[ozlongboarder]

Has anyone done this race in NZ. http://www.mountainbike.co.nz/karapoti/

I am going to do it next year and was wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect.

 

[Low_Rider]

I'd be expecting a lot of cross-dressing New Zealander's in tutu's to start with!!

I read an article in a mag somewhere - sounds like a great event. Threre are a number of new zealand based MTB forums, I'm sure there would be a few posts about somewhere...... A freindly lot by the sounds of things, and some awesome trails, definiately on my list of places to go in the future.

Cheers, Dave.

 

[WOY]

Why not support some local event?

Have a look at this. Second year running even the first year sounded like a well ran event.

http://www.cycleepic.com.au/

Wayne

 

[Low_Rider]

Actually there are a fair few longer events emerging in Aussie the last couple of years, (wildside, the mont, 12hrs of darkness, crocodile challenge etc, etc) but I can see the appeal of Karapoti - it's got a fairly big reputation!!

Hopefully in the future I'll be able to slowly work my way around the lot, maybe not the crocodile challenge though......... sounds rather painful...

Cheers, Dave

 

[WOY]

Sure there are a lot of Endurance races like Mont, Working Week, Crocodile, Wildside, etc. What we don't have enough are one day point to point race like the Karapoti Classic or the Hidden Valley cycle epic. Sure there is the Oaks Classics in Sydney but it is far to short.

 

[ozlongboarder]

Hey Woy, the link did not work.

I am happy to support local events, its just that I have a Kiwi mate who has talked me into to doing the race so I was hoping to find out what I am in for.

 

[WOY]

It should work

It worked for me.

Wayne

 

[Low_Rider]

Yeah it would be great if we could get a few enduro style races like the "100 milers" in the states. I think the English are pretty big enduro style events too. Would be good fun.

Cheers, Dave.

 

[sp00kme]

i've raced the karapoti classic twice when I lived in NZ and planning to go back and do it in 2005, since it it the 20th anniversay it will be a great event.

It's an awesome race. There are three major climbs , one called the devils staircase which is unridable - it's a definate bike on shoulder scenario and straight up a slippery cliff like incline.
Another noteable section is the rock garden, some rideable depending on what your riding style is - it has huge bouldersand drop-offs that need to be navigated. The race includes a few stream crossings so expect your feet wet throughtout the race, sprigs are a good thing on the shoes for grip on the hike sections.
There are some wicked fast downhill sections, one noteable being big ring boulevard, the name says it all.

Anyway, hope this gives you a little info. it's a great race and great race atmosphere.
I'm hoping they hold a double loop category as they did a few years back.

sp00k

 

[jawry]

Karpoti and Hidden Vale Epic

Go to www.bushrangerbikes.com.au for info on both. Pete (B'ranger bikes) is involved in tours doing the Karapoti classic and in organising the Hidden Vale Epic.

Ta Cranky, i'll take a 10% cut mate!!

cheers, Jawry