The following is a frequently updated list of all the cross country mountainbike events we know of that may be of interest to cross country mountainbikers (particularly those from Canterbury). While we try to ensure details are correct, the Christchurch Singletrack Club take no responsibility if they are not. If you spot any errors or know of other events that should be included here then please let us know by flicking us an email (craig@singletrack.org.nz)

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February 2012

Sat 11 - Sun 12 February 2012 - Wa Kainga Trek - Wanganui
An annual horse trek where in 2012 they are looking at opening it up to bikers too. For more info email trek@brackkenroar.com or see www.brackkenroar.com/wakainga

Sat 18 February 2012 - Coppermine Epic - Nelson
Don't miss this one! Simply awesome. Mountainbike courses don't come better than this. The race features 40km of Nelson’s epic mountain bike trails incorporating a loop of the stunning mineral belt. The loop starts in central Nelson and joins the historic Dun Mountain Rail Trail, a flowing gently inclined singletrack leading to a climb up the Classic to almost 900m to the top of Fringe Hill. Followed by the undulating Black Diamond Ridge single track through spectacular native bush. After rejoining the rail trail to complete the loop of the mineral belt with an 850m descent of the new challenge in descending; “Boulder valley”. Entry numbers are restricted. Full details, maps etc and entryforms available online at www.coppermine.co.nz

Sat 18 February 2012 - 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 18 February 2012 - The Alpine Corral - St James
A new event in the St James Mountain Bike Classic Area, Hanmer Springs. The race is located on the new St James Cycle Trail which passes through an iconic South Island backcountry conservation area near Hanmer. The 73km journey takes you on your own Alpine Corral venturing out over old stock routes, ascending alpine passes, down spectacular river valleys and uncovering untouched grassland valleys. Entry is $85. More information at www.alpinecorral.co.nz, or contact Dayle Sutherland on 027 692 1624

Sun 19 February 2012 - MTBNZ MTB XC Cup (national series) round 3 - Wellington
Round 3 of the 2012 MTB XC Cup series. More info will be available nearer the time at www.mtbnz.org.nz

Sun 26 February 2012 - Kaiwara Classic - Culverden
10th anniversary event…43km of adventure mountain biking from Culverden to Cheviot...via the Lowry Peaks Range, Kaiwara Saddle, Ethelton Valley and the Random Spur. New for 2012 we are now offering 2 course options: the traditional ‘Challenge’ course; or the new “Epic’ course option for those who wish to race harder for longer. The new course continues climbing from Kaiwara Saddle to the tops along rough farm track before re-joining the original course at the end of the Ethelton Valley. This adds between 30 mins and 1 hour to the riding time. We hope that this option will attract new riders to the event. $1200 in cash and many other prizes to be given away. Organised by the Cheviot Lions with proceeds going to fund local community projects. For more information and to enter visit www.kaiwara.co.nz or email info@kaiwara.co.nz

Sat 25 February 2012 - Flock Hill Adventure Ride - Flock Hill Station, SH73
A non-competitive 28km 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 26 February 2012 - MTBNZ MTB XC Cup (national series) round 4 - Napier
Round 4 of the 2012 MTB XC Cup series. More info will be available nearer the time at www.mtbnz.org.nz

March 2012

Sat 3 March 2012 - Ram Ride - Rotherham, North Canterbury
17km loop or 34km (2 loops) option for experienced riders. Limited numbers. Entry includes Show entry.This is a closed course on private land and is ONLY OPEN to the Amuri Show on this day.A Le Mans start, with 1000m of flat paddock stretches the legs, followed by an easy hill to the ridgeline overlooking the Show Grounds and much more. You then descend into the singletrack Manuka Gully of Madness. A steady climb up... Manuka Gully leads you into a stand of pines, then out into the open. You skirt a picturesque lagoon, then head up to the amazing Crossley Ridge, giving you panoramic views over the Amuri Basin and out to the Mighty Waiau River. Traversing down this ridge is quite breathtaking . You’ll ride into another stand of pine trees on a sweet singletrack descent before you hit the flat for the last 800m to the finish. Entry forms available from www.ramride.blogspot.co.nz/. They also have a Facebook page

Sat 3 - Sun 4 March 2012 - Karapoti Classic - Upper Hutt
NZ's longest standing MTB event, now in it's 25th year! Based in Wellington's rugged Akatarawa Ranges, 10km north of Upper Hutt City, the Karapoti is one of NZ's premier endurance mountainbike events. A huge but achievable challenge of 50km combined with spectacular scenery. For more info phone 04 920 5655, email enquiries@karapoti.co.nz or check out www.karapoti.co.nz

