Course

Course

The full course is just over 100km long and covers a mixture of singletrack (20%), gravel roads (70%), and sealed roads (10%). 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 – Tasman View Climb (4km +110m)

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 – Rosedale Saddle (8km +/-120m)

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 - 25km (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 Motueka River and head into the North Bank forestry. There will be a mixture of climbs, downhills, and undulating gravel roads through the trees before you take on the final climb up Rocky River Road to the start of Stage 3.

Stage 3 - Shaggery Downhill (4km -400m)

Shaggery Road is a classic climb in the area, but we're flipping the script to head downhill. This stage will put your equipment choice and bike handling skills to the test with gravel, bumps, berms, and twisting corners all on a -10% gradient downhill. If you want to win GravelDuro you'll have to get your fingers off the brakes and let the bike flow.

Transfer - 16km

Cruise down the Motueka Riverbank, then head north towards Kaiteriteri and take on the final climb of the day up to the top of the Kaiteriteri MTB Park.

Stage 4 – Jaws Downhill (4km +50/-200m)

One for the mountainbikers, a short uphill along the forestry road then drop into 3km 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 from the trailhead back to the Kaiteriteri Waterfront. Time for a shower before dinner, prizegiving, and the afterparty!