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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!!
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The Relay |
Blue Mountain Relay – the relay
CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ENTRIES
We will try the relay again next year.
Blue Mountain Gorges Relay is a new two person team relay option that allows more riders to enjoy the stunning Orari Gorge and Blue Mountain MTB trails. The race follows the same course as the Blue Mountain Challenge (63km long). But the adventure ride is split between two people.
The first rider starts at Peel Forest (along with the solorriders) and rides the usual course through the Orari River Gorge to Lochaber and then into Blue Mountain. The half staging point is the old historic Blue Mountain Homestead. The second rider will be transported to the homestead (along with their bike) and they ride the second leg through Blue Mountain back to Peel Forest. The first rider will be transported back to Peel Forest (with their bike). The perfect option for those wanting to take part in this great adventure ride but lacking the fitness, experience or confidence to complete the whole ride on their own. Note that the bus will not start the return journey to Peel Forest until all relay leg 1 riders have arrived at the half way point.
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. 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. It crosses the upper Orari River and into Blue Mountain Station. This is the hand over location where the second rider takes over. From here it follows Bernard Stream radually climbs towards Blue Mountain saddle (1050 m) before down-hilling alongside Howards Stream where it joins a shingle road for the ride back to Andrews Andrews Stream. The course then crosses back over the Orari River before a short but 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 whole course in 3 to 6 hours. The second leg will be slightly longer than the first leg.
Entry Fee
$100 for each team ($80 for under 18 Junior Teams) Entries Close Midnight Tuesday 6 April 2010. After this date a late fee of $20 applies.
Race Categories
Three team categories
Junior Team - Both riders aged under 19 years
Senior Team - One rider or both riders are aged 19-39 years
Vet Team - both riders are age 40 plus
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Major Sponsors
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