Race Day Sunday 11 April 2010

Mt Peel Mountain Bike Marathon
Blue Mountain Challenge
Blue Mountain Relay
Sunday 11 April 2010

Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides

Huge Adventure Challenge
Spectacular Mountain Trails
Magnificent Alpine Scenery
Beautiful Orari Gorge
New 2 Person Relay Option

The Events

New for 2010
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Blue Mountain Races - start time 8.30am - making it a little easier for those coming from out of the area, although we do recommend staying overnight at Peel Forest it is a delightful settlement.

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Blue Mountain RELAY - new event - two person team relay event. Ideal if you are keen to ride full Blue Mountain Challenge, but lack the fitness, experience or confidence to complete the whole ride on your own. Click here for more details.

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Alpine Energy Ltd has signed on as major sponsor of the Mt Peel MTB Marathon for the next three years.

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Accessman SC MTB Cup Blue Mountain is also the Final race of Accessman South Canterbury MTB Cup series for more information on the series go to http://www.scmtbcup.co.nz/. 4 Great races to find South Canterbury MTB Champions.

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Didymo Risk !
The Orari River Catchment is a didymo free area and we want to keep it that way.

Mt Peel MTB Marathon and Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge are national events so there is a very real risk of spreading Didymo via entrants who have ridden in or near infected South Island rivers this summer.

All riders must wash their bikes & shoes, socks, leggings thoroughly before coming to Mt Peel. An alternative to washing is removal of any weed/algae and thorough drying for at least 48 hours.

This link may also be of use- http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo

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Mt Peel on a great morning

When the weather turns bad

The infamous carry!!

The Challenge

Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge – the challenge
Click here to view the 2010 Race Briefing Notes

Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge is a 63km mountain bike adventure ride. It course does not have the huge climb to Coal Hill (that's part of the Mt Peel race).

From the start at Peel Forest the course is on public roads before crossing the Orari River, then following on shingle roads to cross the brand new bridge at Andrews Stream (See pics below). From here it follows undulating shingle roads and farm tracks through the Orari River Gorge to Lochaber Station. At Lochaber, the race joins with the Mount Peel Marathon race and follows Bernard Stream towards Blue Mountain. The course gradually ascends a saddle (1050 m) before down-hilling alongside Howards Stream and back past Andrews Stream.

The course then crosses back over the Orari River before a short sharp ascent of Scotsburn and followed by a thrilling descent back to Peel Forest

The course is strenuous and requires moderate to good fitness levels. it is 100% rideable and is suitable for most levels of ability, with few technical skills needed. While some riders will race throughout the course, others treat it as a true MTB adventure stopping to admire the views and event packing in a picnic lunch. You can ride it in your own style.

Most riders complete the course in 3 to 6 hours.

Entry Fee
$60 for each rider ($50 for under 18 Junior Riders. Entries Close Midnight Tuesday 31 March. After this date a late fee of $20 applies.

Race Categories
Male and Female Sections in the following Categories

Juniors - Aged 13 - 18 Years - parents must sign waiver. ALL Under 15 Junior Competitors must ride with an adult throughout the race.
Seniors - Aged 19 - 34 Years
Vet 1 - Aged 35 - 44 Years
Vet 2 - Aged 45 - 54 Years
Vet 3 - Aged 55+

Note the Blue Mountain Gorges Challenge riders must be aged 13 years or over on race day. All under 15 Junior Competitors must ride with an adult throughout the race.

This is an alpine race. All riders must carry thermals/wet weather gear and sufficient equipment to keep themselves and their bike mobile. Water and first aid are on course but riders should ensure they carry enough fluids and food to safely completely the race. Gear checks at the start. There is no outside assistance on the course.

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