Ground Effect - mountain bike clothing

December 2008
Bannockburn Mountainbike Classic, 30 December
Otago, New Zealand
Squeeze in New Zealands final MTB race of the year, taking in the Gold mining trails of Bannockburn. Lasy year 700 people took up the challenge.
www.cromwell.org.nz/calendar1.asp, info@cromwell.org.nz

January 2009
Vulcaniser, 24 January
Mt Vulcan, Omihi, North Canterbury, New Zealand
Located in the picturesque countryside overlooking Pegasus Bay. Saturday is an 'Open Day' giving recreation category riders a chance to ride the course, plus the racers an opportunity to practice. Sunday is race day.
www.mountainbike.orcon.net.nz, mtbrace@paradise.net.nz, Ph: 03 332 0252

Taranaki Challenge, 24 January
New Plymouth, New Zealand
150km circumnavigation of Mt Taranaki. The event consists of 7 legs giving the option of having a relay team between 2 to 7 riders, or going solo for the whole journey.
www.cyclechallenge.co.nz, cyclechallenge@clear.net.nz, Ph: 06 758 8200

Whitestar Mountain Bike Festival 09, 31 January - 1 February
White Star Station, Coromandel, New Zealand
A weekend festival of mtbing centred around the idyllic Northern Coromandel White Star Station. 2 days of events including a rogaine on Saturday, & the Intrigue X Country on Sunday with a choice of 70km, 40km and 20km distances. Either challenge yourself or just have fun!
www.arcevents.co.nz/theintrigue/content/, andy@arcevents.co.nz, Ph: 0274 921 348

February 2009
Tahune Forestry Airwalk Mtb Marathon 2009, 7 February
Huon Valley, Southern Tasmania, Australia
A 90km loop, start/finish at the Tahune Forestry Airwalk. The course travels through stunning sections of the Southern Forest following the Huon River, providing a true wilderness experience. Also a 45km option.
www.tahunemtbmarathon.com.au, sthnp@bigpond.net.au

Tour of the Wild Wild West, 14 February
Auckland, New Zealand
A 80km or 53km road fun ride and cycle challenge through the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. Finishing at Muriwai beach.
www.summerofcycling.com, anthony@dcp.co.nz, Ph: 09 478 6963

R & R Sports Black Stump Adventure Ride, 14 February
Glen Massey, Ngaruawahia, New Zealand
A mountain bike ride/race with terrain to suit all levels. Native bush, farm tracks and long downhills make for an exciting and exhilarating ride amongst stunning scenery. 12km or 40km options. Only 90 minutes from Auckland/30 minutes from Hamilton.
www.blackstumpadventures.co.nz, blackstumppadventures@xtra.co.nz

Wellington Go by Bike Day, 18 February
Wellington, New Zealand
If you are a regular or would-be cycling commuter, celebrate Go By Bike Day in Wellington's Civic Square between 7am and 9am. Big free breakfast, prize draws, freebies and music. $1000 of Ground Effect kit up for grabs.
www.bikewise.co.nz, amdelaney@yahoo.com

Otway Odyssey, 21 February
Great Otway National Park, South-West Victoria, Australia
The full 100km Odyssey starts at the ocean and takes you on a journey through the ranges to the small township of Forrest and a massive festival right on the finish line. There's something for the whole family with 50km & 15km options too.
www.rapidascent.com.au/OtwayOdyssey

Flock Hill Adventure Ride, 21 February
Flock Hill Station, New Zealand
A 32km fun ride through privately owned Flock Hill Station. The emphasis is on FUN, so you won't be timed and are free to ride at your own pace. Camping, BBQ and showers available.
www.funcycling.net, cliff@funcycling.net

MLT Moonshine Trail, 21 February
Gore, New Zealand
Start/finish in the picturesque Dolamore Park. 40 or 35km options for those mountain bikers who are 'Dead Keen' or just 'Moonlighters'.
www.moonshinetrail.co.nz, events@sportsouthland.co.nz, Ph: 03 211 2150

Holden High Country Cycle Challenge, 28 February - 1 March
Mansfield/Mt Buller, VIC, Australia
Just 230 kilometres of open road, stunning views and great fun in and around Victoria's High Country. New for 2008 - four exciting and challenging ride options.
www.bikevents.com.au/hhccc/home.html, bruce@bikevents.com.au, Ph: 0419 533 120

March 2009
Pass to Pub, 1 March
Burkes Pass, New Zealand
A classic mtb event for the whole family over 36km from Burkes Pass to the Albury Tavern.
www.pass2pub.com, info@specialevents.co.nz, Ph: 03 688 5531

BMC Mountains to Beach, 1 - 6 March
Thredbo to Narooma, NSW, Australia
5 days of mtb stage racing from the roof of Australia to the surf. Ride solo or in pairs across 350km of snaking singletrack, 'wind through the helmet' downhills and challenging uphills.
www.wildhorizons.com.au/mountainstobeach/HOME.html, bmcmtb@wildhorizons.com.au, Ph: 02 4883 6509

