Mountainbike events calendar - 2009 past events

This calendar was compiled by Backyard Events and is a list of 2009 events that have been and gone and have been shifted over from the main calendar page. Refer to the main calendar page for the colour code.

Click here for 2008 events, or here to go back to the main calendar page.

Sat 3 January 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime and we plan to get signage installed on the completed trails in January. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. We would especially like lots of help in the next few months to get the trails finished for the event in March. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

Sat 3 January 09 - North Island XC Cup Round 1 - Rotorua
More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sat 10 January 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime and we plan to get signage installed on the completed trails in January. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. We would especially like lots of help in the next few months to get the trails finished for the event in March. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

Sat 10 January 09 - North Island XC Cup Round 2 - Auckland
More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sat 17 January 09 - 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 18 January 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 18 January 09 - North Island XC Cup Round 3 - Wellington
More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz


The Vulcaniser - Canterbury XC Series, Round 2
Saturday 24 January 2009, Omihi, North Canterbury
Round 2 of the Canterbury XC Series. Located at Mt Vulcan, a very scenic coastal property at Omihi, North Canterbury (on the coast, just north of Waipara). Lots and lots of sweet forest singletrack, just 75 minutes north of Christchurch. The course will be open in the morning for the popular Open Day and for those racing in the afternoon to practice. The race will be held in the afternoon. For more information take a look at our Vulcaniser page on this website, which has maps, photos and heaps more. Brought to you this year, once again, by the McQueens Valley MTB Club, with all proceeds from the race going into the development of trails at Haven MTB Park. Contact Rebekah and Craig, 03 322 7886, 027 313 4908, XC@paradise.net.nz. www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz.

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. Heaps 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.

Wed 28 January 09 - Port Hills hillclimb series #1 - Rapaki Track
Round one of our low-key series of 4 hillclimbs on the Port Hills. Run the same as the last two years with free entry but donation taken to go to the Port Hills Trailbuilding Fund. Full details and maps available on our www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, or you can call Craig and Rebekah on 322 7886, 027 313 4908.

Sat 31 January 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 January 09 - Akatarawa Attack - Wellington
A one day 4 or 8 hour mountainbike rogaine style event similar to the Cyclic Saga. Now in it's fourth year. This year promises more of the same with great singletrack sections that very few Wellingtonians even know about or get a chance to ride. The area proposed for 2009 will probably use less than 10km of tracks that featured in the previous event. The 8 hr event promises 2000m of climb, while the 4 hr event you can expect around 1000m. You will still have some fun and get the chance to ride the best tracks on the map. The start is less than 1 hour from Wellington (revealed closer to the event). 8:30am start for 8 hr, 12 noon for 4 hr. Open to teams of 2, 3 or 4 persons. Entry: $60 (8 hr), $50 (4hr). For an entryform and more detail head along to http://akattack.rhizome.net.nz/.

Sun 1 February 09 - 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

Sun 1 February 09 - South Island XC Cup Round 1 - Dunedin
See Otago Peninsula Challenge listing below. More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sun 1 February 09 - Otago Peninsula Challenge - Dunedin
Run this year in conjunction with the South Island XC Cup. See www.otagopeninsulachallenge.co.nz/

Wed 4 February 09 - Port Hills hillclimb series #2 - Worsleys Track
Round two of our low-key series of 4 hillclimbs on the Port Hills. Run the same as the last two years with free entry but donation taken to go to the Port Hills Trailbuilding Fund. Full details and maps available on our www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, or you can call Craig and Rebekah on 322 7886, 027 313 4908.

Fri 6 February 09 (Waitangi Day) - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime and we plan to get signage installed on the completed trails in January. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. We would especially like lots of help in the next few months to get the trails finished for the event in March. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

Sat 7-Sun 8 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.

Sun 8 February 09 - South Island XC Cup Round 2 - Timaru
In conjunction with the X-Scenic event (see previous listing). More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Wed 11 February 09 - Port Hills hillclimb series #3 - Crocodile & Kennedys
Round three of our low-key series of 4 hillclimbs on the Port Hills. Run the same as the last two years with free entry but donation taken to go to the Port Hills Trailbuilding Fund. Full details and maps available on our www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, or you can call Craig and Rebekah on 322 7886, 027 313 4908.

