Come along for the second Karioi Classic mountain bike event, fun on gravel and sealed roads around our beautiful mountain Karioi. Take the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and backdrop that keeps the drivers of Rally NZ coming back. Up for grabs are also the titles of King and Queen of the mountain, the winners have their names engraved on our Chris Meek designed trophy for all to see in the future. The race is open to all ages and all bikes (pedal powered only!), geared bikes, single speeds, cyclocross and tandems.
Race start is a handy 1 minute’s walk from downtown Raglan, a handy hang out for support crew, cafes and good retail therapy. There is also plenty of reasonably priced accommodation options for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it.
Riders will head out and up Te Hutewai Road – a nice sealed surface for the first climb of the day, after 3km you will have your first taste of the gravel. From this point on it is a steady climb for approximately 10km, be well prepared, the gravel can be thick and a little slow going if you are not used to this type of riding.
Once you hit Ruapuke Road riders will have some respite from the gravel – albeit briefly, before a short gravel climb and onto the last section of seal before Whale Bay. This is where the west coastline opens up and the beautiful Tasman Sea, Aotea and Kawhia Harbours become the focal points.
Take this opportunity to take in the views and rest your legs on a nice downhill descent to Ruapuke Beach Access Road (don’t turn off here – keep going), because once past this point, riders will be climbing steadily following the coast around to Whale Bay. Don’t be put off by the climbing, for after each climb there are the rewarding downhills. From Whale Bay riders will be once again on the seal which will take them past the famous surf of Manu Bay and back to the Te Kopua Domain.
All riders will have the opportunity to win some awesome spot prizes, bike gear, café vouchers, sports clothing, shoe vouchers and lots more. For more information check out our website.
When: Sun 31 Jul, Roads Closed 7:00am–3:00pm
Race starts just at 10am from Fire Station Carpark, Wainui Rd, Raglan
Finish at Te Kopua Domain, Marine Terrace, Raglan
Entry fees:
- Under 16s: $20.00
- Adult: $40.00
- Tandem teams: $80.00
Website: Karioi Classic
For information contact Lisa Thomson- Email lisa.thomson1@xtra.co.nz
or phone 07 825 71 15