Course

Course

The full course is 95km long and covers a mixture of singletrack (20%), gravel roads (60%), and sealed roads (20%). Within the course there are 4 timed stages linked by untimed transfers, just like a standard enduro race. The difference is that our timed stages aren't all downhill, and the transfers aren't all uphill! 

Riders will be set off at short (10-20s) intervals at the start of each stage to minimise congestion.

Transfer - 25km

Cruise from Kaiteriteri to the start of Stage 1 along a mixture of singletrack and wide gravel paths with views out over the water and minimal climb. You'll have a window in which to start this transfer, we encourage slower riders to start first and faster riders to start last so that you arrive at the lunch stop at the same time. Remember, there's no need to race the transfers!

Stage 1 – Design by George Tasman View Climb (4.5km +126m/-11m)

A short sharp sealed climb from Lower Moutere Schools kicks this stage off before the surface changes to gravel and you undulate along Tasman View Road with views of the mountains and sea. One final climb up to the summit marks the end of this stage!

Transfer - 15km

Continue cruising along the gravel ridgeline for another 4km before dropping into Upper Moutere and crossing the valley on some sealed roads, the surface turns back to gravel just as you arrive at the start of Stage 2.

Stage 2 – Chia Sisters Rosedale Saddle (6.8km +/-165m)

Some of the fastest gravel in the region, start off with a 2km false flat uphill before hitting the 1.5km 5% climb, this time you continue over the saddle and enjoy 1.5km of swooping descending before the 3km slight downhill run to the end of the stage.

Transfer - 11km (including lunch stop)

Head 5km down the valley to Ngatimoti where our team will have some food ready for you. There will also be water, toilets, and other supplies here to get you sorted for the second half of the day.

Then cross the Peninsula Bridge over the Motueka River and head up into the West Bank forestry to the start of Stage 3. 

Stage 3 - Crafty Weka Pokororo Forest (7km +/-175m)

There will be a mixture of punchy climbs, short downhills, and small creek crossings as you undulate your way through the trees. Surface is generally wide forestry roads with a few singletrack sections where slips and vegetation have narrowed the road width.

Transfer - 21km

After a quick downhil it's onto the biggest climb of the course, Rocky River Road! Ascend 300m over 4.5km to the top of Shaggery Road before enjoying the long downhill back to the Motueka River. Then turn north and head along sealed roads for 5km before taking on the final climb of the day up to the top of the Kaiteriteri MTB Park.

Stage 4 – Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Jaws Downhill (3.5km +38/-174m)

One for the mountainbikers, 10 minutes of smooth swooping singletrack on the Jaws trail. Conquer the switchbacks, tabletops, and roots along the way. Will this stage change your choice of bike?

Transfer - 1km to Finish

A short cruise along some easy trails from the end of Jaws back to the Kaiteriteri Waterfront. Time for a shower before dinner, prizegiving, and the afterparty!