Sun 22 November 09 - MTBO rogaine - Mt Keretu
3 or 4 hour score/rogaine format. More details closer to the time 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

Wed 25 November 09 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
After work sessions in Bowenvale Valley Hidden Valley Track for anyone to come along and help out. Tools, instruction 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 - 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.

Sat 28 November 09 - Pub-to-Pub Bannockburn Gutbuster - Bannockburn
A 75km point-to-point adventure ride from Garston to Bannockburn via the Nevis Road. The course is around 75km long and includes two big hills (climbing 800m and 640m) and some 25 or more fords. Entry forms should be available around a month beforehand. More details available later at www.cromwell.org.nz, or contact Terry Emmitt on 0274 849 424 or email info@cromwell.org.nz

Sat 28 - Sun 29 November 09 - Ground Effect Cyclic Saga - Canterbury foothills
An awesome, and very popular, 2-day navigation event (essentially a rogaine on bikes) for teams of 2-4 riders that is in a different location each year and no longer confined to Canterbury, revealed a few weeks before the event. You'll want to be reasonably fit, and have some basic map reading and navigation skills. But it need only be as hard as you make it - you are able to choose a route and pace that suits your skills and fitness. And this year there is a "Son of Saga" option for those wanting to do half days. You get to explore some very cool countryside. More info at www.cyclicsaga.co.nz, or contact Rob or Jo at info@cyclicsaga.co.nz or 027 441 6898.

Sun 29 November 09 - The Longbeach MTB Coastal Challenge - Hinds
A spectacular and exciting course over cliffs, stream crossings, strenuous gullies and farm tracks along the beautiful coastline of the Pacific Ocean. There are four courses this year:
- the 35Km Classic Track for the competitive rider
- the 23km Recreational Track for those who may be new to mountain biking or who just want to enjoy the ride without the pressure of racing
- the 23km Corporate Track for highly competitive teams
- The 12km Family Track
More info at www.longbeachbikeride.co.nz. Enquiries to longbeachmtb@gmail.com

December 2009

Wed 2 December 09 - Rapaki Hillclimb - Christchurch
Meet at bottom gate of Rapaki Track. Time trial starts between 4:15pm and 5:30 pm. Organised by Huxster but open to anyone to race.www.huxster.org.nz

Sat 5 December 09 - Festival of Cycling MTB event - Christchurch
Another new event in Canterbury. A 35km course up Rapaki, along crater rim network and down Captain Thomas. The "scenic" option heads up Rapaki and then uses the road for most of the rest of the course. $50 entry. Loads of prize money up for grabs. See www.festivalofcycling.co.nz

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

Sun 6 December 09 - Hanmer Hammerhead - Hanmer
A popular annual XC event. More info at www.mountainbikehanmer.co.nz

Wed 30 December 09 - Bannockburn MTB Classic - Bannockburn
A very popular event over the holiday period that takes you into the hills of Bannockburn (just down the road from Queenstown). Three courses to choose from:
Classic ride - 35km of great mountain terrain, including gravel roads and undulating 4WD tracks with a climb of about 600m. Ride time of 1hr 30min - 3hrs
Sport ride - 22km of great mountainbiking, including gravel roads and 4WD tracks with a climb of 350m. Ride time of 45min - 1hr 45min
Recreation ride - 10km of gravel road and 4WD tracks. Ideal for first timers or families with children over 10yrs. Ride time of 30min - 1hr.
More info at www.cromwell.org.nz, or contact Terry Emmitt on 0274 849 424 or email info@cromwell.org.nz

January 2010

Sun 10 January 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 1 - Living Springs, Christchurch
Round 1 of the nationals is on our Living Springs trail network! More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sat 16 January 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 2 - Dunedin
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sat 23 January 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 3 - Nelson
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

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.

Sat 30 January 2010 - Otago Peninsula Challenge - Dunedin
See www.otagopeninsulachallenge.co.nz/

Sun 31 January 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.

