I arrived in Rotorua, on the North Island, on an Air New Zealand flight, where I first enjoyed some of the finest Mountain Bike trails in the southern hemisphere. Taupo is located 100km south of Rotorua and is well known by outsiders for the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Classic and the New Zealand Ironman. These major events send the towns population temporarily skyward. Outside of these events, mountain biking is growing as fast as the development of the trails in the area.

The two big options for MTBing in Taupo are the W2K (Whakaipo to Kinloch) trail, which is one part of the well funded NZ Cycle Trail Project, and the Huka Challenge course, which forms part of the MTB leg of the Lake Taupo Cycle Classic, which centers around the Wairakei Forest and Craters Mountain Bike Park, just minutes from the town of Taupo. I arrived without any clear idea of what was awaiting me, though the local tourism department is dedicated to the raising the profile of mountain biking in the area, so decided to show me the crème de la crème.

My first port of call on arrival was my accommodation in the exclusive Acacia Cliffs Lodge on the north western corner of the lake, about 15 minutes from town. The lodge is a modern designer house perched on a hilltop overlooking the lake. Hosts, Linda and Rick, cater for small numbers of guests who are personally welcomed to enjoy luxury accommodation and dining. Rick is an accomplished chef who can prepare your meal personally and presents some superb wine, courtesy of top winegrowers. While you are more likely to find top European bankers and golfers at Acacia Cliffs Lodge, mountain biking is no longer the domain of young radicals.

W2K – Whakaipo to Kinloch
After a great night’s rest, waking up to views over Lake Taupo, it was time to go cycling. In town I met Mark Gibson, the owner of Top Gear Cycles in town. He divides his time between family, running the bike shop and establishing the local cycle trails; the long term vision is a mountain bike track that circles the entire lake. Currently it is planned as a 93 kilometer Great Lakes Trail on the north western corner of Lake Taupo, starting at Whakaipo, and suited to multi-day riding. To date, it is about a third completed. Building and planning a trail of this magnitude involves a lot of learning. One challenge, for example, is how best to organise access rights through traditionally held Maori land and farmers property. The planning team are doing an excellent job.

With two full suspension bikes packed in the back of a rattling old hatchback, we drove out of town to our start point in Kinloch. This is a small picturesque town with a protected yacht harbour, and is a popular starting point to take mountain bikers up and onto a headland loop. The cycling can be easily paced to suit ability in both the speed and the distance.

Mountain biking in this area is special for a few reasons, one of the most interesting is that it offers all weather riding. The natural pumice stone in the earth means that the trails drain quickly, which means fewer muddy bogs. The approach to trail building is not just to build it and leave it, rather it includes an ongoing maintenance component. Trail builders have equipment that ‘belongs to the trail’, such as quads and diggers, to build new trails and repair existing sections.

From Kinloch into the headland loop there is fun single-trail riding. After ascending, the trail becomes a well flowing series of turns following the land contours up and down. The good surface lets you focus your skill on speed and cornering rather than dodging roots or technical sections. This construction means that it is more forgiving for less skilled cyclists, though good cardio fitness and concentration make it more enjoyable.

As the trail crawls over the headland and loops around, the lake is often completely hidden from view until you ride into a picture postcard scenic outlook. From one vantage point Mark and I peered over to the distant shore on the peninsular poking into the lake; Mark already has a clear picture of where the trails there would be created. While the actual riding is not extreme, the idea of circling the entire lake by mountain bike is extreme.

Mark Gibson of Top Gear Cycles in Taupo and Christopher Jones of Bicycles Network Australia

W2K is popular among the locals. It won’t take you to your limits, though it gives you a workout, especially if you extend and ride the K2K (Kinloch to Kawakawa) section as well. I took a few tumbles around tight corners where the grippy trail floor gave way to a muddy patch. My reward, though, at the end of the headland loop, was a choice of doing another loop or enjoying the downhill trip back into Kinloch.

Huka Challenge, Wairakei Forest and Craters Mountain Bike Park
When I first visited Taupo during my honeymoon many years ago, the local i-site info center pointed us in the direction of some 1950′s style cabins. When we arrived at the cabins, it didn’t seem that much had changed since the cabins were built and we appreciated the simple furnishing, original oven and a veranda that opened directly to onto the lake. For my MTB trip, the local tourism board wanted to share another one of their gems, so I left Acacia Cliffs Lodge for one of the newest hotels in town, the Hilton.

You could argue that the Hilton is better suited to golfers and well-to-do guests, though the hotel manager went to great lengths to explain the comfort and facilities for their sporting guests. Particularly during major events, the Hilton hotel hosts a lot of guests who want to enjoy its comforts after competition.

