a team. The ride is for both recreational and competitive mountainbikers and has lots of great spot prizes. Come and see what lies beyond the Black Stump! For more information and to ENTER ON LINE visit www.blackstumpadventures.co.nz

Sat 20 February 2010 - Flock Hill Adventure Ride - Flock Hill Station, SH73
A non-competitive 32km loop through the spectacular Flock Hill highcountry station. More information at www.funcycling.net, or contact Cliff Kingston on 07 578 5315 or 021 239 9148.

Sat 20 February 2010 - Coppermine Epic - Nelson
Don't miss this one! Simply awesome. Mountainbike courses don't come better than this. The inaugural 2008 event was a real hit with riders so why not give it a crack in '09. Go on! 40km of Nelson’s epic mountain bike trails. Note that there may be slight variation from the 2008 course - more details later. The race features 40km of Nelson’s epic mountain bike trails incorporating a loop of the stunning mineral belt. The loop starts in central Nelson and joins the historic Dun Mountain Rail Trail, a flowing gently inclined singletrack leading to a climb up the Classic to almost 900m to the top of Fringe Hill. Followed by the undulating Black Diamond Ridge single track through spectacular native bush. After rejoining the rail trail to complete the loop of the mineral belt with an 850m descent of the new challenge in descending; “Boulder valley”. Entry numbers are restricted. Full details, maps etc and entryforms available online at www.coppermine.co.nz

Sat 20 February 2010 - Coppermine Enduro - Nelson
Run in conjunction with the Coppermine Epic, the Enduro is aimed at those wanting the achievement of looping the mineral belt without having to climb Fringe hill and negotiate black diamond ridge (as per in the Epic). The race still features 40km of Nelson’s Epic mountain bike trails. The Enduro stays on the Rail Trail all the way to Third House and on to Coppermine Saddle. It is designed to be an achievable challenge for a fit and skilled rec rider or a fast blast for an expert rider. It is expected to take the average rec rider about 4-5 hours. Entry numbers will be restricted. Full course details, and entry forms available online now at www.coppermine.co.nz

Wed 24 - Sat 27 February 2010 - Alpine Epic MTB stage race - Mt Somers to Tekapo
A stage race right here in Canterbury! 4 days, 5 stages, 250 kms, 4600m of climbing, camping in the high country, two person teams (team mates must ride whole course together), all logistical support provided (meals, medical, technical), no support crew required, cash prizes. Entry fee $895 per person. More details at www.alpineepic.co.nz, or contact Nick on 021 893 378 or info@alpineepic.co.nz.

Sun 28 February - Fri 5 March 2010 - BMC Mountains to Beach - NSW
Imagine a week of MTB racing that will take you from the highest mountains in Australia, across snowgum lined plains, down along rainforest lined creeks and out to finish with your wheels in the sand and surf. Snaking singletrack, 'wind through the helmet' downhills, challenging uphills and some of the most varied scenery you could want. The event is a 'tour' style event. Entrants, solo or pairs, will ride some 400 km on a journey from the snowy mountains of Thredbo to the NSW beach of Narooma. The majority of the riding will be in race stages that will test the full range of mountainbiking skills - uphill, downhill, cross country, marathon, riding under lights. Whilst timed race stages will range in length from 5 km to over 100 km, there will also be a number of non timed, non race cruising stages along the way. See www.wildhorizons.com.au, or email huw@wildhorizons.com.au.

March 2010

Sat 6 March 2010 - Karapoti Classic - Upper Hutt
NZ's longest standing MTB event, now in it's 25th year! Based in Wellington's rugged Akatarawa Ranges, 10km north of Upper Hutt City, the Karapoti is one of NZ's premier endurance mountainbike events. A huge but achievable challenge of 50km combined with spectacular scenery. For more info phone 04 920 5655, email enquiries@karapoti.co.nz or check out www.karapoti.co.nz

Sat 6 March 2010 - Karapoti Challenge - Upper Hutt
A fun ride for off road rookies, recreational riders, families, supporters and schoolkids. Run in conjunction with the Karapoti Classic. For more info phone 04 920 5655, email enquiries@karapoti.co.nz or check out www.karapoti.co.nz

Sun 7 March 2010 - Pass 2 Pub MTB ride/race - Burkes Pass to Albury
A very popular 36km ride from Burkes Pass to the Albury Tavern, utilising gravel roads and 4WD tracks. Limited to 1000 riders. www.pass2pub.com

Sat 13 March 2010 - Triple Peaks Challenge - Havelock North
A long-standing 47km course scaling over Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki & Te Mata Peaks, also crossing the Tukituki river twice. Check out www.triplepeakschallenge.co.nz for more information.