Sat 3 - Sun 4 March 2012 - Karapoti Challenge - Upper Hutt
A fun ride for off road rookies, recreational riders, families, supporters and schoolkids. Run in conjunction with the Karapoti Classic. For more info phone 04 920 5655, email enquiries@karapoti.co.nz or check out www.karapoti.co.nz

Sun 4 March 2012 - Pass 2 Pub MTB ride/race - Burkes Pass to Albury
A very popular 36km ride from Burkes Pass to the Albury Tavern, utilising gravel roads and 4WD tracks. Limited to 1000 riders. www.pass2pub.com

Sun 4 March 2012 - Denniston Chain Grinder - Denniston Plateau, Westport
Multi-lap race of 3 hour duration for solo riders and teams of 2, 3 or 4. Open is $40 to enter, with $500 prize for most laps completed. Sport is $30 entry, with 1st place prize + spot prizes. Junior is $30 entry, with 1st place prize + spot prizes. $5,000 prize pool to be given away on the day! 10am race start; rego from 9am. Entry forms & details can be followed on: www.cyclebuller.co.nz; www.bullermtb.com, or via Facebook/buller cycle club

Sun 4 - Fri 9 March 2012 - Mountains to Beach - NSW
Imagine a week of MTB racing that will take you from the highest mountains in Australia, across snowgum lined plains, down along rainforest lined creeks and out to finish with your wheels in the sand and surf. Snaking singletrack, 'wind through the helmet' downhills, challenging uphills and some of the most varied scenery you could want. The event is a 'tour' style event. Entrants, solo or pairs, will ride some 400 km on a journey from the snowy mountains of Thredbo to the NSW beach of Narooma. The majority of the riding will be in race stages that will test the full range of mountainbiking skills - uphill, downhill, cross country, marathon, riding under lights. Whilst timed race stages will range in length from 5 km to over 100 km, there will also be a number of non timed, non race cruising stages along the way. See www.wildhorizons.com.au, or email info@wildhorizons.com.au.

Sat 10 March 2012 - Oceania XC Champs - Rotorua
More info will be available nearer the time at www.mtbnz.org.nz

Sun 11 March 2012 - Oceania Short Track Champs - Rotorua
More info will be available nearer the time at www.mtbnz.org.nz

Sat 10 March 2012 - Motatapu, Wanaka
50km very scenic ride in awesome countryside from Glendhu Bay, Wanaka to the historic and beautiful Arrowtown. The first seven kilometres are on gravel road, then you continue up the Motatapu Valley on a well maintained farm trail climbing gradually over undulating terrain, with several small stream crossings, until topping out at 887m when you reach the 35km mark. The course descends gently until it reaches a steep, rocky descent down the Soho Creek into the famous Macetown track. There are several river crossings over the last 8km on a gravel track. Depending on recent rainfall, rivers can be up to thigh deep. Heaps of info and entry forms are at www.iconicadventures.co.nz. This event fills up real fast so need to get in early (entries open July 2010).

Sat 10 March 2012 - 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 17 March 2012 - 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 17 March 2012 - Super V Womens Race
It’s ladies day out on the trails! Join Revolve for a fun day of riding down the hills - get shuttled (driven) to the top of Barking Emu and ride down Carparts Extension, Carparts, Roller Coaster, Highbury Fling, and Transient. These are lovely intermediate trails that will take about 30-45 min to ride across/down the hill. Costs $30 for Revolve members, $40 non-members. See http://revolvecycling.co.nz

Sat 17 March 2012 - Triple Peaks Challenge - Havelock North
A long-standing 47km course scaling over Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki & Te Mata Peaks, also crossing the Tukituki river twice. Check out www.triplepeakschallenge.co.nz for more information.

Sat 17 March 2012 - King Country Challenge - Piopio
Three courses: 50, 37or 20km (plus two smaller kids courses). All the details are at www.kingcountrychallenge.co.nz

Sun 18 March 2012 - Geraldine Bike Challenge -
Three great courses as last year: 52km Challenge - for the more experienced fit riders with a few hills, singletrack and river crossings added for your enjoyment. 32km Intermediate Challenge - A good fast ride with a couple of river crossings and singletrack. 18km Recreation race - A great adventure for the families and riders new to MTB events. All courses involve 4WD tracks and two river crossings (usually dry). A well run event and great food all provided by the Lions Club of Geraldine. Visit www.geraldinebikechallenge.co.nz for all info.