For the Huka Challenge trails I was due to meet with the legendary Bruce Jaine. Everyone knows him in town and they nodded with approval on hearing that he was showing me the trails. I was delighted when he pulled up in front of the Hilton in a beat-up van.

Bruce is a veteran mountain biker and even rode in the first ever Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge in 1977 at a time where riding a bike in Taupo for more than a few kilometers was a ridiculous notion. If you ever get the chance, have a chat with Bruce about the early days of off-road riding, pre-suspension. Bruce has taken on the task of planning and building trails for the mountain biking races in the lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which includes a 40 and 85 kilometer route. This is a job where he competes directly with natural disasters and logging.

As my guide for the day, we began in the center of town, close to the start line of the official MTB route for the Huka Challenge, and after about 10 minutes left the sealed paths as we followed the Waikato River downstream. One of the sections was appropriately named Junk and Disorderly as a tribute to people who have trouble finding rubbish bins and rubbish tips. Since the trail-building, it has now become cleaner than it used to be and, as a direct route from Taupo to a hydroelectric plant, the mountain biking employees of the plant took responsibility for building part of this trail.

This trail took us along a canyon following the river and included a few steep drops on the edge of the trail requiring caution. The trails continue along the river, though we turned and headed towards the Wairakei Forest and Craters MTB Park. A creative section takes riders through a tunnel underneath the road and Bruce had me ride in front so I could experience the WOW effect. Craters of the Moon is a geothermally active area and though the MTB trails don’t go directly to these hot spots, a large network of trails winds through forest, recently cleared forest areas and over three ridges. Sixty individually named trails are interconnected and offer enough for a quick morning or evening spin, or an entire day grinding.

While we were not about to attempt the 85km course circuit, the shorter route that Bruce chose wove in and out of pine forests and open sections and was a wonderful taste of the riding in this area. Though we avoided hefty ascents, there was hardly a flat section in sight. It was all up and down, left and right. The forestry company who own the land wipe out the trails when they clear trees, though they actively support their rebuilding. Completely new trails are developed during rebuilding so the mountain bike trails, along with the trees, have a life cycle.

One of the real highlights of Craters MTB Park is a recently cleared section called Tourist Trap. Once Bruce and his team built the trail, other engaged mountain bikers chipped-in to create banked corners and jumps so it can become fast and furious if you want to take it at pace.

Unless you decide to head up the ridge, the trails are classed as suitable for beginners to intermediate. While the trails are not technical, a fair dose of concentration and skill means you can really power through them. Conditions change as you enter pine forests from pine needles and pine cones (“grenades”) coating the floor, to new flat pack sections and then onto loose gravel. After 50 kilometers of brisk riding, you can appreciate the stamina required of elite mountain bikers riding 85 kilometers at a time. It is easy to become fatigued, which makes the annual Huka Challenge so challenging.

The Craters MTB Park and surrounding trails closer to town are naturally busier than W2K. We rode on a weekday, though, and they were far from full. With this at their doorstep, it is hardly surprising that mountain biking is so enticing for the locals, and for visitors very rewarding.

I actually returned to Craters of the Moon by car in the evening hoping to catch a close-up glimpse of steaming geothermal area. Instead, I stumbled on a night mountain bike race in this section and met one of the event supporters, Nigel Tipene, of the the local bike shop Phoenix Cyclery. This was a strange coincidence, as I had organised to meet him the following day for a coffee and chat about cycling in Taupo.

There are detailed maps that are worth studying, particularly for the Huka Challenge and Craters MTB Park trails, which can seem like a maze. It is worth picking up a hard copy for a few dollars when you are in town, most of which flows back into the trails. The ride from the town of Taupo past the Huka Falls is worth it, though going by car to Craters of the Moon gets you straight into the action.

It wouldn’t be New Zealand without even more adventure activities. There were sky divers dropping from planes the whole time I was in town. I’d been there and done that, so happy to give it a miss. Though the region boasts world class golfing, that was too passive for me. Instead, I took to the skies in the Taupo Float Plane and remained in the cabin for a spectacular loop over the volcanoes. This flight from Taupo headed to the southern end of the lake and circled the ice capped peaks. On the return leg, we passed the hidden W2K trail and flew over the Craters MTB Park returning to town along the Waikato River.

New Zealand, all in a day’s fun
I couldn’t leave New Zealand without a bit of jet boating. A little way north of Taupo, I joined the New Zealand Riverjet on the Waikato River. All of the passengers, bar myself, stopped in at the Orakei Korako thermal park midway. I was booked in for The Squeeze; dressed in a wetsuit, we explored a small tributary, squeezing between rocks that had been carved by the stream over millions of years.

