August 2008

Due to lambing there is no trail building at Living Springs in August

Wed 20 August 08 - Night Navigation Series Race 1 - Bottlelake
Race 1 of this series starts at the Waitakiri Drive carpark. Rogaine format navigation event where you have 60 minutes to bike to as many control points as you can using a map that you get provided just before the start. All controls will be on tracks. As these events are at night you will need a good light (preferably fixed to your helmet). Registration from 6pm, briefing 6.45pm, start 7pm. $12 per race or $30 for all three (electronic punch hire additional $3 per race or $5 for all 3). Contact Carsten Joergensen, carsten.nz@gmail.com, phone 960 1345.

Sat 16 August 08 - 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 24 August 08 - N-Duro MTB Race Series #4, The Highlander - Rotorua
A very popular Rotorua series. These classic old school style MTB races over one lap of challenging terrain will incorporate the renowned Whakarewerawa trail network. All N-duro courses use a mixture of forest roads and singletrack. Two courses: 35km and 70km. For those who take the challenge of the 70km Highlander Marathon you will see great views of lakes and landscapes, well, those who can get them in focus. More info at www.n-duro.co.nz.

Mon 25 August 08 - Rapaki Hillclimb - Rapaki Track, Christchurch
Andrea Murray is organising these free Monday afternoon hillclimbs over the winter and spring. Start at the first gate of Rapaki. They will run in wet conditions but NOT in rain. All you need to do is sign in with the person at the bottom to receive your number, and write down you email for the results. Line up for a start time when you are ready to go. Riders will start at 1 minute intervals from 3:45 till 4:45 pm (start times will get later as daylight extends). Once your time is recorded at the top you are welcome to head home along the tops or go back down Rapaki and do another time trial if there is time. Keep your number on your bike for the next week. Entry is FREE. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more info contact andrea@huxster.co.nz

Wed 27 August 08 - Night Navigation Series Race 2 - Spencerville
Race 2 of this series starts at the Spencerville picnic area. Rogaine format navigation event where you have 60 minutes to bike to as many control points as you can using a map that you get provided just before the start. All controls will be on tracks. As these events are at night you will need a good light (preferably fixed to your helmet). Registration from 6pm, briefing 6.45pm, start 7pm. $12 per race or $30 for all three (electronic punch hire additional $3 per race or $5 for all 3). Contact Carsten Joergensen, carsten.nz@gmail.com, phone 960 1345.

Sat 30 August 08 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
These days are being organised to extend and maintain the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc.

September 2008

Mon 1 September 08 - Rapaki Hillclimb - Rapaki Track, Christchurch
Andrea Murray is organising these free Monday afternoon hillclimbs over the winter and spring. Start at the first gate of Rapaki. They will run in wet conditions but NOT in rain. All you need to do is sign in with the person at the bottom to receive your number, and write down you email for the results. Line up for a start time when you are ready to go. Riders will start at 1 minute intervals from 3:45 till 4:45 pm (start times will get later as daylight extends). Once your time is recorded at the top you are welcome to head home along the tops or go back down Rapaki and do another time trial if there is time. Keep your number on your bike for the next week. Entry is FREE. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more info contact andrea@huxster.co.nz

Wed 3 September 08 - Night Navigation Series Race 3 - Bottlelake
Race 3 of this series starts at the Waitakiri Drive carpark. Rogaine format navigation event where you have 60 minutes to bike to as many control points as you can using a map that you get provided just before the start. All controls will be on tracks. As these events are at night you will need a good light (preferably fixed to your helmet). Registration from 6pm, briefing 6.45pm, start 7pm. $12 per race or $30 for all three (electronic punch hire additional $3 per race or $5 for all 3). Contact Carsten Joergensen, carsten.nz@gmail.com, phone 960 1345.