Sat 14 February 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime and we plan to get signage installed on the completed trails in January. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. We would especially like lots of help in the next few months to get the trails finished for the event in March. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

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 - Port Hills 4 and 6 hour Mountainbike Rogaine - Port Hills
Come and explore the fantastic Port Hills trail network in this exciting event where YOU choose where you ride! Duration is either 4 or 6 hours. You get a map of the Port Hills which show checkpoints scatteed all over the place, worth different amounts of points. You then have 4 or 6 hours (your choice) to visit which ever of those you want, with the aim of getting as many points as you can in the time you have available. IMPORTANT: PLEASE E-MAIL CLAIRE (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz) TO RESERVE YOUR MAP! There will be limited entry on the day only and once the maps are used up it will be too late! See www.papo.org.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.


Sun 15 February 09 - South Island XC Cup Round 3 - Coronet Peak
More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sun 15 February 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

Wed 18 February 09 - Port Hills hillclimb series #4 - Victoria Park
Round four of our low-key series of 4 hillclimbs on the Port Hills. Run the same as the last two years with free entry but donation taken to go to the Port Hills Trailbuilding Fund. Full details and maps available on our www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, or you can call Craig and Rebekah on 322 7886, 027 313 4908.

Was to be Sat 20 February 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Cancelled due to rain. Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails will be available to ride pretty much anytime from March 2009, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

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.

Sun 22 February 09 - Mountainbike orienteering event - Bottle Lake, Christchurch
CCC Fun Day. More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

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.

Thu 26 February - Sun 1 March 09 - National Champs - Nelson
4 days of champs events. More details closer to the time at www.bikenz.org.nz

Sat 28 February 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 1 March 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails will be available to ride pretty much anytime from March 2009, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

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 7 March 09 - Whitehill Windfarm Classic - Mossburn, Southland
Undulating terrain leads to 700m peak with exhilarating downhills. Email whitehill.challenge@woosh.co.nz or phone 027 6262 393

Sun 8 March 09 - Mountainbike orienteering event - Bottle Lake, Christchurch
Followup event to the February CCC Fun Day. More details to come at www.papo.org.nz

Sat 14 March 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 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


Sat 14 - Sun 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 thisd 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 15 March 09 - Geraldine Bike Challenge - Geraldine
Another new event in Canterbury! This is being organised to celebrate a new track currently being built in Geraldine. There will be 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

Sat 21 - Sun 22 March 09 - Huxster (Secondary School) races - Living Springs
More info at www.huxster.co.nz or contact Andrea Murray: andrea.murray@paradise.net.nz, 021 074 1752 or 942 1818 (before 9:30 pm).

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 - 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

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.

Was to be Sun 22 March 09 - Kray Ze Karetu - Okuku Pass area, North Canterbury
On hold until 2010

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


Living Springs - Canterbury XC Series, Round 3
Saturday 28 March 2009, Living Springs, Governors Bay, Lyttelton Harbour
Major sponsor for this NEW EVENT is Ground Effect

Round 3 of the new Canterbury XC Series. Located at Living Springs with views down Lyttelton Harbour. Utilising the sweet forest singletrack that we (and our fantastic trailbuilding crew!) have been building over the last three years. For more information take a look at our Living Springs page on this website. For more information on the Living Springs trails, take a look at our Trailbuilding page on this website, which has more details of the development of this trail network. Brought to you by the McQueens Valley MTB Club, with all proceeds from this event going back into the development of trails at Living Springs. Contact Rebekah and Craig, 03 322 7886, 027 313 4908, XC@paradise.net.nz. www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz.

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. www.rainciffrumble.co.nz Enquiries nevilleburt@xtra.co.nz ph 03 614 8122

Sun 29 March 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 29 March 09 - Whitestone Wanbrow Wobbly Wheels - Cape Wanbrow, Oamaru
Registration 9am Onwards at King George Park, Test St. Oamaru. Race briefing 9:45am, Recreational class start 10am, Sport/Expert class start 11:15am. Entries can be taken on the day or posted to 9 Kinglea St, Oamaru 9401, on or before 25 March. Recreational XC: 1 lap short course, $15, Sport XC: 2 Laps full course, $25, Expert XC: 3 laps full course, $25. For more information ring Michael Goldingham on 021 648355.