Another source of adventures in this region are the kayak trips on Taupo, and I was particularly looking forward to seeing the Maori Rock Carvings which I heard about when I first visited Taupo but didn’t get the chance to see. Lashed by the wind and increasing swell, the kayaking required the same energy as mountain biking; the kayak doesn’t paddle by itself. I was mistakenly under the impression that the Maori rock carvings were ancient, when in fact they were created in the 70′s. This reflects upon my limited knowledge of Maori history,  though the locals and guides helped to fill in my knowledge gaps.

The best general starting point for the Lake Taupo regions is the Great Lake Taupo Visitor website. For all things mountain biking, the Bike Taupo Advocacy Group is a central information portal with maps and events.

The most convenient flight is the bi-weekly Sydney to Rotorua with Air New Zealand. There is the option of flying to Auckland and catching a small plane into Taupo Airport, though with this option you would need to hire a bike locally.

There is a direct flight from Sydney to Rotorua twice a week with Air New Zealand, and it’s the most convenient flight for road riders and mountain bikers heading to the Cycle Challenge 80km away on Lake Taupo. It’s a three hour flight and, as customs in New Zealand are just as strict as in Australia, I made sure all of my gear was clean (that means making sure your bike is free of dirt and vegetable matter). Through the gates, no worries; I was looking forward to getting a taste of Rotorua, home of the World Downhill course and fantastic trails to suit all levels.

My accommodation was 30 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of town, on the fair side of Lake Rotorua, in a lovely lodge called Hamurana Lodge. It is the type of accommodation where the duty manager spots you as you drive along the long driveway, past sculptural artworks, and comes out to welcome you in person. It is authentic and local; their restaurant, for example, sources all produce from local suppliers. All in all, very classy accommodation for a mountain biker.

Early the next day it was off to the Redwoods, home to the two wheeled folk, and not that far outside of Rotorua. When you arrive at the big parking area, although you can’t see the trails hidden in the forest, it is obvious that this is the place to be. I dropped into MTB Rotorua to meet my guide for the day and borrow a mountain bike. My guide Jeff set me up on a 26″ full suspension Santa Cruz and in no time and I was heading out to ride.

Mountain Bike Rotorua at the foot of the Redwood Forest

MTB guide Jeff leading the way

The advantage of having a local guide is that you eliminate the guess-work and map reading. Jeff is a rower, and in the off-season works with MTB Rotorua. He guided me through some easier sections first to test my ability. The trails were well groomed and twisted, left and right, up and down through the redwoods. I followed his lead and took advantage of being able to follow his line through the ‘cruisey’ trails.

Jeff explained that the area is shared between mountain bikers and the logging companies. As we exited the easy trails and started  up the hill, huge sections of recently deforested areas were revealed. When logging begins the trails in that area are lost, but when the clearing is complete, the local trail-makers return and carve new trails.

Your author dismounts to climb a steeper section through a recently deforested area

We decided to head straight for the downhill course. Some mountain bikers opt to ride up along the bitumen road to the start, though a far easier option is to take the shuttle where bikes are loaded and secured on a long trailer and a colourful array of mountain bikers cram into the minibus. There is a broad range of riders from the hard core downhillers with full face helmets, neck braces and spinal protection through to recreational MTB riders, though you wont spot many hardtails up here.

The shuttle drop-off finds Mountain Bikers chillin’ before the descent

At the top it was quiet, with everyone waiting for the faster riders to start so that they could avoid holding up MTB traffic behind them. It was soon time for us, and Jeff led the way on our first run down into pure MTB joy. I was a little apprehensive, wondering what lay before me; while confident in my bike handling skills, big air is a different thing.

As gravity took over and the trail descended into the forest, big air wasn’t a problem as there were always escape routes for anyone who didn’t fancy flying high. The jumps were quite forgiving and you could take them hard or soft. As my confidence grew so did my time in the air. The twisty courses are filled with banked switchbacks and this is where I had the most to learn; my cautious braking sacrificed speed and flow. I call it self preservation, but this demonstrated to me the extreme skill that the professional downhillers possess and the level of confidence that they achieve.

Fast downhill section with jumps and turns

These trails were fantastic. Concentration is key, as a small lapse will have you slip off the edge or slam into a tree close to the windy single-trails. At speed you hardly have time to think; you tackle the current obstacle while looking ahead, ready for the next. Further down the trail kept splitting and I followed Jeff’s lead; he seemed to know where he was going. The trail rushed past as we took a final steep curve and drop; as my wheels started slipping in the soft mud I made a mental note to take this faster the next time.