February 2010

Date TBC (normally 1st Sunday in February) - Kaiwara Klassic - North Canterbury
A 43km point-to-point adventure ride from Culverden to Cheviot. Riders travel up the gravel Kaiwara Rd to a high saddle, followed by an exciting descent into the picturesque Ethelton Valley, then a climb up the Random Spur Track through tussock covered hills with breathtaking views, and then a long descent to Mina Rd which is followed to Cheviot. Contact Terry Ashley, Cheviot Lions Club, phone 03 319 8388. More info and entry forms at www.kaiwaraklassic.co.nz

Sun 7 February 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 4 - Tokoroa
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

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

Sun 14 February 2010 - Hampden Skyline MTB Ride - Hampden
The Hampden Skyline Ride and Pugh Pedal Push are recreational rides for riders of all abilities as a fundraiser for the Hampden School. The Pugh Pedal Push is a 7km family fun ride that takes riders to a nice vantage point looking over rolling farmland to the sea. The Hampden Skyline Ride is either a 15km or 25km (500m climb) ride that takes you to the skyline west of Hampden, with spectacular 360 degree views over the North Otago coastline, past bush clad hills, through to the hills of Central Otago in the west. More information on www.sportsground.co.nz/hampdenskylineride or contact Ian on 03 439 4844 or ijsuth@farmside.co.nz

Sun 14 February 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 5 - Hamilton
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.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 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

Sat 20 February 2010 - RaboPlus NZ MTB XC Cup Round 6 - Rotorua
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

Wed 24 - Sat 27 February 2010 - Alpine Epic MTB stage race - Mt Somers to Tekapo
After a successful 2009 event the Alpne Epic is back again in 2010. www.alpineepic.co.nz
Stage 1: Mt Somers village to Rangitata River - 45km, 1500m ascent.
Stage 2: Rangitata River to Rangitata Gorge - 17km, 500m ascent.
Stage 3: Rangitata Gorge to Ashwick Flat - 88km, 2300m ascent.
Stage 4: Sherwood to Mackenzie Basin - 72km, 1450m ascent.
Stage 5: Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo - 49km, 750m ascent.

Fri 26 February - Mon 1 March 2010 - RaboPlus National MTB Champs - Wellington
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sun 28 February - Fri 5 March 2010 - 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 - National MTB Marathon Champs - Wellington
In conjunction with the Karapoti. More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

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

The Vulcaniser

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

Thu 18 - Sun 21 March 2010 - UCI Oceania MTB Champs - Dunedin
More details closer to the time here and at www.bikenz.org.nz

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 - Meridian Kids Bike Jam – Christchurch
National mountainbike series for kids aged from 5–13 yrs in 7 centres around NZ. Short off-road course plus skill courses & competitions. The event that’s cool, fun, different, outdoors and you can do it with friends. All you need is a bike and a helmet, so give it a go. Everyone completing the course will receive a medal, a certificate and a pack of goodies. Loads of spot prizes including bike gear, bike clothes and one Avanti Black Thunder Bike at each event. For more info and to enter online, visit www.KidsBikeJams.co.nz or email info@kidsbikejams.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

Sun 28 March 2010 (date TBC) - Arrowsmith Thee Ride - Lake Heron
A 42km course on the very scenic Mt Arrowsmith Station, Lake Heron, Canterbury (just tucked in behind Mt Somers). The course heads up the Cameron Valley, nearly to the source of the river, up and over a high saddle, down into the South Ashburton Valley and then back down to the finish via a long undulating valley ride and a small saddle. The course uses rough 4WD tracks and involves a couple of decent climbs, the first of which is reasonably steep in places and quite long, and also a very cool boulder scree crossing. Stunning mountain location with fantastic close-up views of the South Ashburton and Cameron Glaciers and Southern Alps. Contact Simon Hampton at methvenrace@xtra.co.nz, or by phone on 03 302 1822 or 027 274 6573. This is an awesome adventure course and should be on every rider's to-do list! They also have a recreational course for family, supporters or recreational riders (see website for details). More details, entry form, course map, photos etc are on their new website: www.multisportevents.co.nz.

