Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend Events

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, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. 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.

We also have a 16 km mountain bike race (this year 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 Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event. The added bonus is that the entry fee is still only $50.

10 KM MINI
16 KM
40 KM
11:00 AM
$50 - 16 KM
$60 - 40 KM
$10
UNDER 18