We went straight back up in the shuttle and this time I was in the lead. Though I didn’t memorise the trail on the first run, my experience showed and I felt myself getting faster through the tight switchbacks. It was a great feeling rushing down the trails and on a whim choosing to take the path left or right. And then it happened.

I was anticipating the muddy left turn, but when it actually came I entered too slowly. I remember thinking that, at this painfully slow pace, I can take more care. A rock in my path, however, had different ideas; without sufficient momentum, it got the better of me and in slow motion I plunged forward and tumbled over the handlebars. Though it was a soft landing, I couldn’t unclip from the pedals and I knew there were five MTBers not far behind. It’s all on video so take a look:

Link: HD video with better quality

After the downhill runs we opted to head for some lesser known trails with great views across Rotorua. The downhill had taken its toll on our gear – I was having trouble clipping-in while Jeff’s gears were all over the place. This was XC country and we found the way to the top to find young pine trees blocking what would have been a fantastic view over lake Rotorua. There were a few more scenic opportunities further along, though we were here to ride. The trails in this area were tougher; fewer MTBers were about so trails were covered in leaves, pine needles and pine cones. These trails felt more natural as they followed the contours of the land while offering plenty of challenging turns and descents.

A lesser travelled trail with pine needles to keep you on your toes

It is more fun when you arrive fit enough for the ups and downs

We made it back to an area from which trails departed in every direction and this time chose a new trail in a recently cleared area, which Jeff said was his favourite. It was a hard packed single-trail with jumps and berms coupled with an unobstructed view ahead; it lent itself to speed. Descending into the the lower pine forests, we reached a section of gentle trails and started to encounter families on their mountain bikes. The diversity of the trails welcomes a broad crowd of cyclist and offers fantastic variation. As our energy levels and concentration dropped, these broader and windy trails along the forest floor created a nice warm-down before heading back to base.

The easier trails on the lower levels make for a nice finish after a hard day of riding

The MTB Rotorua team were still busy getting hire bikes ready for a stream of new arrivals, though they had time get a copy of my video footage on their iPad. Of course, they took great delight in watching my crash, over and over and over again, but at least I was welcomed with a coffee and chocolate slice. I was exhausted for the day, but the Redwood forests in Rotorua are definitely worth writing home (or an article) about.

Thermal by Bike
For a different type of riding, there is a new 74km cycle trail, starting at Rotorua, which leads recreational and touring cyclists past a number of geothermal hotspots through to Orakei Korako on the Waikato river. The Thermal by Bike trail is one of the new New Zealand Cycle trails and is suggested as a 2 day easy ride. Large sections follow roads though cycle paths and take cyclists comfortably away from the traffic. Rainbow Mountain, along the route, features off-road and downhill trails, though is suited to riders who drive directly to the trails rather that touring cyclists.

Activities in Rotorua
I find it fascinating to watch steam rising from the ground and in Rotorua there is a well known geothermal park called Te Puia. I remember visiting it years ago and was invited there to join an evening event, a Maori Feast. I wasn’t sure what to expect,  but found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining evening. The park guides and hosts had so much humour and soul that it was something I would do again. The highlight was the traditional hangi (earth cooked meal), which was incorporated into an unexpected fine-dining experience.

Brand new in Rotorua are the Canopy Tours, and though you might hear the terms flying foxes and swing bridges associated with them, they are more of a nature lovers activity than something for thrill seekers. There is a lot of preparation and anticipation as you get kitted up at their base in Rotorua before being bussed up to a semi-secret location that takes you into virgin forest. This is a slow paced tour that takes the group up into the canopy, moving from tree to tree with ziplines (flying foxes) and suspended bridges. The highlight is a 220 meter flying fox through the tree tops. The canopy tour have been well planned and incorporate a strong conservational aspect. Aside from the beauty of the nature, it is the friendliness, knowledge and humour of the guides that make this worthwhile.

Stay tuned for Mountain Biking in Taupo with the W2K and Huka trails.

I spoke with the show organiser Simon Head about Ausbike. He was relaxed and had a smile on his face, while we spoke were no mini-emergencies or issues he had to tend to, I got the feeling that all was well.

Ausbike is the bike show that Australia needs, when the Bicycling Australia Bike Shows stopped there was a gap – as time passed it became harder and harder to setup a big show because winning the support of the industry takes time. By moving the show back, after Eurobike and Interbike, wholesalers can return to Australian and present the next seasons gear.