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

Sat 4 April 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 4 April 09 - 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

Sun 5 April 09 - OVER THE TUNNELS Recreational MTB bike ride - Windsor to Tokarahi
Also can be done as walk or fun half marathon. 20km recreational, non-competitive mountainbike ride or walk and 22km fun half marathon run. The event follows the historical Windsor-Tokarahi railway branch line. Offering rural views, view historic tunnel openings and manmade railway embankments and cuttings. The trail is off-road and includes grass, gravel, 4WD tracks and forestry with some undulating contours. The trail is suitable for all level of riders and runners and is a point to point ride finishing at the Tokarahi Hall. A marked challenge stage is diverted off the main trail for the more adventurous rider (approx 2km). Contact Anne-Marie at ross.annemarie@xtra.co.nz or ph 03 431 2833

Sun 5 April 09 - 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 5 April 09 - 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 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.

Sun 5 April 09 - Highlander - Rotorua
An Old School Mountain Bike Marathon on Rotorua's singletrack network. This year running as a stand alone event it is a classic, old-school style MTB race over one lap of challenging terrain in the world-renowned Whakarewarewa trail network, with 3 different length courses: 20km, 40km and 80km. All courses will take riders into the trail network and beyond with a great mix of uphill and downhill over forest roads and singletrack. www.n-duro.co.nz

Sat 11 April 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And you're welcome to bring your bike and play on the trails too.

Sat 11 April 09 - 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

10-12 April 09 - Odyssey - Whakatane to Taupo
The 2009 course will take in the ancient forests of Whirinaki. You'll ride beneath massive Rimu, Totara and other podocarp trees - and get to feel like a mouse! Around 75% of the whole 270km, three-day Odyssey will be on private or restricted-access land, taking you places you can't normally ride. The tracks, trails and 4WD roads have been selected to offer highly scenic, but not overly technical riding. All meals will again be provided for riders and their support crew, with lavish lunch stops and a great evening dosh-up, designed with healthy athletic appetites in mind. The Odyssey kicks off at the Whakatane Heads on 10 April and concludes at Taupo's Spa Park on 12 April. All gear will be transported. The entry fee to ride the Odyssey is the same as 2008, $330 per rider. As before, the official web site is www.bikeodyssey.co.nz. Day 1: Whakatane to Murupara. You'll camp the night at the grounds of Ngati Manawa's Ti Papa marae, with a powhiri to welcome everyone in. Day 2: Murupara to Minginui, featuring stunning Whirinaki forest. You'll camp the night at Minginui rugby club. Day 3: Minginui to Taupo, featuring the finishing blast over the Rotary track near Huka Falls.

Sat 18 April 09 - 7 x 7 (Seven hours of Seven Mile) - Queenstown
Venue for the 2010 NZ Singlepeed champs. Non stop 7 hour race for individuals or teams. Limited to 25 teams. 10am start. Just $30 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.

Sat 18 April 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 18 & Sun 19 April 09 - Mountainbike orienteering weekend - Hanmer springs
A great weekend of events. The plan is to have a sprint and standard fixed events on Saturday and a score/rogaine event on Sunday. More details to come at www.papo.org.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.

Sun 19 April 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

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

Sat 25 April 09 - 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. 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 camp ground, Naseby. 9am till 9pm (with sunset around 5.30pm), with entry 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 25 April 09 (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

Sun 26 April 09 (ANZAC Weekend) - Kaiteriteri 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 2 May 09 - Nelson MTB Club 12 hour Enduro - Nelson
Solo or Teams. A great wee course right on the edge of Nelson City. Contact Andrew Scott on 027 310 6354. www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Yahoo Challenge - Canterbury XC Series, Round 4 (final)
Sunday 3 May 09 - North Canterbury
Final round of the new Canterbury XC Series. This event is situated on private high country farm land in Island Hills, Hurunui, North Canterbury. The course 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

Sun 3 May 09 - Dirt Works 100km Classic - Sydney,
A mountain bike endurance race, spanning over 100kms of challenging single track, fire trail and dirt roads. For more info go to www.maxadventure.com.au, or contact gary@maxadventure.com.au.

