Abel Tasman Marble Mountain Classic Mountain Bike Race - Marble Mountain Classic race description

The Route:

The Abel Tasman Marble Mountain Mountain Classic mountain bike race, run in association with Adventure Nelson Ltd, is the ultimate ride for riders of all levels.

Flat sections, climbs and downhills make for an enjoyable day out. Approximately 35km long.

Expert or experienced riders should take approx 1.5 hours to compete the course, depending upon your experience, the course may take up to approx 4 hours, therefore please take appropriate food and water.
NB: There is NO seperate downhill race in the 2010 event!

Section 1: The Start
Starting at Kaiteriteri Beach riders take a 6 km scenic sealed route to the top of the Kaiteriteri Hill,and decend down to the Otowhero, turning left at the T junction towards the Moss Road intersection where you turn right onto an unsealed road. Section 1 should allow for the field to safely spread prior to section 2, the Marble Mountain section.

Section 2: Up the Marble Mountain
This is the start of the climb up the Marble Mountain (Takaka Hill). Riders take the track used by Marble Hills 4-Wheel Motorbikes Adventures. The marble rocks on the Takaka hill were used to build Parliament Buildings in Wellington. A train line was built to pull the marble up out of the quarry and the classics riders will ride this track. Along the way riders will even pass cut marble blocks, which it is believed these rocks fell from the train. This section is a solid climb and will test rider's endurance.

Section 3: Down to the Top of the Marahau Saddle Road
This section is downhill through farmland. The views out over Tasman Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park are simply stunning. Those riders who want for a more leisurely pace will really enjoy the scenery.

Section 4: Down through the Kaiteriteri Forest
Riders cross the Riwaka/Marahau Road at a controlled point of the top of the Marahau Saddle and descend into the pines of the Kaiteriteri Forest. This is mostly downhill with some fast sections. At the bottom of the forest riders emerge back at Kaiteriteri Beach and the finish line.

The course will take approx 1hr 30 min for the expert category riders and up to 4 hours for newbees, therefore please take sufficent water and food for the ride.

Approximate Distance: 35 Km

Downloadable map

The Before and After

Having the stunning Kaiteriteri Beach as the start and finish has plenty of advantages for riders and supporters. There is plenty of accommodation for a weekend away and there are activities galore.

Final Section: The After Match Function
Riders and supporters are invited to attend the after match at the world famous Beached Whale at the Kaiteri Lodge beside the start/finish in Kaiteriteri Beach.