“You can’t run a bike show in September because of the AFL finals and NRL final” notes Simon Head. “We responded to our exhibitors and if they want the show on at this time of the year so that they can get their [new] product, then that what we do.”

The new location has been welcomed by exhibitors and visitors alike. “We have been able to make the move from the showgrounds which doesn’t attract people to the royal exhibition building which is a magnificent expo and suits the bike industry.” says Mr Head “It’s light and airy situation in beautiful parklands in central Melbourne. All of the exhibitors are very excited that we are here and we have just signed on for the next three years.

“They have allowed us to do a lot more next year, in particular a demo track upstairs [in the 2nd level observation level that circles and overlooks the hall].”

Based on the exhibitor list on the Ausbike website, I was expecting a few brands to be exhibiting that were however not at the show (as exhibitors) and asked Simon Head about this.

“It is not as if we don’t invite them. Trek bikes don’t do shows, they don’t even do Eurobike or Interbike, they do Trek World. Giant was listed as an exhibitor and you will notice that they have bikes on some of the stands. Giant had other commitments.”

Simon Head continues “There are probably about 20 top companies, mainstream big companies. If we can get ten of those each year we are really happy. From the trade perspective, most retailers have stitched up their number one big brand so they come to look at niche markets, second brands, parts and accessories. The show started for the small to medium wholesaler who cannot afford a fleet of reps driving around the country. The shops come to look for things they haven’t seen before. Certain products in certain years have just excelled because they have been the product of the show, people who don’t have them, they miss out.”

There was a healthy mix of products, both SRAM and Shimano were well represented along with top brands such as BMC, Focus, Felt, Fuji, Specialized, Jamis, Rocky Mountain, Cervélo and Zipp. The stands for these big name brands were big with lots of gear on display.

Simon Head discusses the stands and response from exhibitors, “One of the biggest things we have notice this year is the amount of effort and resources people have put into their stands, it is really noticeable. And the amount of work that exhibitors have put into getting trade here such as with show only deals for the trade. I know that some of the exhibitiors did very well [getting orders on the trade day]. Like all of the trade shows, you only need one really good retailer who you don’t deal with to come to your stand and it can make an amazing difference for the whole year.”

Ausbike Show Organiser Simon Head

The trade visitors day was also conveniently placed on the Friday followed by General Public days on Saturday and Sunday. Even with the improved schedule it remains tough to encourage interstate retailers to visitor Melbourne for the show: retailers already get regular visitors in their stores from brand reps and bigger brands often have roadshows in each state to present the next season gear.

The trade day this year was particularly cold, an open door out to a test-ride area put some exhibitors in this area on the test, many returning of Saturday rugged up and prepared though warmer weather made it more bearable.

As expected, on the friday with entry restricted to trade visitors, the visitor numbers were low though many of the stands remained busy. On Saturday a long waiting line out the front was welcome news for exhibitors now looking to present their products to the public. It was a busy day and I asked Simon Head whether he was happy with the attendance.

“Yes very, we charge $5 [concession] and $10 [adults] on the door, it is not about making money on the door tickets, it is about getting a good crowd in. I am happy if the exhibitors are happy, and the exhibitors are happy.”

I spoke with exhibitors and received a lot of good reports, for smaller brands exhibiting and trying to get into stores, some confided that they were able to connect with retailers who were interested in taking them on board. As expected, visitor numbers on Sunday were down on Saturdays numbers.

I was expecting a well-executed show, assuming that the organisers were able to build on their experiences since first launching in 2009 and wasn’t let down. I hope to see growth and more big wholesalers and brands committing to the show next so that it really is “the place to be”.

This also makes it more attractive to the general public and retail visitors, including interstate visitors who can then justify the time and expense to come to Melbourne. This however shouldn’t be at the cost of loosing younger brands and entrepreneurs. Though the exhibition was well planned and spacious, it was also booked out so brings the challenge of how to use the available space to cater for more exhibitors.

Photo Highlights from Ausbike

The 2013 BMC Roadbike Range

Brown Jersey Machined Wheels

Calfee Bamboo Roadbike with Mad Fibre Wheels

Cardo Bluetooth Cyclist Communication

Cervélo is now under Derby Australia

Emma of Cyclette for Women's Cycle Fashion

Jono and Rob of Tineli

Lombardo Best Quality Imports

Lombardo prime exhibition stand at Ausbike

Long Haul eBike test ride at Ausbike

View of the Exhbitition Halls at Ausbike

Lots of bikes on display

New Shimano Hydration Backpacks

Rubena Phoenix Road Tire

Schindelhauer at Ausbike

Shimano Mechanical Training

Simon Head at Ausbike

Specialized S-Works Road Shoe

SRAM stand at Ausbike 2012

SRAM Rockshox Australia

Test Rides at Ausbike

Thule Roofracks and Shimano Australia

2012 Ausbike in Melbourne

As a lead up to this year’s event, I was fortunate enough to be invited to preview the road and mountain bike courses.  As I wrote in the first part of this New Zealand Special, the town of Lake Taupo and the Cycle Challenge that bears its name, offers something for everyone. You can have a look at the road riding route for the Taupo Cycle challenge in this video that I took. In this part of our New Zealand Special I’ll take a close look the events that make up the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. That way you can decide exactly what you’ll do when you get there.