Wed 13 May 09 - Night Racing Series race 1 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 16 May 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 17 May 09 - Awatere Autumn Muster MTB Challenge - Seddon
35km course (shorter options available too). 10:30 am start from Richmond Brook Station (Marlborough Historic Station). Entry is $40. More info and entry forms at www.lionsclubs.org.nz/awatere

Sun 17 May 09 - 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/

Wed 20 May 09 - Night Racing Series race 2 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 23 May 09 - Mt Isobel Challenge - Hanmer
An open mountain duathlon in the beautiful mountain setting of Hanmer Springs, involving a fantastic 8km 1000m ascent mountain run and a 22km mountain bike. Compete as a team or an individual. More info at www.hanmerevents.co.nz/isobel.html. Contact Graham at graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or phone (Hanmer Springs) 03 315 5009.

Wed 27 May 09 - Night Racing Series race 3 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 30 May 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 31 May 09 - 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

Wed 3 June 09 - Night Racing Series race 4 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 6 June 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry you're welcome to bring your bike and have a ride too.

Sat 6 June 09 - Worsley hillclimb - 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

Wed 10 June 09 - Night Racing Series race 5 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sun 14 June 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

Wed 17 June 09 - Night Racing Series race 6 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 20 June 09 - Halswell Quarry 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

Sun 21 June 09 - Nelson MTB Club 6 hour - Rabbit Is, Nelson
Solo or Teams. Contact Emmett Mills on 027 246 8253. Rain postponement day is 5 July. www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Wed 24 June 09 - Night Racing Series race 7 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 27 June 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.

Wed 1 July 09 - Night Racing Series race 8 - Bottlelake, Christchurch
20km course, register on the night from 6pm, briefing 6:50pm, race start 7pm. $10 per race. www.bluedogevents.co.nz

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 1 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.
Update from Graham: PLACE: Godley Head – 2 options so you can pick what kind of work you would most like to do – rock armouring or benching out new track.
Option 1 - we have already done some rock armouring of the boggy sections overlooking upper Sumner (i.e. on the slope opposite Capt Thomas Track). There is more to do along this stretch. If carefully excavating the existing track / bog then equally carefully and thoughtfully filling that hole with gathered rocks to create a relatively smooth permanent track surface is your thing then we have a job for you. Meet at the first (small) quarry 500m along from Evans Pass, overlooking upper Sumner.
Option 2 – we started new a diversionary line earlier this year above the head of Taylors Mistake valley – running the track across instead of down the slope with the intention of reducing speed and erosion, plus adding distance, and using rolling grade dips and large swoopy bends to keep it interesting. There is more to do to finish & link this into the surrounding track, so if building new stuff is your thing – see you there. Meet at the large quarry a few corners / 300m past the second cattle stop along from Evans Pass (above the head of Taylor’s Mistake valley).
Any queries / uncertainties about weather ph/ txt me on 388 0798 or 027 310 6923


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 22 August 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

Sun 23 August 09 - MTB Navigation event - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
Score/rogaine style event. Will include the new 5km MTB track. Two courses: a 1 hr score event starting at 2pm, and a 2 hr score event starting at 1pm. Briefing will be 10 minutes before the start of each event. Will use the SportIdent system like we did at the last Bottlelake event (a small piece of plastic attached to your finger that you insert into a logger box at each control to show you've been there). Planner: Justin Freeman, controller: Graeme Read (Ph 352 2582). Rego, start and finish will be at the west end of the main McLeans Island MTB car parking area. Entry is $17 ($9 for juniors and students), plus $3 for the SportIdent hire charge. www.papo.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.
Update from Graham for this weekend... Greenwood Park track – meet at the large pines on Summit Road, (near farm track exit) – some will go west, some up the farm track and then east, some down to Evans Pass and work up from there. If you are coming from Sumner then you could catch up with the crew at Evans Pass just after 9:00am.