Fri 22 - Sun 24 March 2012 - Wicked Weekend and SISSMTB -
A weekend of events organised by Huxster. Friday night - Hillclimb, Dual Slalom and Garage Sale. Saturday morning - South Island Secondary School Cross Country Race. Saturday afternoon - Urban Lyttelton Down Hill. Sunday - South Island Secondary School Downhill. Sunday afternoon - foot rogaine. For info email andrea.murray@paradise.net.nz

Sat 24 March 2012 - The Dual, Motutapu-Rangitoto Traverse - Auckland
Choose either a 30 or 50km course that traverses the stunning volcanic Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands just off Auckland's east coast. Your entry includes a ferry trip out there and back from Auckland. All the details are at www.kingcountrychallenge.co.nz

Sun 25 March 2012 - Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge - Mt Peel, Geraldine
This course is simply awesome. It is a true adventure that will challenge riders of any ability. With fast gravel, grunty climbs, rough 4WD tracks, numerous river and stream crossings, open grass flats, it simply has it all and is a must-do course for anyone who enjoys challenging adventure courses. It's around 65km long and covers some fantastic inland South Canterbury terrain. The route, incorporating over 1000m of altitude gain and loss, leaves Peel Forest and follows the Orari Gorge to Lochaber Station. There the route joins the course of the marathon for its return to Peel Forest township via Andrews Stream. There are no major climbs but is very undulating. The course is ideal for intermediate to expert riders who have a few technical skills. For more info, phone 03 688 5531 or head to www.mtpeelmtb.co.nz

Sat 31 March 2012 - 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! More details, entry form, course map, photos etc are on their website: www.multisportevents.co.nz.

31 March - 9 April 2012 - Queenstown Bike Festival - Queenstown
Celebrating evertthing to do with biking. The Queenstown Bike Festival combines the best of mountainbikes, downhill and road bikes through a diverse series of events rolled into an exciting package, for kids, recreational and elite, or simply passionate riders. www.queenstownbikefestival.co.nz

April 2012

Sun 1 April 2012 - Screaming-O - Wellington
Held in the Orongorongo Forest. Starting at Catchpool Creek riders head to the Orongorongo River via the Orongorongo Track (aka 5 Mile Track) and then down the river using the 4WD tracks to the Wainuiomata Coast. From there cyclists can either MTB back to the Catchpool Creek start along the Wainuiomata Coast Road, or swap to a road bike and ride back to the Catchpool Creek start along the Wainuiomata Coast Road, or tag a team mate who will then ride back to the Catchpool Creek start along the Wainuiomata Coast Road. www.screamingo.co.nz

Sat 7 April 2012 (Easter weekend) - Tour de Wakatipu - Arrowtown
New in 2011, this MTB challenge will provide exclusive access through Coneburn Station alongside the Kawarau River and conclude with a function at Chard Farm winery. 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. More info at www.southerntraverse.com/TourDeWakatipu/ or contact Jenny McLeod on 021 357 173, or Geoff Hunt at traverse@queenstown.co.nz

Sat 14 April 2012 - Hanmer 4 and 8 hour MTB event - Hanmer Springs
This is an awesome course for this sort of race - uses some of Hanmer's great singletrack but still not too demanding for those doing solo. With a team of mates, work colleagues, school friends, or even the family, here is an event that is manageable by all. With a team of up to five riders, or if you’re really tough, you could go solo, with a mixture of forest roads and single track riding, what a way to spent an Autumn day in Hanmer Springs. The whole event will be run in daylight, so no need for expensive lighting systems, based out of the Forest Camp grounds, so great facilities and plenty of space to enjoy the MTB Village atmosphere, with time in the evening to enjoy the other delights of Hanmer Springs. Coffee and food will be available on site, loads of Spot Prizes form top Sponsors. Not sure what the 2012 course is but the 2011 course was: Starting at the Forest Camp on Jollies Pass Road the circuit goes: Up Black Dog - Up Mac 1 - Up McIntyre to the picnic area - Down Upper Dog Creek - Up over Jolliffe Road - Down Timberlands Trail - Lower Redrock - Cross the road over to the Heritage Trails - Back to Forest Camp. For more details and entry forms head along to www.hanmerevents.co.nz, or contact Graham Frith, 03 315 5009, 021 168 1545

