| info@frogrock.co.nz | |
| Waipara Valley, South Island, New Zealand | |
| http://www.frogrock.co.nz/ | |
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The fourth annual Frog Rock Mountain Bike Ride is being held in North Canterbury by Waikari School. The spectacular limestone landscape of the Weka Pass will once again provide the backdrop for the Waikari School's fundraising Mountain Bike Ride to help the school to provide extra teachers, resources, outings and activities.
Riders can choose from two courses, with some changes being made this year to allow for competitors who want a slightly more "kicked back", easier ride. Last years winner was World Champion Anton Cooper who completed the course in 1:32:42, the average time posted was around two and a half hours.
The short course - 15km starts from the Shellrock yards off Glenmark Drive, Waipara) and after an initial 1km warm up winds its way gently up to the Weka Pass skyline along a well formed gravel farm track and then across tussock grass land. There is a long across the Shellrock escarpment above Frog Rock which gives riders a great view of the Weka Pass. Bikers then descend to Fiddlers before a short steep climb up to a drinks station at the 10km mark where there is a good view of the route up Mt Donald being taken by the riders on the long course. The track continues to climb to 460m on the crest of Shellrock before begining the 5km descent through tussock, forest and farmland to the finish line.
The long 20km circuit has it all - over 600m vertical in three main ascents, with stead grinds, one short climb, easy traverses across tussock grassland, long swooping descents through limestone outcrops, riding the rim of Mt Donald. The ride finishes with the same 5km final descent as the short course. A good standard of fitness is required for this ride.
Tickets for the event are available on line at www.frogrock.co.nz and entry includes a local lunch and the chance to win some great spot prizes.