Fun Cycling Events
Okoroire Mid Winter Fun Ride
Sunday 25th July 2010
This is a road ride which we have been running since July 1999, with rider numbers increasing each year to around 800 cyclists. We are based at the Okoroire Community Hall which gives us shelter and the ability to provide hot Tea and Coffee after you finish. Porta-Loos are available here also. We have limited parking in the immediate hall area, so please be prepared to park along the road verges, having consideration for other road users and ride participants.
The 40km option is predominantly flat with undulating hills for the last 10km or so. A perfect ride for those new to cycling or those who take the winter off from training. Riders in this section typically take between 1hr.15min through to 3hr.30min.
The 70km is also flat for the first half, with undulating hills in the last half. The fast riders are back in around 2 hours with the more social taking up to 3hr.30min. arriving back just in time for the drawing of spot prizes at 1.30 pm. This is a great ride for those who need a goal during winter or just to kick start your training for around Taupo in November. We provide a "Tail End Charlie" for this ride, just in case you have a mechanical problem that can not be easily fixed and need a ride to the finish.
We have experienced the occasional wet day (especially 2007) and some quite cold ones, but the riders have always enjoyed the event. Please come prepared for all weather conditions as it is winter and can be cold or even wet.
Remember this is a FUN RIDE. I am sure you will enjoy the roads and the scenery.
When
- The last Sunday in July.
Where
- The OKOROIRE COMMUNITY HALL (see entry form for details.)
Flock Hill Station Adventure Ride
Saturday 19th February 2011
Mountain bike the spectacular South Island high country at YOUR pace. You start any time between 10am and 10.30am, you will not be timed, so there is no pressure. If you want to race your mates, that is fine, otherwise ride at your pace and enjoy the scenery.
As most of you will know in 2008 and 2009 we ran the ride around "Broken Hill" using SH 73 at the start so as to access the Stations tracks. Late in 2009 the Station owners had a new track cut, mainly for moving stock, but also for us to use, so avoiding the main highway, and riding in the reverse direction to give us even better views. Unfortunately the new track proved to be too steep, and with down hills that were potentially dangerous.
The Friday before this year ride was spent frantically checking out the Stations trails for a suitable course.
WOW! what we found is fantastic. An all weather surface, a couple of climbs, but rideable by most, great flowing downhills, a couple of shallow stream crossings, and a ride alongside Lake Pearson. FANTASTIC All of this and the spectacular scenery of the High Country, what more could we ask for.
This is a great recreational ride, with enough variation so that even those fast riders who were first home enjoyed the day. Next year we will introduce an optional 4km loop, to be ridden on the way home.
So spread the word, it is much more rider friendly than the 2008 and 2009 trails.
RIDE IT WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THEY WILL LOVE IT ALSO
This ride, through privately owned Flock Hill Station, is the only opportunity for mountain bikers to experience the stunning and varied terrain without being a guest of Flock Hill’s lodge. Striking rock formations, craggy hills, pristine rivers and wide open spaces make up this 14,000 hectare working station – film set for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Fast experienced riders can expect to complete the ride in two hours, reasonably fit recreational cyclists in three and a half, and totally social meanderers and scenery soakers about 4 hours.
For those that wish to make a weekend of it ,there will be camping allowed at the station.
After the ride there will be a "High Country BBQ" put on by the station. Near the BBQ will be a bar for those needing to quench a thirst.
When
- Saturday 19th. February 2011.
- Registration from 7:30am; Riders Briefing 9:45am.
- Spot prizes will be drawn at 2.15pm
Where
- Flock Hill Station on SH73 (the road over Arthurs Pass,) about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch.