The Main Event: Solo 160km Challenge
The solo challenge is the original Lake Taupo event and it’s also the most popular with around 5000 riders participating. Cyclists grade themselves and are given start times with the official racing starting at 7am; riders are released at intervals over the following two hours. It makes sense to try and be as accurate as possible in choosing your grade to avoid having to overtake other riders constantly or worse, be overtaken throughout the race. The faster riders in the solo event are not far behind the elite at around four and a quarter hours (which works out to be about 37km/h). Regular cyclists tend to average six and a quarter hours which is a 25km/h average.

It is well worth training for this event and being confident about riding the distance. In the first 100 kilometres there are plenty of ups and downs and, although it flattens for the last 60km, there is a killer hill about 20km from the finish: Hatepe Hill. You’ll see what I mean when you watch the video profile.

There are plenty of drink stops along the way, every 20 – 30km, though riders will need to look after themselves for nutrition and energy supplements, as well as choosing the right cycling gear for the weather and tools for simple repairs such as punctures. For serious technical issues, riders are picked up and returned to the start.

160km Relay: 2, 3 and 4 person relays
Over 3000 riders competed in the relays last year. This variation on the challenge allows cyclists to ride in a team to cut down individual cycling distances into more manageable units. 160 kilometres is a long ride for most cyclists and, in the spirit of involving people of different abilities, the relay event is offered and is growing in popularity. There are three official transition points along the way which split the course (roughly) into quarters. Shortly after the start the relay riders are diverted along a different route (Poihipi Rd  / Marotiri Rd / SH32) until kilometre 40 at the first transition point, which reduces congestion near the start and first transition area.

Various sub categories cater for relay teams; a majority are corporate teams, mixed (gender) teams are also quite popular. Cyclists in relays have their bikes taken to the transition points on trailers and are bussed in. Likewise riders who have finished their leg are bussed back into town.

Mens 160km Classic and OPI Women’s 100km Road Race
Elite riders leave shortly before the main field and, though this event isn’t part of an official racing series, it is popular with performance cyclists in New Zealand; the fastest finishing time for the 160 kilometres is three hours and fifty minutes. The elite Women have a shorter course of 100km which takes the competitors along on the east side of Lake Taupo to the town of Turangi and then back.

Endurance Events: 320km, 640km and 1280km
The endurance events in the challenge are growing in popularity. Circling the lake eight times is crazy, though last year six crazy riders accomplished this feat, all 1280 kilometres of it. There are also shorter endurance events such as the four times around 640km ride and the twice around 320km ride (which 84 riders attempted last year). These rides are particularly attractive for Audax riders, though they mean an early start and reliance on your own supporters. Night lights are recommended though the long days mean that the sun creeps up early.

Huka mountain bike: 40km and 85km
Mountain biking in New Zealand is excellent and there are three off-road events available in the Cycle Challenge: a 40km cruiser, an 85km challenge, plus, for elite riders, the 85km Huka XL race. The mountain bikers also begin from Taupo and head west along a short road and paved footpath route before going off-road and following the Waikato river (Huka Falls). As the trails are mostly single-track, overtaking is challenging. Built specifically for mountain bikers, they weave through forests or cleared forested land. There are berms, jumps and switchbacks which mean that concentration is key. The track surface may change from pine needles (with stray pine cones) to packed dirt to loose stony sections.

Many local riders will confirm that the 85km mountain bike events are more difficult that the 160km road cycling road. While the elite riders will fight their way through their race with clenched jaws, for mountain bikers taking the challenge or cruiser events, the trails are fun riding, both during and after the events. With section names like “Craters of the Moon” and “Junk and Disorderly”, you are in for a good time.

Some of the sections are quite new as many of the trails are through the Radiata Pine forest that are cut when they are mature and, as in the case of a large section of the course, are blown down by strong wind. In either case the MTB trails are lost when heavy equipment moves in and the pine is recovered, though the mountain bike groups and forestry companies maintain good relationships for ongoing dual-use of the areas. In 2012 there are plenty of new tracks for the 600 competitors expected to participate. Stay tuned for some video of parts of the Huka MTB course.

