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

Sun 14 March 2010 - MTB-orienteering event - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
(New date, new location!) Followup event to the February CCC Fun Day. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Thu 18 - Sun 21 March 2010 - UCI Oceania MTB Champs - Dunedin
Bethune's Gully - Forrester Park: 6.5km long. Riders start on the soccer ground in Forrester Park then loop behind the dog club and up to the start finish on the upper soccer fields. From here a single track descends then climbs through the trees. A lap through the BMX track then you cross the road, and after a small drop, head onto the main climb on a wide shingle road. At the top you turn right into the Haggis Hunter for a tight & fast single track down to the head of Bethunes Gully. After crossing the footbridge, there’s a steep single track climb up the other side of the valley. Some well burmed corners lead off the top of the hill before the track steepens and takes you back to the head of the Gully. A short section of shingle road then turn left into a new single track which climbs then descends down the gully. Just after a boardwalk turn left and climb up to the skid site before exiting onto the road. Ride down to the gate and on the left then take the single track back to Forrester Park and complete the lap. To enter and for more details head along to 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 21 March 2010 - The Wee McGregor - Lake Tekapo
This 40km high country adventure mountain bike ride starts at the 'Pines' on the eastern outskirts of Lake Tekapo township. After a circuit of the mountain bike park in the 'Pines' you cycle on a good gravel road along the lake shore before making a 350m climb up a rough 4wd track to an historic musterers hut site. From here catch stunning views of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, and the Southern Alps as well as Lake Tekapo and surrounds. Start a very long (22km) and gradual descent on rough 4WD tracks. Gain an appreciation of the High Country as you mountainbike along the foot of the Two Thumb Range, past Wee McGregor a 1138m mini mountain, high country tarns and streams on an improving track and surface back to the 'Pines'. This 40km ride takes 2-5 hrs, depending on fitness and ability. HOW TO GET THERE: Signposted. On Lilybank Road (going to Roundhill Ski Field) which leaves the main road 1 km east of Lake Tekapo township. Please Note this course is not available for pre riding or practice. www.mtbpursuits.com. Contact Pete and Margaret at pete.marg@xtra.co.nz or on 03 680 6207 for more info

Sun 28 March 2010 - 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.raincliffrumble.co.nz Enquiries nevilleburt@xtra.co.nz ph 03 614 8122

Sun 28 March 2010 - 7X7 (Seven hours of Seven Mile) - Queenstown
Venue for the 2010 NZ Singlepeed champs. Non stop 7 hour race for individuals or teams. In 2009 it was limited to 25 teams, with a 10am start and just $30 entry per person. All proceeds to go to future tail development at Seven Mile. They have put together a 30 minute 6 km circuit which should test the hardest athlete (and be fun for everyone else). www.qmtbc.co.nz, contact carey@vivianespie.co.nz.

Sun 28 March 2010 - Over the Tunnels - North Otago
Waitaki Girls High School PTA & Futures Trust invite you to: OVER THE TUNNELS, a Recreational MTB Bike Ride/Walk/Half Marathon from Windsor to Tokarahi, North Otago. 21km recreational, non competitive mountainbike ride/walk or half marathon through historic railway branch line. Rural views, view historic tunnel openings and manmade railway embankments and cuttings. The trail is off rail and includes grass, gravel, 4WD tracks and forestry with some undulating contours. The trail is suitable for all level of riders and bikes. A moderate level of fitness an advantage. Click here to download their info flyer, or contact Lynette McCone 03 439 5373 for rego info, or for trail info: Charlie Gibson 03 432 4098.

April 2010

Sat 3 April 2010 - Carricktown Crusher - Bannockburn
Not for the faint-hearted rider, the ride will take you up to Duffers Saddle via the gravel Nevis Rd, and then straight down the Carricktown Track past the historic towns of Carricktown and Quartzville. Total distance is 31km. Entry forms will be available at www.cromwell.org.nz, or contact Terry Emmitt on 0274 849 424 or email info@cromwell.org.nz

Sat 3 April 2010 - Tour de Wakatipu - Arrowtown
This new mountainbike challenge will provide exclusive access through Coneburn Station alongside the Kawarau River and conclude with a function at Chard Farm winery. Southern Traverse Director Geoff Hunt says the 45km event will appeal to mountainbikers of all levels and was born out of the idea of staging a fun, but challenging race through the Wakatipu, incorporating two lakes, two rivers and new tracks recently developed by the Wakatipu Trails Trust. The event begins in the Arrowtown / Millbrook Resort area and follows a course to gain access to the newly gazetted Wakatipu Trails Trust tracks, across Speargrass Flat Road and on to Slopehill Road. This leads to the scenic single track alongside the Shotover River and across the restored Lower Shotover Bridge. The course then follows a gravel road and 4WD track to the Shotover delta, before joining the Kawarau River track and crossing the Kawarau River bridge, at the exit point of Lake Wakatipu. A one kilometre highway section accesses the scenic and private Kawarau River road on Coneburn Station and the gentle undulating ride leads to the finish line at Chard Farm. "The ride is for both elite and recreational competitors, and from the front of the field there will be intense competition, as these athletes race to finish the event in around two to three hours. The recreational bikers will take anything up to five hours," says Hunt. "It has some fantastic elements and in particular it is a great opportunity for people to ride the private Kawarau River road which has never been opened up to an event before." More info at www.southerntraverse.com/TourDeWakatipu/ or contact Jenny McLeod on 021 357 173, or Geoff Hunt at traverse@queenstown.co.nz