Sat 14 April 2012 - Naseby 12 Hour Challenge - Naseby
Start/finish area is at the Larchview Campground, Naseby. 9am till 9pm. Entry normally about $60 per person (solo or team). The normal 10 (ish) km course includes heaps of sweet singletrack and some forestry roads. More details available at www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz. There are limited entries due to tent site spaces, so best be quick! Entries open 1 Feb and all 750+ spots fill up within a few days! For more info contact Craig Bates, 0274 894 361, 03 489 4360 or at cbates@landwardrealty.co.nz

Sat 21 April 2012 - 2012 Singlespeed Champs - Nelson
To be held on the Codgers Trails network. All the info is at http://2012ibissschamps.blogspot.co.nz

Sat 21 April 2012 - Contact Epic - Lake Hawea, Wanaka
Choose from a 125km circumnavigation of the iconic Lake Hawera, or the 95km Hunter Valley & Dingle Burn Classic. Contact Danielle at 03 443 6090, or info@contactepic.co.nz or head along to www.contactepic.co.nz

Sun 22 April 2012 - Mt Somers Mountain Bike Race - Mt Somers
There are three courses...the 35km Challenge, the 30km Intermediate Challenge, and the 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. Profit from this race will be going to Ronald McDonald House South Island. Year after year this event has grown and now the traditional Mexican wave on the start line sees more and more people throwing their hands up in expectation of an awesome day on their bikes. Over 700 hungry mountain bikers will be fed with a big post-race meal. For more info, email info@mtsomersbikerace.co.nz, phone 03 307 0585, or head to www.mtsomersbikerace.co.nz.

May 2012

Sat 26 May 2012 - 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. Contact Graham at graham@hanmerevents.co.nz or phone (Hanmer Springs) 03 315 5009.

June 2012

30 June - 7 July 2012 - BC Bike Race - British Columbia, CANADA
While we don't list many international events on here, this is one that many Kiwis head over for. They say it is more then a race, its the best 7 days you've ever experienced on a mountainbike. It's a tour of the West Coast of Canada's beautiful state of British Columbia - the trails, the towns, the lifestyle. Epic (avg 50km/day) or Challenge (avg 30km/day) Courses are 70% singletrack. All the details are at www.bcbikerace.com, or by emailing racerrelations@bcbikerace.com

July 2012

Mon 2 - Wed 4 July 2012 - Tour de Norfolk - NORFOLK ISLAND
MTB cross country tour of Norfolk Island. Six events across 3 days. More info at www.travelcentre.nf

August 2012

September 2012

October 2012

November 2012

Sun 4 November 2012 - 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

Sat 10 November 2012 (Date TBC) - 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 17 November 2012 (Canterbury Show Weekend) - Spring Crusher - Hanmer Springs
An awesome singletrack epic for Canterbury riders! Do not miss this one - a wonderful showcase of the awesome handbuilt trail network of Hanmer Springs. Make the most of the long weekend and head to Hanmer for a whole heap of fun. A challenging but achievable course built by mountainbikers for mountainbikers with heaps of singletrack and some challenging climbs. Proceeds go into trail development in Hanmer Forest to ensure quality riding every time you visit Hanmer Springs. Be there! All the details are at www.hanmerevents.co.nz

Date to be advised - Timaru 12 Hour Day/Night MTB Race - Centennial Park, Timaru
A team relay event riding laps over a 12 hour period. Fantastic singletrack course that is fast and challenging with loads of ups and downs but no big hills so ideal for both teams and solo. 12 hour teams of up to 5 riders or 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

December 2012

Sat 8 December 2012 - Hanmer Hammerhead - Hanmer
Come and ride this challenging course built by mountainbikers for mountainbikers with heaps of singletrack and some challenging climbs. The laps are usually around 15km, with about 500m of climbing. Sport riders normally do 2 laps, and expert riders 3 laps. Proceeds go into trail development in Hanmer Forest to ensure quality riding every time you visit Hanmer Springs. More info at www.hanmerevents.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 $150 commercial ones. For instructions on on how you can make a reasonably durable, functional mapboard for under $20 click here.

www.singletrack.org.nz
Christchurch Singletrack Club
Canterbury cross-country mountain bike trailbuilding and events
03 322 7886 ... 027 313 4908 ... craig@singletrack.org.nz

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