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


Wed 2 September 09 - Night Navigation Series #1 - Spencerville, Christchurch
The first of three 1 hour MTB rogaines. All start at the Spencerville Picnic Ground and use the Bottlelake Forest trail network. Rego from 6pm, briefing and maps at 6:45pm, Start at 7pm. Instruction available for MTBO newbies from 6pm. Entry is $12 per race or $30 for all 3 races (Students/unwaged: $6 per race or $15 for all 3 races). Additional cost of $3 per race or $5 for all 3 for hirage of Sport Ident Electronic Punch. Contact Carsten Joergensen on 960 1345 or at Carsten.nz@gmail.com. A fundraising event for the Southerly Storm Orienteering Squad. www.papo.org.nz

Sat 5 September 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

Wed 9 September 09 - Night Navigation Series #2 - Spencerville, Christchurch
The second of three 1 hour MTB rogaines. All start at the Spencerville Picnic Ground and use the Bottlelake Forest trail network. Rego from 6pm, briefing and maps at 6:45pm, Start at 7pm. Instruction available for MTBO newbies from 6pm. Entry is $12 per race or $30 for all 3 races (Students/unwaged: $6 per race or $15 for all 3 races). Additional cost of $3 per race or $5 for all 3 for hirage of Sport Ident Electronic Punch. Contact Carsten Joergensen on 960 1345 or at Carsten.nz@gmail.com. A fundraising event for the Southerly Storm Orienteering Squad. www.papo.org.nz

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

Sun 13 September 09 - Linger & Die XC - Alexandra
Round one of the Altitude Adventures/Otago MTB Club Southern Series. Signposted from Tuckers Hill Road, Shaky Bridge Cafe. Rego from 9am, briefing 9.45am, start 10am. For Further info contact Phil Oliver, Altitude Adventures, 03 448 8917, phil@altidudeadventures.co.nz or check out the Otago MTB Club website... www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz

Wed 16 September 09 - Night Navigation Series #3 - Spencerville, Christchurch
The third of three 1 hour MTB rogaines. All start at the Spencerville Picnic Ground and use the Bottlelake Forest trail network. Rego from 6pm, briefing and maps at 6:45pm, Start at 7pm. Instruction available for MTBO newbies from 6pm. Entry is $12 per race or $30 for all 3 races (Students/unwaged: $6 per race or $15 for all 3 races). Additional cost of $3 per race or $5 for all 3 for hirage of Sport Ident Electronic Punch. Contact Carsten Joergensen on 960 1345 or at Carsten.nz@gmail.com. A fundraising event for the Southerly Storm Orienteering Squad. www.papo.org.nz

Wed 16 September 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 19 September 09 - Haggis Hunter 6 Hour - Dunedin
Forrester Park/Bethunes Gully. From 4pm to 10pm, rego 3-3:45pm, briefing 3:45pm. 6Hrs of going round and round the recently buffed Forrester Park and Bethunes tracks. Usual course through the team pits in the Kennel Club building. Solo - $20, Team of 2 - $30, Team of 3 - $40, Team of 4 - $50. No pre-entries, enter on the day. www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz

Sun 20 September 09 - Cheviot Hills Challenge - Cheviot
A 7km circuit beginning in the Cheviot Hills Reserve, just south of Cheviot on State Highway One. The first section of the course comprises undulating 4WD and single track with some steeper pitches and smooth downhills. The track then opens out onto farmland adjoining Cheviot Township before following a formed track adjacent to Gore Bay Road and back to the Reserve. Some improvements have been made to the course from the first race last year. The Lions Club will have BBQ food and refreshments available for sale at the finish line. A coffee van will also be at the finish line. Please bring cash as no EFTPOS will be available. See www.kaiwaraklassic.co.nz for more details or to download an entry form.

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

Wed 23 September 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.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

Wed 30 September 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.nz

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

Wed 7 October 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 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 - Kids on Bikes racing - Christchurch
Event cancelled. Halswell Quarry. For 5 to 15 year olds. 11am. To enter and for more information go to http://www.rotaryinfo.org.nz/public/default.php?page=27. Run by The Rotary Club of Christchurch West & Bicycle Business Limited. All of the funds raised will go to the Child Cancer Foundation and other children’s charities.

Sun 11 October 09 - Top of the South Series #2 - Blenheim
Wither Hills MTB Park. Rego from 11am, race starts 12 noon. www.nelsonmountainbikeclub.org.nz

Wed 14 October 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.