Karapoti Classic, 7 March
Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand's original mtb race. A 50km scenic but challenging loop through the rugged Akatarawa Ranges, 10 clicks north of Upper Hutt.
www.karapoti.co.nz, enquiries@karapoti.co.nz, Ph: 04 920 5655

Whitehill Windfarm Classic, 7 March
Mossburn, New Zealand
Undulating terrain leads to 2200ft with exhilarating downhills
whitehill.challenge@woosh.co.nz, Ph: 027 6262 393

Ground Effect Cyclic Saga, 14 - 15 March
Canterbury, New Zealand
Two-day mtb rogaine for teams of 2 to 4. The must-do event of the season.
www.cyclicsaga.co.nz, info@cyclicsaga.co.nz, Ph: 03 443 2205

Colville Connection, 14 March
Coromandel, New Zealand
72km loop of mtb adventure around the northern tip of the Coromandel Penninsula. And NEW for 09 - no "Big Hill' this yr but a chance to ride around the new coastal level track - only open for the event to bikers! Check out the 40km Ground Effect Get Yer Bike for a more technical ride, plus there's a 24km recreational option too.
www.colvilleconnection.co.nz, graeme@colvilleconnection.co.nz, Ph: 09 358 2283

Rotorangi Gutbuster, 21 March
Hawera, New Zealand
14km kayak (flat water), 12km cross-country run, 45 km road cycle. Get along to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the event!
www.rotorangigutbuster.co.nz, gradot@hotmail.com, Ph: 06 273 4295

Triple Peaks Challenge, 21 March
Havelock North, New Zealand
Traversing the three main peaks of Mt Erin (489m), Mt Kahuranaki (646m) and the historic Te Mata Peak (399m), the 48km course crosses the Tukituki river twice and climbs a total of 1800m. Much of it on private land providing a unique Hawkes Bay experience meeting the needs of beginners & experienced participants alike.
www.triplepeakschallenge.co.nz, dave@atomiceventscentre.com

Huxster 2009 Race, 21 - 22 March
Living Springs, Christchurch, New Zealand
Fun racing at a great location.
www.huxster.co.nz, andrea@huxster.co.nz, Ph: 03 942 1818

Le Race, 28 March
Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand
One of the country's leading hill climb events, Le Race is a 100km cycle race on fast flats, challenging hill climbs and exhilarating downhills that take you from Christchurch City to the French Settlement of Akaroa. Enter in one of the team options or as an individual and be crowned king or queen of the mountain!
www.lerace.co.nz, info@lerace.co.nz, Ph: 0272 LERACE

The Great Escapade, 28 March - 5 April
WA, Australia
Cycle through the dramatic landscapes of Australia
www.greatescapade.com.au, greatescapade@bv.com.au, Ph: 03 8636 8888

Ohope Ordeal, 28 March
Ohope, New Zealand
50km or 25km mtb ride on private land not usually open to the public, it covers vast amounts of grass and forest throughout beautiful Ohope. Kick the school holidays off in fine style, plus childcare is available onsite.
www.ohopeordeal.org.nz, stevegore@xtra.co.nz, Ph: 07 312 5758

2009 Felt Marathon Challenge, 28 March
Wandong, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Only 1 hour from Melbourne choose 100km, 69km or 38km of challenging yet achievable riding for all levels.
www.bighillevents.com.au, info@bighillevents.com.au, Ph: 09 9499 9273

Ground Effect Living Springs Mtb Race, 28 March
Living Springs, Christchurch, New Zealand
Check out the new Living Springs mtb venue! This race is also part of the Canterbury XC Series if you want to take on the challenge of being part of the Series for 09.
www.canterburyXCseries.co.nz, Ph: 03 322 7886

April 2009
12 Hour Day/Nighter, 4 April
Hanmer, New Zealand
Ride as many laps of the 12km course as possible, solo or in teams of 3 to 5 people. And, new this year the 6 hour SOLO. Get your mates together for a fun day/night.
www.bluedogevents.co.nz, blue.dog@clear.net.nz, Ph: 03 331 7990

Carricktown Crusher, 4 April
Otago, New Zealand
An historic goldtown loop starting and finishing at the Bannockburn Hotel. A 1000m climb is rewarded with nearly 15km of downhill.
www.cromwell.org.nz/calendar1.asp, info@cromwell.org.nz

Forrest Estate GrapeRide, 4 April
Renwick, Marlborough, New Zealand
The South Island's biggest cycling event traverses a 101km circuit through stunning scenery. Starting and finishing at Forrest Estate Winery it takes riders through Blenheim, Picton, Queen Charlotte Drive, and Havelock. At the end you're treading grapes for next years vintage - if you return to ride you'll receive your bottle from the previous year.
www.graperide.co.nz, graperide@xtra.co.nz, Ph: 027 466 9671

Rotorua - Taupo Charity 100 k Flyer, 4 April
Taupo, New Zealand
Ride or race a fast and scenic 100 Km from Rotorua to Taupo. The course takes in private sealed forestry roads, SH5, and peaceful country roads including part of the famous Ironman course.
www.eventpromotions.co.nz, admin@eventpromotions.co.nz, Ph: 07 378 0455

