The MTBO calendar has generally developed to avoid MTB cross-country events, so events are mostly in the winter months. But one traditional and one new event in the South Island take place in late summer.
The new event is called the "Pedal EPIC" and is the brainchild of Bruce Mcleod, NZ orienteering champion, a cross-country rider of some ability, and member of the winning Southern Traverse team in 2001. Bruce has run a number of foot EPICs, which stands for "Enigmatic Pseudo Insane Challenge". You have to visit a number of checkpoints within a fixed time; usually you have a day. This is similar to a rogaine (foot) or trailquest (MTB), except that to actually find the control marker, you have to solve a cryptic clue!
Now Bruce is offering one for bikes, in the Bannockburn area of Central Otago. It's a two-day event, with 8 hours allowed on the first day and 4 on the second. Overnight, you stay at the old Bannockburn School (bunkrooms and camping). Travel is on sealed and gravel roads, 4WD tracks, and if you wish cross-country through the tussock. Its for teams of 2 to 4 riders.
The Pedal EPIC is on Feb 15/16 and entries close 31 Jan. Enquiries to Bruce McLeod Ph 03 441 4447.
And the other event is NZ's biggest and longest-running MTB-Orienteering event - the Cyclic Saga. Its been going for nearly 10 years and usually attracts a capacity entry of 350 riders, again in teams of at least 2. You have 7 hours on the first day and 6 hours on the second day to bag as many checkpoints as you can. Overnight camp with the organisers carrying your gear. No cryptic clues, but great lunch afterwards, and prize list.
This is the first year it won't be on Banks Peninsula. The location is
"yet to be dislosed" but its typically within an hour of Christchurch.
The Cyclic Saga is on
Mar 8/9 and entries close when 350 have been reached. Enquiries to
Windy Ridge Ltd Ph 03 358 2288.
Written by Michael Wood
and installed on 14 Dec 02