Sun 7 September 08 - NZ Cyclocross Champs - Hamilton
It’s about time Cyclocross came to NZ, and where better to stage an event that involves cold miserable weather, mud, hopefully rain, possibly fog, and a flat-ish paddock type course, than HAMILTON of course! In the true spirit of the sport you can expect a course that will include mud, sand, running, obstacles, plenty of hurt, and afterwards beer & frites. The track will be laid out to suit cyclocross style bikes, but can also be raced on mountain bikes. Depending on the level of interest there may even be two categories, those with CX bikes and those without. Registration from 10am, racing starts at 11am. Where: The Hamilton Mountain Farm Park, Maui St, Hamilton North. Price: To be decided but will keep as cheap as possible. The event is in its very early stages so expect more details to follow. iamwarwick@gmail.com

Sat 13 Septmber 08 - 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 20 - Sun 21 September 08 - Mountainbike orienteering weekend - Hanmer
Note change of date! (was early October). Fourth and fifth events in the 2008 MTBO Series. Come and explore all the awesome Hanmer Forest trails. This annual weekend of events is always heaps of fun. More details to come here and at www.papo.org.nz

Sat 27 September 08 - Trailbuilding on the Port Hills - Christchurch
These days are being organised to extend and maintain the awesome trail network we have in our backyard, the Port Hills. If you are keen to help then please contact Graham at allan.gbr@xtra.co.nz to discuss details of timing, meeting place, etc.

Sun 28 September 08 - 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 $75 before 1st July, thereafter $85 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 2008

Sat 4 October 08 - N-Duro MTB Race Series #5, Whaka 100 - Rotorua
A very popular Rotorua series. These classic old school style MTB races over one lap of challenging terrain will incorporate the renowned Whakarewerawa trail network. All N-duro courses use a mixture of forest roads and singletrack. Two courses: 50km and 100km. More info at www.n-duro.co.nz.

Sun 5 October 08 - 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 11 October 08 - BikeHQ 12 hour Day/Nighter - McLeans Island
10am-10pm. Also Fulton Hogan 6 Hour Blast, 10am-4pm. McLeans Forest Park, Christchurch. More details at www.bluedogevents.co.nz.

Sat 18 October 08 - 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 18 October 08 - Women's Adventure Duathalon - Hanmer Springs
This brand new event is aimed at beginner adventurers, keen to try their hand at an off road event. Two courses have been planned, for beginners, a 5km run followed by a 12km mountain bike ride, and for the more advanced, a 10km run followed by a 26km mountain bike ride. Both run and bike routes are on forest roads, therefore not of a technical nature. There are gentle up hill sections, with corresponding non technical downhills. The routes weave through the Matariki Forest to the east of Hanmer Springs, with start, finish and transition all being in the vicinity of the main forest gates on Jacks Pass road. Officials who planned the routes have made a special effort to make them as scenic as possible, with subtle challenges through out the course, not too difficult to be off putting, but sufficient to test the fitness and skills of competitors. The New Zealand Breast Cancer Association will benefit from the race, part of the entry fee being donated to the Pink Ribbon Appeal. For entry forms email neil@krankdirtwear.com. Entry fee $50.

Sun 19 October 08 - Mountainbike orienteering event - Victoria Park, Christchurch
Sixth and final event in the 2008 MTBO Series. Will also include the series prizegiving. A fantastic hilly course. More details to come here and at www.papo.org.nz

Sat 25 October 08 (Labour weekend) - Phundamentals skills clinic - Christchurch
Fantastic skills clinics by Dodzy and Gabby from Rotorua. The Phundamentals clinic is set up to iron out core issues that affect every rider. All of their techniques are based on weight distribution, which makes them simple, unbelievably easy to apply and applicable to both beginners and experienced mountainbikers. These clinics are highly recommended by riders who have done them. For more info, contact 021 865454 (Gabby), 021 677054 (Dodzy), email them on info@mtbskillsclinics.co.nz, or head along to www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz

Sun 26 October 08 (Labour weekend) - Phundamentals skills clinic - Christchurch
Fantastic skills clinics by Dodzy and Gabby from Rotorua. The Phundamentals clinic is set up to iron out core issues that affect every rider. All of their techniques are based on weight distribution, which makes them simple, unbelievably easy to apply and applicable to both beginners and experienced mountainbikers. These clinics are highly recommended by riders who have done them. For more info, contact 021 865454 (Gabby), 021 677054 (Dodzy), email them on info@mtbskillsclinics.co.nz, or head along to www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz

Sun 26 October 08 (Labour weekend) - Trailmaster I skills clinic - Christchurch
Fantastic skills clinics by Dodzy and Gabby from Rotorua. The Trailmaster I clinic follows on from their Phundamentals clinic and looks at more of the finer details of bike handling. For more info, contact 021 865454 (Gabby), 021 677054 (Dodzy), email them on info@mtbskillsclinics.co.nz, or head along to www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz

