Alpine Epic - Mountain Bike Stage Race

5 STAGE MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE - 4 DAYS, 5 STAGES, 243KM, 6300M OF CLIMBING

Stage 1: Mt Somers to Rangitata River. 45km, 1500m ascent

Fast and furious, lungs will burn as the pace will be red hot from the gun. After shuffling for position riders will hit undulating 4wd tracks through historic farmland and stands of native beech. Rocky creek crossings and the odd glimpse deep into the Arrowsmith ranges greet riders as the course enters Inverary Station. Traversing classic tussock downs to the edge of the Hakatere Conservation Area, the course hits the major climb of the day which takes riders to a commanding view of the Rangitata headwaters, before descending rough ground to the river and end of stage 1.

Stage 2: Rangitata River to Rangitata Gorge. 17km, 500m ascent

Dust off your skin suit and aero it up. The end of day 1 will be a team time trial to the finish line near the Rangitata Gorge. A couple of steep climbs to begin with and the opportunity to stomp a big gear and pretend you are Jan Ulrich. The descent to the Rangitata is fast and spectacular, out to your left you may catch a glimpse of the Grade 5 rapids lurking in the gorge. Don’t fall into the river...
Stage 03

Stage 3: Rangitata Gorge to Ashwick Flat. 88km, 2300m ascent

Day 2, and with the odd tired leg you're off into the big mountains. A massive climb to start the day with a steep descent to the halfway point for the stage. Fill your drink bottles at the checkpoint and head off into the remote Phantom River region. Climb gradually for 25km before some undulations and river crossings lead you a great campsite on Ashwick Flat. The riding will be unforgiving, the scenery wild and surreal. You'll need to work as a team to make sure there are no issues with dehydration or bonking as this could lead to massive time gaps. Technical prowess, an ability to pace yourself and endurance will be rewarded.

Stage 4: Ashwick Flat to Mackenzie Basin. 72km, 1450m ascent

Undulating and rough (which we admit is a fairly woolly description), this will be a stage that gets progressively faster as you climb over the hills of Burkes Pass and roll onto the harsh and desolate high country terrain of the Mackenzie basin. If it’s blowing norwest it will be bakingly dry and tough; however stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, and a spectacular campsite nestled under the sheltering slopes of the Mary Range will provide the incentive needed to stay on the bike and hammer out the last long day of the 2010 Alpine Epic.
Stage 05
Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie District, New Zealand

Stage 5: Mackenzie Basin to Lake Tekapo. 49km, 750m ascent

The final stage of the 2010 Alpine Epic will see riders climb from the campsite onto hills above Lake Pukaki. At the head of the lake the permanent ice fields of the Southern Alps will stand out starkly in the morning sky. Rocky and steep, the descent will shred many a tire, and you’ll need to be handling your bike well to get down the rock garden style track in one piece. Ride smooth rollers past alpine tarns and startle the odd Merino as you ride upriver and into Tekapo to a chilled Moa and the finish line of the 2010 Alpine Epic.

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