Wed 14 October 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Sat 17 October 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

Sat 17 October 09 - Awatere Assault 12 Hour - Seddon, Awatere Valley
A new South Island 12 hour event! A loop track next to the beach which includes stands of native scrub, some steep gullies, rolling tussock farmland and the odd mean climb. Solo or teams of up to 5 people. 10am 'til 10pm. Camping included on Saturday night. Party and bonfire on beach afterwards. $65 per rider, $25 per supporter. More details at www.awatereassault.co.nz

Sun 18 October 09 - MTBO rogaine - Godley Head, Christchurch
Start times: 1pm for the long score, 1:45 pm for the down hill score. Two courses: The long is a standard 2 hour score event. The down hill event is a 45 minute score event in which participants will travel from Godley Head down to Taylors Mistake aided by gravity. Location: Both events end at Taylor's Mistake. The start/finish will be on the grassy area behind the batches. Follow the track east from the carpark and over the stile. The down hill event will start at the Godley Head carpark at the end of Godley Head Road. For this event either take your time to cruise up the hill beforehand, or team up with some of your fellow orienteers to organise a shuttle. Bring a pencil, as for a few of the controls are in public places so we will be getting you to write down some information to prevent controls from wandering. If you or your friends haven't tried MTBO before why not come and try it at PAPO's first down hill MTBO event? Just turn up to register half an hour or so before the start. Entry will be about $17 I think. www.papo.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

Wed 21 October 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.

Wed 21 October 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Wed 21 October 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 24 October 09 (Labour Weekend) - 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 24 October 09 (Labour weekend) - 8hrs@Jacks - Queenstown
A new multi-lap relay mountain bike event at Jack's Point near Queenstown with a focus on team camaraderie in one of the region's most spectacular locations. Race Director Geoff Hunt says 8hrs@Jacks is inspired by a demand from elite and recreational mountain bikers for a fresh event in the Wakatipu. “This concept will see individuals and teams of two, three or four members competing on a seven to eight kilometre course through Jack's Point over a period of 8 hours. The track is a brand new one created specifically for the event and traverses areas through rocky outcrops and even a small gum forest on the northern edge of the development before returning to the internal 8hrs@Jacks base camp trails.” Teams will compete in Junior, Open (men's, women's or mixed) and Veteran (men's, open and mixed) sections. One rider per team rides a lap then tags a team mate and elite riders are expected to complete the lap in about 35 minutes and the recreational competitors 45 minutes. “Technically the course will be designed for the recreational biker and it will all be rideable on a brand new specially designed loop,” says Hunt. “Some sections will wind between trees and matagouri scrubs on a single lane trail while other uphill areas will allow passing opportunities for faster riders.” Entry is $65. www.southerntraverse.com/jacks8hrs. Geoff Hunt, 0274 967 530, traverse@queenstown.co.nz

Mon 26 October 09 (Labour Day) - Dusky Trail - Twizel
A great 44km course in 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.twizelhardlabour.org.nz

Wed 28 October 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.

Wed 28 October 09 - Twilight racing series - McLeans Forest, Christchurch
www.bluedogevents.co.nz

Wed 28 October 09 - Short Course race - Christchurch
Meet at top of Flying Nun Track. Starts 4:15pm, finishes 5:30 pm. Organised by Huxster but open to anyone to race.www.huxster.org.nz

Sat 31 October 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

Wed 4 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.

Wed 4 November 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 7 November 09 - 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 7 November 09 - Wild Wellington MTB Relay - Wellington
Ultimate urban mountainbike relay - specially designed for riders of all abilities, in the heart of Wellington on awesome Mt Victoria. 12/6 hrs of mountainbiking, fun, entertainment and socialising! Great variety with singletrack, fast wide track, fun downhills and awesome views. For more information and to enter online, visit www.WildWellington.co.nz or email info@wildwellington.co.nz


Sunday 8 November - Short Track Racing - Port Hills
The Christchurch Singletrack Club are running a series of short track races on 3 Sunday afternoons during November (8th, 15th and 22nd) for club members. All the details can be found by downloading the flyer available at www.singletrack.org.nz. Entry is by donation. Want to race but not yet a member? Head to our club site for a membership form and you can join up for $10 (per family per year).

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.

Wed 11 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.

