The Queenstown Bike Festival begins next week and with it
comes one of its star events, the New World Tour de Wakatipu.
Now in its fifth year, the event attracts riders from all
over the South Island as well as those just wanting to take
the plunge into their first recreational event.
Organisers say the Easter event's course is varied and
provides two distances to suit different ability and skill
levels.
It begins in the Millbrook area where competitors will
descend via the Queenstown Trails to Speargrass Flat Rd, ride
through Slope Hill Rd and over Shotover and Domain Rds on to
the track that follows the true left bank of the Shotover
River.
Riders will cross the restored Shotover bridge before joining
the Kawarau River track and crossing the Kawarau River
bridge.
They will then endure 1km of highway riding before
approaching the Kawarau River Rd down to Chard farm winery,
where a barbecue and band await.
This year, entertainment will be by musician Mathurin Molgat
and singer Jessie Coutts. There will also be food stalls and
wine and beer to cater for the thirsty riders.
Organiser Geoff Hunt this year has introduced a run section
from the bottom of the Remarkables to Chard Farm to get an
exclusive view along the Kawarau River.
Online entries close on Wednesday, March 27, 5pm. (No entries
on the day). $75 a person. $45 a junior (19 years and under).
$200 a family pass (2 adults, 2 children under 14). Run
option $45 a person.
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