Gravel Grind

Gravel Grind

The surface is roughly 70% gravel roads and tracks, 16% mountain bike trails, 11% tarseal and 3% other. The trails are mostly Grade 2 or very easy Grade 3, and the route links local MTB tracks, gravel roads and farm tracks. Most of it is private land: the organiser asks riders not to use those roads at any time except on the event, so race day is the only day to ride it.

Riders start in three groups by expected time: under 3:45, 3:45 to 4:40, and over 4:40. Aid stations are at 16, 34, 49 and 77 km. The cut-offs are 12pm at 45 km and 2:30pm at Aratiatia Dam, 69 km, and riders unlikely to finish by 4pm can be taken off. E-bikes are allowed in their own category, with no charging on course. Riding alone takes an age of 15.

On Livebib the rider shares a link to their own broadcast. Family open it in a browser, without an account or app, and see the position on the course line, distance covered and a finish estimate that updates, worth watching ahead of the Aratiatia cut-off. On farm tracks without signal, the position is carried forward along the course and marked as estimated.