Meridian Hard Labour - Dusky Trail Mt Bike races
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Stonewood Homes Dusky Trail Mountain Bike Race – Saturday 26th October
The 40 km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike race is predominantly an off-road event which is based on the Department of Conservation (DOC) track called the Dusky Trail. It runs along the base of the Ben Ohau Range and takes in some classic scenery dominated by mountains, tussock and matagouri flats and some beautifully clear high country rivers.
As well as DOC land, it also traverses several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Pukaki Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Downs. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Simon and Priscilla Cameron’s Ben Ohau Station.
This is a challenging course with a couple of gradual but long sustained climbs and some rough stream crossings however it also has a lovely fast downhill run below the top Fraser Stream crossing and a steeper descent off the Pyramid Saddle. For this reason, we restrict competitors to age twelve and over. However, if you take it easy, it is well within the capabilities of most mountain bikers.
There is also a 16 km mountain bike race sponsored by The Cyclery. The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. The young ones are also well catered for with a 10 km ride for them making for a real family day out. All proceeds go back into the Twizel community. Some $26,000 last year.