One Big Bike Party
Taupo gears itself up for the Cycle Challenge with BikeFest in the week leading up to the November 24th start. The BikeFest includes participation and display events for mountain biking and BMX, a street race (criterium), track events and more exotic events like hard-court cycle polo competitions and “big air” jump contents. On Friday November 23 a Sports and Life Style show will take place at the exhibition space at the town centre (Great Lake Centre). For bike enthusiasts it means plenty of eye candy if you can’t get enough of two wheels. On the main race day (Saturday November 24th) most of the activities will be centred next door at the Domain, a large grass area on the start and finish area with live entertainment and prize-giving.

For more details on the race course, procedures and programs, visit: www.cyclechallenge.com

In the first feature story in this New Zealand Series I have prompted everyone interested to book accommodation early since this is the biggest event of the year for a town of 22,000 residents. Although the town always caters to its guests (some families even share their homes) to get the type of accommodation you want don’t leave it too late. A good starting point is the visitor portal: www.greatlaketaupo.com

The design process always involves the BNA community and moving away from the retro look of the previous BNA jerseys, the new look is subtle and perfect for sleek and stylish riding. For the first time, matching knicks, bib knicks and socks complete the look. Listening to the community response on the black with blue stripes Corsa (Race) jersey, an additional blue with black stripes Strada (Street) version, a second BNA jersey for better visibility on the road.

Both BNA jerseys incorporate reflective piping on the rear, a full length zipper and flatloc stitching – this is quality cycling wear that looks good and is functional. Matching both jersey styles, knicks or if you prefer, bib knicks with quality chamois will round off the look together with original BNA socks.

We have a quality supplier and by making a group order can include these great features while keeping the price down. The jersey’s cost $95, knicks and bib knicks cost $85 and socks $25.

Save by getting the full kit, the jersey (Corsa or Strada), knicks (or bib knicks) and socks for $198. Get in quick, orders close soon so make sure you don’t miss out.

2013 BNA Cycle Wear: details and orderering >

Riders who like making more than just a weekend of their mountain biking endeavours will smile at news that the Bike Buller MTB Festival will again coincide with the Labour Day long weekend and the Picnic in the Park Festival. This year’s festival drew the highest number of competitors yet, with post event feedback suggesting the buzz and action will only continue to grow in 2013.

While full details of the event are to be announced, it will reprise the hugely popular 5hr Brakeburner Enduro, which as a stand-alone stage sold out in 2012. Such is the demand for entry, event organisers are looking at the logistics of how to increase numbers on this Stage 2 ride, which has riders hopping ski lifts to create a unique multi-lap downhill circuit before flying off down the hill to finish at the Party in the Park, a gourmet food and wine festival at the bottom of the mountain.

Other races taking place over the three days include: Saturday’s Stage 1 Stirling Circuit, a 50km XC route over Mt Stirling and back again; the Stage 2b Super-D, a flowing 12km 1100 metre vertical descent, also finishing at the food and wine festival; and Monday’s morning finale, the Cornhill Cranker, a 25km XC that will use parts of the freshly minted Copperhead Trail.

More than 800 riders are expected to ascend (and descend) on Mt Buller in 2013 as the festival cements its place as the pre-eminent mountain bike festival in the southern hemisphere.

The full mountain biking event line up for the long weekend is:
Stage 1 – A Stirling Circuit: 30km or 50km cross country (XC): over Mt Stirling and back again on the incredible new ‘Stonefly’ single track and other flowing trails all in a magical alpine setting
Stage 101 – The Kids Race – 10km: held on the single track around the village – designed to gives kids their own fun MTB experience
Stage 2 – The 5hr Brakeburner Enduro: a 5hr multi-lap enduro down a flowing XC-downhill course where you catch the lift up as part of each 6km lap including part of the new Copperhead trail, until the final 12km descent Super D Mt Buller to the food, fine and music festival at the bottom of the Mt. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 2b The Mt Buller Super D: a friendly 12km top to bottom race down a flowing 1,100m vertical descent to festival at the base of the hill. Suitable for XC bikes.
Stage 3 – Cornhill cranker: 25km XC: on the flowing singletrack around the Mt Buller village and neighbouring Corn Hill, taking in the new Copperhead trail top to bottom.

Further event details at: www.bikebuller.com

Meanwhile, the Kona Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon is again expected to sell out at 2000 riders, with organisers urging punters to keep a close eye on Rapid Ascent news feeds for when entries will open.

