The Gutbuster mountain bike race deservedly gets its name from the challenging 75km course from Garston Hotel, up over the Hector mountains, through the spectacular Nevis Valley, and over Duffer’s Saddle on the Old Woman Range. Apart from the gutbusting climbs to the summits, there is a breathtaking finish with a steep descent on the metalled Nevis Road, onto a sealed section downhill and into Bannockburn where a well deserved drink awaits you at the Bannockburn Pub.
You need to have the right safety gear heading into these mountains as you will make 25 or more river crossings and reach up to an altitude of 1300m. Anything can happen in the mountains in November! We’ve had all the seasons over the years. A 4WD ambulance and tail end Charlies are on the track to pick up the pieces. If you puncture or lose your brakes you have to be self sufficient for repairs - or a long walk.
The local landowners put on a BBQ in the middle of the Nevis Valley and give the tired riders a great welcome. The pros are going so fast that you can hardly see them for dust, especially on the white knuckle downhills. Last year the fastest rider did it in a record time of two hours 51 minutes.
Date / Time: Saturday in November. 11.00am start at Garston.
For more information:
Visit the Cromwell Website
Email Cromwell Promotions: info@cromwell.org.nz
Phone: Cromwell Promotions Secretary - Terry Emmitt 027 484 9424
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