Sat 10 April 2010 - 4 and 8 hour MTB event - Hanmer Springs
Another new event for the Canterbury calendar. With a team of mates, work colleagues, school friends, or even the family, here is an event that is manageable by all. With a team of up to five riders, or if you’re really tough, you could go solo, with a mixture of forest roads and single track riding, what a way to spent an Autumn day in Hanmer Springs. The whole event will be run in daylight, so no need for expensive lighting systems, based out of the Forest Camp grounds, so great facilities and plenty of space to enjoy the MTB Village atmosphere, with time in the evening to enjoy the other delights of Hanmer Springs. Coffee and food will be available on site, loads of Spot Prizes form top Sponsors. Starting at the Forest Camp on Jollies Pass Road the circuit goes: Up Black Dog - Up Mac 1 - Up McIntyre to the picnic area - Down Upper Dog Creek - Up over Jolliffe Road - Down Timberlands Trail - Lower Redrock - Cross the road over to the Heritage Trails - Back to Forest Camp. For more details and entry forms head along to www.hanmerevents.co.nz, or contact Graham Frith, 03 315 5009, 021 168 1545

Sun 11 April 2010 - Working Men’s XC Sprint - Hanmer Springs
A very short course will be marked out, and individuals will have twenty minutes plus three laps to get to the front, that’s if they are not eliminated by race officials. Watch out for details and entry forms on www.hanmerevents.co.nz, or contact Graham Frith, 03 315 5009, 021 168 1545

Sun 11 April 2010 - 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 - 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 only $60 per person (solo or team). The course is 10km 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 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

Sat 24 April 2010 (ANZAC Weekend) - Marble Mountain MTB Classic - Motueka
A combination of some road riding and a climb up Takaka Hill looking over Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman NP. More info at www.marblemountainclassic.org.nz

Sat 24 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

Sat 8 & Sun 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. You can also just do the downhill stage if you want by using their provided transport to the top of the hill. They are also opening the track up to walkers and runners. Rego for riders is from 9:30 to 11:30am and walkers 11:30am to 1pm. There will be refreshments available and it will be well sign posted. It is all strictly for fun and you get to see some great country. The event website is www.scottsownseascouts.com. Contact Jason 03 437 0164, Antony 027 665 9364, Zelie 03 437 1222, Rob 03 437 0581, or email scottsownseascouts@xtra.co.nz.

Sat 8 & Sun 9 May 2010 - MTB-orienteering weekend - Hanmer Springs
A full and fun weekend of fun MTB-orienteering events. Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Sun 16 May 2010 - Milton Jailbreak - Milton
Location is behind the new Milton Prison, South Otago. A formidable course awaits those with the drive and determination to race for glory taking in steep up-hills, descents, ruts, bogs, trees and of course the possibility of escaped convicts! For the recreational rider an easier 30km course is available and has proved popular. The recreational course is based mainly on private unsealed forestry roads with an initial climb that has great views of the Forestry blocks, Milton and the surrounding countryside. More info at http://miltonjailbreak.co.nz/

Fri 23 - Sat 24 March 2010 - Wainuiomata Winter Weekender - Upper Hutt
A cool new event that uses the awesome new trail network that the trail crew have been beavering away at up in the Wainuiomata area just north of Wellington. The event incorporates the New Zealand 24 hour Solo Champs, the Wainui 12 hour Open, and the 6 hour Solo Wurldz. All the info you need can be found at http://www.www24hr.blogspot.com

June 2010

Sun 6 June 2010 - Lake Tekapo MTB Pursuit - Tekapo
A very scenic 90km course with gentle undulations (no major hillclimbs) on mostly gravel roads and 4WD tracks. The course starts and finishes at Tekapo Village and basically circumnavigates Lake Tekapo, including a crossing of the braided Godley River (approx. six knee deep crossings). Also 1/2 option for those who don't like getting their feet wet. More info at www.mtbpursuits.com. Contact Pete and Margaret at pete.marg@xtra.co.nz or on 03 680 6207 for more info

Sun 20 June 2010 - MTB-orienteering sprint race - Eyrewell Forest
Another new event for Christchurch... Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

July 2010

Sun 4 July 2010 - MTB-orienteering event - McLean's Forest, Christchurch
A fun course that suits all riders as there are no hills! Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

August 2010

Sun 15 August 2010 - MTB-orienteering event - Spencerville
North end of Bottlelake Forest. Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Sun 22 August 2010 - The 3 Ring Circus - Bundanoon, Southern Highlands, NSW,
The 3 Ring Circus is a MTB enduro event where solo performers or relay teams of two or three will ride a 50km circuit taking in three loops of the MTB trails in Wingello State Forest – Blue (approx 6km), Red (approx 25km), and Yellow (approx. 19km), offering something for everyone – singletrack for the experienced, climbs for the fit, and scenic forest roads for the novice. Perform solo and challenge yourself over 50km or do it as a relay team and enjoy a great day out on the beautiful Wingello trails. Heaps more info can be found at www.wildhorizons.com.au, or email fling@wildhorizons.com.au.

September 2010

Wed 1 September 2010 - Night Nav Series #1 - Bottlelake Forest
Always a good series! Night racing with a navigation component. 1 hour duration. Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Wed 8 September 2010 - Night Nav Series #2 - Bottlelake Forest
Always a good series! Night racing with a navigation component. 1 hour duration. Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Wed 15 September 2010 - Night Nav Series #3 - Bottlelake Forest
Always a good series! Night racing with a navigation component. 1 hour duration. Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

October 2010

Sun 3 October 2010 - MTB-orienteering event - Victoria Park
A hilly course but fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

22-24 October 2010 - Singlespeed World Champs - Rotorua
The world champs are coming to NZ! See more at www.sswc10nz.com

November 2010

Sun 6 November 2010 - MTB-orienteering event - Dalethorpe (Springfield area)
Another new event for Christchurch! Fairly easy navigation, open to everyone. More info from Claire (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz). More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Sun 14 November 2010 - The 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.

December 2010


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 $150 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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