Porirua Grand Traverse, 5 April
Porirua City , New Zealand
Race the Triple Peaks of Porirua. Compete as a team or individual in this multisport event which combines mountain biking and running, and an optional kayaking section.
www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz, info@poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz, Ph: 027 465 8270

Mt Peel Mtb Marathon & Blue Mt Gorges Challenge, 5 April
Mount Peel, South Canterbury, New Zealand
A choice of 2 rides! The legendary 85km Marathon, undulating 4WD & farm tracks climb to 5000ft with stunning views of Mt Cook & Mt Tasman. Or ride the 55km Challenge, a course suitable for most abilities.
www.specialevents.co.nz, info@specialevents.co.nz, Ph: 03 688 5531

King Country Challenge 2008, 5 April
Piopio, King Country, New Zealand
A fun and physical challenge in an idyllic country setting, with a good old fashioned home-cooked meal at the end. Options include 50km, 37km & 19km plus childrens rides.
www.kingcountrychallenge.co.nz, macoup@xtra.co.nz, Ph: 07 877 7885

Odyssey 3 Day Mtb Tour, 10 - 12 April
Whakatane - Rotorua - Taupo, New Zealand
3 days, 2 wheels, 1 epic adventure. Both a race & a fun mtb ride for individuals & teams. Over 300km of mtbing in the hills south of Whakatane & Kawerau, the Rotorua lakes, and dozens of kms of bush trials.
www.bikeodyssey.co.nz, info@bikeodyssey.co.nz, Ph: 07 308 6726

Around Brunner Cycle Ride, 18 April
West Coast, New Zealand
130 km sealed circuit cycle ride which takes cyclists through some of the most stunning scenery the good old West Coast has to offer.
www.aroundbrunner.co.nz, Ph: 03 348 3282

Mt Somers Classic Mtb Race, 19 April
Mt Somers, New Zealand
A once a year opportunity to traverse the slopes of Mt Somers Station through bush, snow grass and along farm tracks with fantastic views.
www.mtsomersbikerace.co.nz, info@mtsomersbikerace.co.nz

BMC 100km Classic, 19 April
Woodend, VIC, Australia
Staged from the picturesque Cammeray Waters, only one hour
www.maxadventure.com.au/bmcclassic/default.htm, henry@maxadventure.com.au, Ph: 0423 735 779

May 2009
Dirt Works 100km Classic, 3 May
St. Albans, NSW, Australia
The course follows the historic convict trail on the Old Great North Road and incorporates a unique 60m kayak bridge across the Macdonald river. Option of 50km too.
www.maxadventure.com.au/dirtworksclassic/default.htm, henry@maxadventure.com.au, Ph: 0423 735 779

Cateye Moonride - Rotorua, 9 May
Rotorua, New Zealand
24 or 12 hours of madness, and fun. Ride as a 4 or 5 person team or go solo on the 30 minute laps.
www.eventpromotions.co.nz, admin@eventpromotions.co.nz, Ph: 07 378 0455

June 2009
Lake Tekapo MTB Pursuit, 1 June
Tekapo, New Zealand
90km off-road circumnavigation of scenic Lake Tekapo, NZ's most spectacular mtb adventure. Individual and team options. Also 1/2 option for those who don't like getting their feet wet.
www.mtbpursuits.com, pete.marg@xtra.co.nz, Ph: 03 685 8176

August 2009
The Epic Classic 100km MTB Marathon & 50km MTB Pursuit , 22 - 23 August
South Queensland - Lockyer Valley, Australia
Australia's first mtb marathon event. Ride the Bicentennial Trail through Reibstein Creek Gully. Check out events for the whole family at www.cycleepic.com.au.
www.cycleepic.com.au, peter.creagh@cycleepic.com.au, Ph: 041 212 048

September 2009
Cycle Queensland 2007, 5 - 13 September
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
A 9-day, fully supported cycle tour & it's a loop this year, starting & finishing in Toowoomba.
www.bq.org.au, www.bq.org.au/cq/, Ph: +61 7 3844 1144

October 2009
12 Hr Day/Nighter & 6 Hr Blast Mountain Bike Race, 10 October
McLean's Forest Park, McLeans Island Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
Choose 12 or 6 Hours of non stop mountain biking action, get a team together or go solo. Course is 13km of benched bermed single track. 10.00am start.
www.bluedogevents.co.nz, blue.dog@clear.net.nz, Ph: 03 331 7990

Timaru 12 Hour, 31 October
Timaru, New Zealand
Based in Centennial Park get a team together or go solo in a mountain bike event suitable for everyone.
www.specialevents.co.nz, info@specialevents.co.nz, Ph: 03 688 5531

November 2009
Highland Fling, 7 - 8 November
Bundanoon, Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia
Australia's MTB Marathon Championship is a mountain bike marathon for all starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Bundanoon. Enter as a Full Flinger (approx 110km), Half a Flinger (approx 55km), Flinging Threesomes (relay team of three), or the bigger challenge of the 100Mile Fling. Enjoy scenic & challenging riding through forest & farmland with hammering single track, forest tracks & dirt road. Get Flinging!
www.wildhorizons.com.au, Fling@wildhorizons.com.au, Ph: +61 2 4883 6509