Mon 27 Oct 08 (Labour Day) - Women's Specific Phundamentals clinic - Christchurch
Fantastic skills clinics by Dodzy and Gabby from Rotorua. The Phundamentals clinic is set up to iron out core issues that affect every rider. All of their techniques are based on weight distribution, which makes them simple, unbelievably easy to apply and applicable to both beginners and experienced mountainbikers. These clinics are highly recommended by riders who have done them. For more info, contact 021 865454 (Gabby), 021 677054 (Dodzy), email them on info@mtbskillsclinics.co.nz, or head along to www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz

Mon 27 October 08 (Labour Day) - Trailmaster II skills clinic - Christchurch
Fantastic skills clinics by Dodzy and Gabby from Rotorua. The Trailmaster II clinic follows on from their Phundamentals and Trailmaster I clinics and looks at putting everything learnt so far to the test. For more info, contact 021 865454 (Gabby), 021 677054 (Dodzy), email them on info@mtbskillsclinics.co.nz, or head along to www.mtbskillsclinics.co.nz

Mon 27 October 08 (Labour Day) - Dusky Trail - Twizel
The second year of this great 44km course. Experience the grandeur of the Mackenzie Country as you travel through three iconic high country stations and take in the magnificent views of Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Benmore. Challenge yourself to enjoy the 6 river crossings and an overall vertical climb of 500m. The ride begins and ends at Ben Ohau Station. It traverses the Department of Conservation's “Dusky Trail” on the eastern flanks of the Ben Ohau Range through snow tussock and other alpine vegetation. Suitable for 12 years and over. Riders head up Glen Lyon Rd, over the Canal Bridge and turn right onto the gravel canal road for about 3km. Then you drop off the canal road and onto Rhoborough Downs Road travelling around Lake Poaka to State Highway 8. Turn left, and then left again onto State Highway 80, and continue to the start of the Dusky Trail Track (12km mark). The Dusky Trail climbs gradually up to and across the Twizel and Gladstone Rivers (not rideable). Then up the south side of the Gladstone River and westward along the base of the Ben Ohau Range to the highest point (800m) before dropping off the terrace and across the Fraser River (not rideable). Then an easy ride down the Fraser River crossing it another two times before heading around the west side of the Pyramid. It is a steady climb to the Saddle (700m). A downhill blast through farmland and an Oregon pine forest takes you back to Glen Lyon Road, and the finish line (500m). The Trail follows 4WD farm tracks and has a small section of single track. More info: www.twizel.com or contact Tracy on 03 435 0138, trainor@clear.net.nz.

November 2008

Sat 1 November 08 - 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.specialevents.co.nz

Sun 2 November 08 - Nelson 4 Peaks Challenge - Nelson
A great event that takes you to the summit of four of the peaks surrounding Nelson, utilising some of the many awesome Nelson tracks. This event will truly test every rider and machine against some of the toughest climbs Nelson has to offer. More details closer to the time at www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Sat 8 November 08 - Molesworth Muster - Molesworth
A 80km point-to-point adventure ride on a fairly easy gravel road from Molesworth Station to Hanmer Springs. More info available at www.bluedogevents.co.nz or by contacting Rod on 03 331 7990, 021 288 6908 or at blue.dog@clear.net.nz.

Sat 8 November 08 - 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 9 November 08 - 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. Entries open online 13 June and will be limited to 1000 riders. Heaps more info can be found at www.wildhorizons.com.au, or email fling@wildhorizons.com.au.

Sun 23 November 08 - 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 23 November 08 - Nelson Mammoth - Nelson
18th year running of this event! Held at Branford Park, Nelson. 50km Mammoth and 25km Mini Mammoth. More details later at www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz.

