The Adventure Crazy Pub-to-Pub Bannockburn Gutbuster MTB Race forms part of the action packed Cromwell, New Zealand, Summer Series that comprises this event plus two other Mountain Bike rides, a triathlon/duathlon, a half-marathon and a road cycle race.
Participants start at Garston Township, 315m above sea level, and ride 1.5km on State Highway 6 before turning off onto the metalled Nevis Road. A further 2km of uphill is just an introduction to the gutbusting climb to the 1100m summit, past an historic ski hut, and overlooking the Nokomai River. Riders climb some 800m in 12km, a grade of 1:14.
Starting a long, gradual downhill and following the 4WD track only, at the headwaters of the Nevis River, riders cross some 25 or more fords, passing Drummond and Commissioner Creeks where past and present gold mining operations provide interest to the spectacular landscape. Special care is required on the narrow gorge sections.
Past the Ben Nevis Station and sheepyards (your only comfort station on the trip!), riders reach the Nevis Crossing Bridge, some 52km from the start and at 660m in height. From the bridge, riders face another gutbusting ride up 640m (gradient 1:12) to Duffers Saddle at 1300m, then another 8km steep downhill on a good metalled surface, to the Nevis turn-off. The sealed road to Bannockburn is an easy 5km to the finish line at the Bannockburn Hotel at 252m above sea level.
Get your bike race ready at our Bike Workshops in Wanaka and Queenstown. Need a bike? Check out our range of 2015 Specialized bikes and equipment or check out the range of great rental bikes in Queenstown and Wanaka for hire.
Reference:http://www.cromwell.org.nz/events/summer-series/Bannockburn-Gutbuster.aspx
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