Sat 13 March 2010 - Colville Connection - Coromandel Peninsula
Three rides available from Colville at the remote northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula:
- The signature event the 72km Kona Colville Connection - a tough marathon ride with over 1700 vertical metres of climbing. Spectacular views, spectacular descents.
- The 40km Ground Effect Get on Yer Bike - a ride designed for off-road junkies
- The 24km Jungle Safari - This honey of a ride is designed for those who want a day out on the bike but something not too tough. Its 100% rideable, offers a mix of non technical singletrack, farm tracks and gravel roads - and the chance of a swim at beautiful Waikawau Bay.
More info at www.colvilleconnection.co.nz, or contact jim@colvilleconnection.co.nz, or 021 648 085

Sat 20 March 2010 - Rainbow Rage - St Arnaud to Hanmer
A very popular point-to-point event that travels the 106km from St Arnaud to Hanmer via the gravel Rainbow Road. Contact Mike Gane at mike@rainbowrage.co.nz or on 03 547 6361 (wk) or 03 547 5677 (hm), or check out www.rainbowrage.co.nz

Sun 21 March 2010 - Geraldine Bike Challenge - Geraldine
New open race this year - details to come. In 2009 they had 3 courses: Open challenge - 75km, Intermediate - 26.5km, Recreational - 20km. All three courses will leave the Geraldine race course and head down to the tracks which run through the trees beside the river. The open event also has extensive country roads and hill work to give these entrants a great workout. Start time 10.30am. More details available at www.geraldinebikechallenge.co.nz, or email bikegeraldine@slingshot.co.nz

April 2010

Sat 17 April 2010 - Naseby 12 Hour Challenge - Naseby
Attention Christchurch riders! - this event is well worth the effort to drive 5 hours south to Naseby for. The course and event atmosphere is simply awesome and many riders have said this is the best South Island 12 hr course. Most would agree that it is hard to beat the awesome singletrack of the Naseby forest. And now you can spend 12hrs racing on it! Start/finish area is at the Larchview Campground, Naseby. 9am till 9pm (with sunset around 5.30pm), with entry (in 2009) only $55 per person (solo or team). The course is usually around 10.5km long and includes heaps of sweet sweet singletrack and some forestry roads. More details available at www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz. There are limited entries due to tent site spaces, so best be quick! Entries open around 1 Feb. For more info contact Craig Bates, 0274 894 361, 03 489 4360 or at cbates@landwardrealty.co.nz

Sat 24 April 2010 (ANZAC Weekend) - Contact Epic - Lake Hawea, Wanaka
Choose from a 125km circumnavigation of the iconic Lake Hawera, or the 95km Hunter Valley & Dingle Burn Classic. Contact info@contactepic.co.nz or head along to www.contactepic.co.nz

24-27 April 2010 (ANZAC weekend) - Alpine Epic MTB Stage Race - Mt Somers to Takapo
After a successful 2009 event the Alpne Epic is back again in 2010. www.alpineepic.co.nz
Stage 1: Mt Somers to Inverary - 35km, 800m ascent.
Stage 2: Inverary to the Rangitata River - 35km, 1250m ascent.
Stage 3: Rangitata River to Rangitata Gorge - 17km, 500m ascent.
Stage 4: Rangitata Gorge to Sherwood Hall - 84km, 2000m ascent.
Stage 5: Sherwood to Tekapo - 72km, 1750m ascent.

[date TBC] 24-25 April 2010 (ANZAC weekend) - NZ Singlespeed Champs - Rotorua
After a very popular two years in 2008 and 2009, it's back again on ANZAC weekend in 2010. More info at www.n-duro.co.nz

24-25 April 2010 (ANZAC weekend) - Mud House Mudride - Mt Cass
More details to come but initial report was... Run across three days the event will incorporate a cycle expo on Friday, a range of cross country events catering for riders from primary school age to national elite on Saturday and the South Island Cyclo-cross championship on Sunday. www.mudride.co.nz


Mapboards for navigation events
For navigation events where you are following a map a handlebar-mounted mapboard is useful, but by no means neccessary. These can range from an icecream container lid cable-tied to your handlebars to the state of the art $110 commercial ones. For instructions on on how you can make a reasonably durable, functional mapboard for under $20 click here.

Craig & Rebekah Tregurtha
Backyard Events
www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz
Canterbury cross-country mountainbike trailbuilding and events
03 322 7886 ... 027 313 4908 ... XC@paradise.net.nz

noticeboard | useful stuff | results | race reports | trailbuilding | living springs | vulcaniser | hillclimb series | photos | contact