Wed 11 October 09 - Short Course race - Christchurch
Meet at "BrakeFree Plateau" at Vic Park. Starts 4:15pm, finish 5:30 pm. Organised by Huxster but open to anyone to race.www.huxster.org.nz

Fri 13 November 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

Sat 14 November 2009 - The Frog Rock Ride - Waipara
A new event, organised as a fundraiser for Waikari School. This inaugural event is being held over spectacular private land with unsurpassed vistas of the limestone country of North Canterbury. These tracks have never been made available for a MTB event. Two courses: 16km and 30km. More info at www.frogrock.co.nz, or email info@frogrock.co.nz


Sunday 15 November - Short Track Racing - Port Hills
The Christchurch Singletrack Club are running a series of short track races on 3 Sunday afternoons during November (8th, 15th and 22nd) for club members. All the details can be found by downloading the flyer available at www.singletrack.org.nz. Entry is by donation. Want to race but not yet a member? Head to our club site for a membership form and you can join up for $10 (per family per year).

Wed 18 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.

Wed 18 November 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


Sunday 22 November - Short Track Racing - Port Hills
The Christchurch Singletrack Club are running a series of short track races on 3 Sunday afternoons during November (8th, 15th and 22nd) for club members. All the details can be found by downloading the flyer available at www.singletrack.org.nz. Entry is by donation. Want to race but not yet a member? Head to our club site for a membership form and you can join up for $10 (per family per year).

Sun 22 November 09 - MTBO rogaine - Mt Keretu
3 or 4 hour score/rogaine format. For those of you who haven't been there before this is an ideal chance to have a go at MTBO, the area is pretty much all forest roads and tracks, so there is no technical riding to hold you back, anyone with a bike and a bit of fitness can have a go! In addition this years event will start at the top of the hill, so you can choose routes with less climb along the ridge line. Parking will be at the top of Okuku Pass Road. Rego from 10am, mass start at 11am. There will be a choice of 3 and 4 hour time options. Event fees as for a standard PAPO event ($17 I think). If you are not a regular MTBOer and think you are likely to come along please e-mail Claire Heppenstall (claire.heppenstall@xtra.co.nz) so they get an idea of how many maps to print. Also get in touch if you want to know more. 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 - 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 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

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 - 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


Sun 29 Nov 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.

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
Come and ride this challenging course built by mountainbikers for mountainbikers with heaps of singletrack and some challenging climbs. Laps of approx 13km, 420m climb. Average lap time 53 mins. Sport riders do 2 laps. Expert riders do 3 laps. All proceeds go into trail development in Hanmer Forest to ensure quality riding every time you visit Hanmer Springs. More info and entry forms at www.mountainbikehanmer.co.nz

Sat 12 December 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?

Sun 20 December 09 - Gravity Canterbury Novice and Has-beens Race - Victoria Park
I don't normally put DH races on this calendar but this one is special as it's for us! The race is aimed at general weekend trail riders and novice downhill racers. Gravity Canterbury reserve the right to accept any entries from riders deemed too experienced. Everyone loves riding the Victoria park tracks, but not everyone wants to take up downhilling. You get 2 timed race runs against other riders on XC and Trail Bikes. Race categories are Men: U13, U15, U17, U19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+. Women: U19, 19+. Course is Sesame Street > Shazzas > Ponos > Step Up > Finish near Texco Jump. So pretty short and very suitable for a XC bike. Go practice, as race day practice will be limited. Registration 9:00 > Practice 10:00 > Race Briefing 11:30 > First Race Runs Start 12:00. Download, complete and bring the entry form and $20 with you on the day to top end of Bowenvale Ave. More info and entryform here... www.gravitycanterbury.org/Events.php

Tue 29 December 09 - Trailbuilding at Living Springs - Lyttelton Harbour
On this day we're doing a few finishing jobs, fix-ups and improvements around the place to get ready for the races on 10th January.
Building a network of new trails at the scenic Living Springs Recreation Park in Allandale, Lyttelton Harbour (just past Governors Bay). These trails are available to ride pretty much anytime, and being mostly forested singletrack they will add that special something to your Port Hills riding experience. The more help we get with building the trails the better the network will ultimately be. More information about these trails is on our trailbuilding page. If you would like to come then please contact Craig & Rebekah on 322 7886 or at xc@paradise.net.nz to discuss details. All tools are provided. And if the trails are dry why not bring your bike and have a ride too?


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





Click here for 2008 events, or here to go back to the main calendar page.


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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