Featuring three challenging yet scenic courses – the 100km main game along with the 50km ‘Shorty’ and 15km ‘Pioneer’ – the event scoots along world renowned single track, providing a heroic mountain bike journey through a range of wild landscapes in what Rapid Ascent reckons is “an Odyssey sent from the gods.”

The 100km course begins seaside at Apollo Bay, quickly hooking inland for the big uphill haul to finish after much sweat, some tears and occasionally some blood, in Forrest, a town that has come to be regarded as a Mecca for mountain bikers courtesy of the bunch of singletrack routes weaving around it’s wild outskirts.  The 50km and 15km events start and finish in Forrest.

Date: Saturday, February 18th, 2012
Location: Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Distances:
• 100km Kona Odyssey, Apollo Bay to Forrest
• 50km Kona Shorty, Forrest
• 15km Kona Pioneer, Forrest
Festival:  Finish your quest with a feast at the bike, food and entertainment expo

Entries are now open at www.konaodyssey.com.au

His criteria include the camaraderie of pairs racing, the social atmosphere of 24h enduros, great prize money for professional and elite riders (while all competitors achievements are commended) and a single base with different stages and trails.

The single base means that this event is held ca. 30 minutes from Hobart airport with 6 different stages covering 200km of tracks over the four days. The race course includes single track, forest trails and descents with beautiful scenery. Duncan Giblin notes that the course will be rewarding for riders of all skill levels.

The advantage of the single base for participates, support crews and families is that travel and logistical headaches are eliminated. In the $400 entry fee (per rider), free camping, lunch and evening meals are included.

The prize pool is $60,000 including podium prizes, spot prizes, giveaways and $15,000 for the first elite pair.

Entries open on July 1st, 2012 and enquiries can be directed to Duncan Giblin:
0448 599 612
dgiblin3@bigpond.com

This is entirely volunteer run and as it starts the day after the Cape to Cape MTB Race, it means it is be possible to ride back to back, with the Margaret River Cycle trek a good warm down event that provides more opportunity to explore, enjoy and relax.

Early bird registration is $950 before June 30 (or $1050 afterwards). Money raised from the event go to the Margaret River Environment Centre, NO Coalition, Surf Riders Foundation and WA Forest Alliance.

More details and registration online: www.margaretrivercycletrek.com.au

Photo © Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association

Team SheSpoke had some excellent experience going in with team leader Lauretta Howarth whom placed third in the 2010 Crocodile Trophy in Far North Queensland, Lauretta, Jade Forsyth and Lesley Sutton had taken all three podium positions in the Herberton 8 hour enduro in Far North Queensland. Both Kelly and Jade had previously left their mark on the East Timorese event bringing valuable experience to the start line.

The six day multi-stage MTB event attracted over 300 international riders and 100 Timorese riders who tackled the 600km offroad journey.

Lauretta reflected on her journey in East Timor, "Racing in a developing country is challenging. Many of the facilities we take for granted here in Oz simply don’t exist in Timor-Leste, making the race a little more challenging but also adding to the uniqueness of the Tour De Timor experience."

Photo ? Keith McQueen

Kelly was out after the first day coming down with an illness that left her assisting the physio team for the remainder of the journey.

Lauretta made the following comments, "despite a few set backs and challenges the Tour De Timor was fantastic. Some pot-holes were so deep you’d struggle to climb out if you ever fell into one, not to mention sections where the road had simply disappeared leaving menacing drop-offs."

In the Open Womens category, the team placed third, behind two other Aussie womens teams and the prize money that they donated to The Life, Love and Health Foundation is used to fund and facilitate grassroots projects in Timor-Leste that benefit Timorese communities, particularly women and children to achieve improved health and education.

The dates for 2012 have already been announced, 9-14 September and registrations open on November 1 this year. If you’re into pain and you think you’re ready to join 400 elite mountain bikers then you should check out www.tourdetimor.com.

To find out more about the SheSpoke Cycle Wear Team and their latest adventures head to www.shespoke.com.au

A wonderful set of photos courtesy of Mathew Lynn that set you directly inside the action as Team SheSpoke powered through Timor.

Photoset & Title Photo ? 2011 Mathew Lynn

The Margaret River Cycle Trek in 2011 takes place from 16. to 24 October in 2011 and is a volunteer run event in which  proceeds go to local environmental and sport organisations. Entry costs $1250 and there is a limit of 30 riders.

More information online: www.margaretrivercycletrek.com.au, or contact Paul Lane on paul@hilltopstudios.com.au or 0427 770 492