50km MTB or eBike
Course Description
Starting at The Stables, you have a flat start through a couple of paddocks before meeting a farm road and meandering your way to the northern end of the property. This section is reasonably flat staying on gravel or grass roads with a couple small up hills to keep you honest. At the 3km mark you will turn right onto sealed road (the only sealed section of the course) and stay on this for approximately 250m before turning left and beginning the first of the tough up hills in this course.
After a 2km gentle climb up Deer Farm Ridge, you’ll hit your first aid station at the end of the gums. Make sure you take enough time to sample all the treats on offer before heading off on your first little section of downhill towards the northern-most of the course, before turning and heading back towards the Eucalyptus forest. In amongst the Eucalyptus, you will be in the thick of deer country, running on forest track, across wetlands and past heaps of middle earth goodness! After Eucalyptus you will cross a small stream and be at the old stock yards aid station. A whole new selection of goodies await you before embarking on the most undulating section of the course.
You’ll have approx. 4km of rolling farmland, native bush and an abundance of wildlife so if you’ve got your camera, there will be plenty of deer , sheep, and cattle ready for a selfie for sure. This section has some climbs that can pinch a bit, so our advice is conserve here, there is still some climbing to be done. After the 4km you reach your next aid station on Fletchers Rd where we’re sure you’ll be happy to take in the view and re fuel with some gourmet goodies. Leaving this aid station you have a short downhill, be sure to watch out for the resident cattle and deer that frequent the right hand turn near the bottom of this hill.
Next up for you is the much talked about Beech Forest, approx. 7km of old growth native forest…expect more uphill in the first half, the bonus is you’ll be moving at a great pace to take it all in. Finishing the Beech forest, you have a fairly steep descent into the Quarry where you’ll find your next aid station and a whole new selection of yum stuff. Take care on this descent as the line you choose is key in getting to the bottom happy!
Leaving the quarry, you’ll spend the next approx. 6km riding on some reasonably flat gravel and grass road towards the southern end of the property surrounded by sheep, deer, cattle and some of the biggest hare we’ve ever seen. At approx. 33km you will come across the very scenic and historic Red Hut where you will have your next aid station. Make sure you take a moment here and appreciate how tranquil this spot is while enjoying some cheese and crackers on us.
Once you leave the Red Hut you will cross the Poronui Bridge and head towards the infamous Mohaka River. Head down the steep hill and take in the amazing view and sounds of the Mohaka River. Once you pass the hidden Poronui Hut, you have approx. 3km of undulating, but mainly flat gravel road, before you are greeted by your next aid station and once again some gourmet offerings that will be well worth taking in. You will then continue along undulating grass and gravel tracks overlooking the Taharua River on your right.
Once you exit this and reach the ford its decision time… Bike need a clean? Wash it off in the ford. Pretty happy being dirty and staying dry? Take the bridge option and make your way to the final refreshment stop. Located just 1km from the finish a crowd favourite from 2019, the Beer Mile. Pick up a refreshing beverage and make your way along the flat gravel road flanked by cattle and deer back to The Stables…Job well done!
Course Details
Elevation gain 1237m
Farm land 2%
Farm track 29%
Forestry road 26%
Scenic bush 25%
Gravel road 16%
Sealed road 3%
Aid Stations
There are six aid stations on course at 5.5km, 13.5km, 18km, 26km, 32.5km, and 42.5km. You will expect a range of exciting food and drink - water, hydration drink, coffee, lollies, sandwiches, chocolate coated coffee beans, and much more.
There is also the infamous Beer Mile, ride, run, or walk the last 1km with a cold beverage!
Start Information
The start is from The Stables at 9:30am. The participant briefing is at 9:20am.
Participants are given 7 hours to complete the course.
Compulsory Gear
Poronui can be very cold and the weather temperamental at this time of the year so there will be the need to bring and carry compulsory gear. The following list of gear MUST be brought with you, and WILL be checked on Saturday morning pre-event. Please bring the following or you risk not being able to get out there to do your thing;
Long-sleeve thermal or poly-prop tee
Survival blanket or bag
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket (long-sleeve)
If the forecast is for inclement weather, we recommend carrying the items below:
Beanie, thermal or poly-prop
Gloves, thermal or poly-prop
Tights or leggings, thermal or poly-prop