Sat 29 November 08 - Kekerengu Moa Hunt - Kekerengu
Moa Beer Moa Hunt is in its second year after attracting 500 riders to the inaugural event in 2007. The start/finish venue is at the famed Kekerengu Store right next to the Pacific Ocean on SH1 just north of Kaikoura. The 40km course takes in some spectacular coastal and high country farm scenery. You climb to just over 500m above sea level to enjoy magnificent vistas of the coastline stretched below. This year will see the introduction of a shorter course for beginners. Steve Gurney said " "The inaugural Moa Hunt mountain bike ride was a stunner! In true Halligan fashion it was superbly organized with plenty of personality and character to the event. Technically, it's a very achievable event, perfect for newbies at mountain biking, although you'll need some fitness to get up the first hill. Just select an easy gear and grind for 40 mins. The stunning views of Tapuae-o-uenuku are definitely "earned" but you won't be disappointed as that majestic mountain dominates the track from there on. The down-hill is something to write home about and I couldn't resist getting some air on the roll-overs, yee har!" The event is limited to 1000 entries and the organisers can promise on an awesome goody bag and over $50,000 in prizes and give aways including two high end Giant XC bikes and overseas trips. Entry is $90. More info at www.moahunt.co.nz.

December 2008

Sun 7 December 08 - Hanmer Hammerhead - Hanmer
A fantastic cross country race using many of the fun singletracks around Hanmer Springs. More info later. Contact Roz and Andy on 03 315 7686, or outdoors@clear.net.nz

The Vulcaniser and Port Hills hillclimb series will both be on during the December - February summer period. We are also looking at having an event at Living Springs around March sometime. Confirmed dates and more details later as we will endevour to work around the South Island Cup series. To get notified of these details, make sure you're on our email list (see link on noticeboard page).

January 2009

Sat 24 January 09 - The Bike Wakatipu Adventure Ride - Mavora Lakes to Glenorchy
110 km of scenic adventure biking through the heart of the Wakatipu region. The event starts at the idyllic alpine situated Mavora Lakes, a superb mountain biking and camping area. The non-technical ride is aimed at all riders, especially beginner riders. It's an ideal introduction to adventure rides and even has a finish that's at a lower altitude than the start!. The event has heaps of transport options for getting between the start, finish, Queenstown and Te Anau. Entry is $95. The course includes a mix of gravel roads, 4WD tracks and a little bit of singletrack, and is surrounded in spectacular mountains and lakes. Hepas more info at www.bikewakatipu.co.nz

Sun 25 January 09 - 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. Entry fee $25. MOre info from Averil West, 03 548 3655 or 021 303 160, admin@nelsonevents.co.nz, or head along to www.nelsonevents.co.nz.

Sun 25 January 09 - The Gentle Annie - Hawkes Bay
The popular Gentle Annie Mountainbike Adventure Ride is from Pukeokahu School (27.5km inland from Taihape) to the Waiwhare Community Centre on River Road in Hawke's Bay. Over approximately 80 km of mainly gravel roads you will have descended from an altitude of 643 metres to 339 metres at the finish at Waiwhare - it is just the climbs in between that some consider a significant challenge! For more info contact Andrew Ninness on 06 355 1759, or check out www.thegentleannie.co.nz which has heaps of area history, course descriptions and course profiles and maps etc.

February 2009

Sun 1 February 09 - 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. Funds raised from this ride will go towards track maintenance and further track development. And the event is supported by the club and all three cycling outlets in Timaru. The ride is a buzz for single trackers with a 13 km circuit going over the newest and best single track in this part of the country. The event will have two races – a junior/recreational ride suitable for novices, juniors and those new to MTB (this will cover mostly easy tracks). The main race will be a 2 lap event, taking in tracks throughout the whole of the park. It will be quite tough with plenty of technical challenges and thrills and spills. Head to www.xscenic.co.nz for more information closer to the time.

Date TBC (in 2008 it was first weekend of Feb) - 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. Cost is $35, which includes lunch at the finish. Contact Terry Ashley, Cheviot Lions Club, phone 03 319 8388. More info and entry forms at www.kaiwaraklassic.co.nz

Sat 14 February 09 - Ground Effect Crater Rim MTB race - Christchurch
One end of the Port Hills to the other. Starts at Halswell Quarry and finishes at Taylors Mistake. For more info see www.bluedogevents.co.nz or contact Rod on 03 981 6330, 021 288 6908 or blue.dog@clear.net.nz.