Sun 28 March 2010 - Raincliff Rumble - Raincliff , Pleasant Point
Organised by the Pleasant Point Lions Club and Pleasant Point Primary School. The event runs over a variety of farm and forest track within the confines of Raincliff Station, Raincliff Forest and Pioneer Park. Event starts and finishes at Raincliff Camp. There will be 3 events for 2010 - a Challenge ride of 33km, Intermediate ride of 26km and Recreational ride of approx 13km. The Challenge and Intermediate ride offer a good variation of track type and this year will feature upgraded and extra forest single track. www.rainciffrumble.co.nz Enquiries nevilleburt@xtra.co.nz ph 03 614 8122

April 2010

Sun 11 April 2010 (Date TBC) - Mt Peel MTB Marathon - Mt Peel, Geraldine
This is a fantastic event for anyone looking for a seriously challenging ride. The course is 85km long and easily the toughest single day MTB course in New Zealand. Climbing to over 1500m, the course includes about 10km of flat roads but most of it is on 4WD tracks which allow magnificent views of the Southern Alps. About an hour is spent on a very exposed ridgeline before a steep, rocky descent to the Hewson and Orari Rivers, then returning to Peel Forest via Blue Mountain Station and the low Scotsburn range. There is over 2340m of climbing (mostly in one big very long climb!), so This is NOT A RACE FOR NOVICES! For more info, phone 03 688 5531 or head to www.mtpeelmtb.co.nz.

Sun 11 April 2010 (Date TBC) - Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge - Mt Peel, Geraldine
This course is simply awesome. It is a true adventure that will challenge riders of any ability. With fast gravel, grunty climbs, rough 4WD tracks, numerous river and stream crossings, open grass flats, it simply has it all and is a must-do course for anyone who enjoys challenging adventure courses. This event is run in conjunction with the Mt Peel MTB Marathon but is less arduous. It's around 65km long and covers some fantastic inland South Canterbury terrain. The route, incorporating over 1000m of altitude gain and loss, leaves Peel Forest and follows the Orari Gorge to Lochaber Station. There the route joins the course of the marathon for its return to Peel Forest township via Andrews Stream. There are no major climbs but is very undulating. The course is ideal for intermediate to expert riders who have a few technical skills. For more info, phone 03 688 5531 or head to www.mtpeelmtb.co.nz.

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

Sun 18 April 2010 - Mt Somers Classic - Mt Somers
There are three courses...the Classic Hits 35km Challenge, the Mt Somers Tavern 30km Intermediate Challenge, and the Allflex Novice Recreational Ride. The rides traverse the slopes of Mt Somers through bush, snow grass and along farm tracks with fantastic views. Organised by the Mayfield and District Lions Club. For more info, email info@mtsomersbikerace.co.nz, phone 03 307 0585, or head to www.mtsomersbikerace.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

[date TBC] 24-25 April 2010 (ANZAC weekend) - NZ Singlespeed Champs - Queenstown
After a very popular two years in 2008 and 2009, it's back again on ANZAC weekend in 2010 but this time in the South Island! More info at www.qmtbc.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

May 2010

7-9 May 2010 - Scott's Own Sea Scouts MTB Challenge - Maheno
An annual fundraising MTB event run by Scott's Own Sea Scouts. It is held at Kuriheka Estate which is 5 mins inland from Maheno, just south of Oamaru. It is a 20km ride with a 8km uphill challenge going from 120m to 450m, then a 12km descent with a few inclines. Their plans at this stage are to also open the track up to walkers and runners either the day before the bike ride or the day after. They will have refreshments available and it will be well sign posted. It is all strictly for fun and you get to see some great country. They will be setting up an event website soon. Contact details to come.


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

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