Sat 14 February 09 - 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 15 February 09 - Sherwood Enduro - Fairlie Basin
A great event that starts and finishes at the Sherwood Hall, Fairlie Basin, South Canterbury. Three courses to choose from:
- The Sherwood Enduro 50 - A 50km adventure ride for elite riders, with 1000m of climbing on gravel roads, 4WD and farm tracks. Stunning views and awesome downhills
- The Enduro 30 - a 30km (800m of climbing) course for fit and keen riders. Enjoy spectacular views of Fox Peak, Lake Opuha and the Fairlie Basin
- The North Opuha River Track - a 27km course (with a gentle 200m climb) for recreational riders - it follows the gravel road and farm tracks and involves a river crossing. This is an ideal ride for recreational and junior riders
More info and entry form available at www.mtbpursuits.com, or phone Pete or Marg on (03) 680 6207.

Sat 21 February 09 - Flock Hill Adventure Ride - Flock Hill Station, Arthurs Pass Highway
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.

Wed 25 - Sat 28 February 09 - 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.

March 2009

Sun 1 March 09 - Pass2Pub 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

Sun 1 - Sat 7 March 09 - BMC Mountains to Beach - Threadbo to Narooma, NSW
Wild Horizons (who organise the Fling event) have recently announced they are running a new event 1-7 March 2009, the BMC Mountains To Beach. 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 mountain biking skills - uphill, downhill, cross country, marathon, riding under lights. There will even be a short navigation stage and the potential of a task or two along the way to test riders mental faculties! 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. Tempted to go book some flights? More details here as they are released.

Sat 7 March 09 - Karapoti Classic - Upper Hutt
NZ's longest standing MTB event, now in it's 23rd 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 7 March 09 - 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

Sat 14 March 09 - 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

14-15 March 09 - Ground Effect Cyclic Saga - Canterbury foothills
One of Canterbury's most iconic events...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 (typically 90-100 min drive from Christchurch in an as yet unridden area), revealed a few weeks before the event. Involves two longish days so 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 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.

Sat 21 March 09 - 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 (The 2007 Nationals hill climbing course). 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 21 March 09 - 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 21 March 09 - Triple Peaks Challenge - Havelock North
20th anniversary of this classic event. An off-road 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.

Sun 22 March 09 - Kray Ze Karetu - Okuku Pass area, North Canterbury
Another new event in Canterbury! Two races: 30km and 40km approx., both loop courses. The 30km course climbs to 670m and is non technical, while the 40km course climbs to 970m and may involve some bike carry, depending on level of fitness. Both courses are mainly on forestry roads with some 4WD tracks and a small amount of singletrack. There's a lot of hill climbing and some great downhill runs. The organiser is also hoping to add a shorter course for newbies, kids and those who don't want to go the distance. More info on the whole event will be available here closer to the time.

Sun 22 March 09 - 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

28-29 March 09 - N-ZO 24-hour MTB event - Rotorua
A 24-hour event based under the giant Redwoods of the Whakawerawera Forest where solo riders or teams of up to 10 complete as many laps as possible in 24hrs. The course will encompass the area containing the world renowned Whakarewarewa Forest trails. Phone Dean on 021 301440, email events@n-duro.co.nz, or check out www.n-duro.co.nz

Sun 29 March 09 - Raincliff Rumble - Raincliff , Pleasant Point
Organised by the Pleasant Point Lions Club and Pleasant Point Primary School. Thanks to the generosity of Mr David Morgan of Raincliff Station this event with be run over a variety of farm and forestry tracks within the confines of historic Raincliff Station and Pioneer Park. There will be two events, a Challenge ride for the competitive rider and a Recreational ride for the newbie or less adventurous. Both rides will start and finish at Raincliff Camp. Website - TBA. Enquiries nevilleburt@xtra.co.nz ph 03 614 8122

April 2009

Sat 4 April 09 - 12 Hour Day/Nighter MTB Race - Hanmer
www.bluedogevents.co.nz.

Sun 19 April 09 - 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.

24-26 April 09 (ANZAC weekend) - NZ Singlespeed Champs - Rotorua
After a very popular inaugual event in 2008, it's back again on ANZAC weekend in 2009. More info at www.n-duro.co.nz

May 2009

Date TBC (probably early May 09) - Yahoo Challenge - North Canterbury
This event is situated on private high country farm land in Island Hills, Hurunui, North Canterbury. The course consists of a 18 km lap, which includes a purpose built descent through a pine forest, creek crossings and numerous undulating 4WD technical farm/singletracks. More details at www.pushbikes.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

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