Photo credit to Mikhail Huggins.
The Tasman region is renowned for its crystal clear water and walking tracks, but the new MTB Rally has opened up a new way of exploring the area. An adrenaline filled, heart pumping, 6 day enduro race that tests the heart rate, nerves and technical ability of riders. If you’re looking for a race with top class riding and equally good vibes, the NZ MTB Rally might be your next must-do.
Over six days, you’ll race through lush native bush, traversing three national parks on gold level MTB trails. The rally is a newbie to the racing circuit, aiming to showcase the epic trails of the top of the South, from Wairoa Gorge to Nelson. You’ll join weekend warriors, professional riders and international visitors, as you explore diverse back country trails of the Tasman region.
The all-inclusive 6 day adventure includes three town-based base camps and competitors are transported to remote trails via 4x4, boat and helicopter, each race is a test in skill and agility, and in between sessions there’s beers, good food, music and time for a yarn.
Seasoned rider and adventurer, Al Killick tells us more about his experience of the MTB Rally, he’s recently taken on the rally for a second year in a row with his mountain biking mate, Hedgey.
I ride a few times a week in Christchurch and have ridden all sorts of trails across New Zealand and internationally. I love it. Hedgey and I have been riding together for years, and the MTB Rally has become an annual fix. It’s only new but super popular so be sure to book in early or risk the waitlist.
It’s a great atmosphere, the rides are technically challenging but it’s social too, and you only race on the downhill so you get to relax and have some fun getting there, from 4x4 to the heli, you’ll be dropped in what feels like the middle of nowhere.
The MTB is an enduro race, so it’s not go go go from the gun. You’ve got time for a yarn, breather, mentally prep for whatever’s coming next. You can go at your own pace and stay at the back of the pack for a more relaxed ride or stay up front and gun it.
There are 4-6 stages per day set amongst stunning coastal and wild native backdrops, each stage covers world-class trails across Wairoa Gorge, Golden Bay, Kaiteriteri, Cable Bay, Marlborough and Nelson. It’s not for beginners, most of the trails are Grade 4 or 5. There are no mandatory jumps, but I wouldn’t be tackling the rally as your first ever downhill mission.
You’re racing blind. No pre-rides, just instinct and guts. For riders like us, where we ride a lot but are by no means pros, it pushes you right to the edge of your technical ability. It’s thrilling, and a bit nerve-wracking.
The rally offers both standard and extended stages, so whether you’re chasing podiums or just a good time, you’re sorted. The extended tracks are gnarlier, steeper, more technical, and just as rewarding. Especially if you're riding well.
We’ve done the rally on e-bikes each year which made the transfers easier and meant we could save legs for the descents. Not that you can slack off completely. By day 6, you’ll feel it, even with a motor, but it means across the six days you can enjoy the spread that puts on, have a chat and you’re not completely knackered by the end of it.
When you’re not riding, the accommodation, food and atmosphere is great. You’ll stay in Nelson, Bridgewater and Kaiteriteri. Dinner is cooked for you, there are laundry facilities, drinks and snacks at every stop, with a pub dinner and party to finish. You’re riding remote trails but you’re also close to town, so if you need to replace something, have a breakdown or want to grab a coffee you’ve got the best of both worlds.
Gear Tips
- Just look after your bike. Before you head off make sure it’s well-serviced with new tyres and your brakes are working well.
- You’ll need ideally tubeless tyres suitable for enduro racing.
- Make sure your brakes are serviced, flushed with new fluid and new pads. Bring spare brake pads with you.
- Make sure you’ve got the right kit for full riding days and varied terrain, from janky, single trails through dense bush, to coastal sandy paths and alpine-like trails, conditions shift from sea level to coastal ranges, so my best advice is make sure you’ve got the right clothing. Decent baggies, shammies, and a windbreaker and gloves.
- And water is essential. A camelback is a good idea.
The trail is doable if the weather is not looking great. For a casual rider like me, if the weather wasn’t looking too good I’d stick to the main races and not tackle the extra stages. If the weather’s good, we’re doing it all.
The MTB Rally is a proper Kiwi adventure with epic trails, the rally showcases undiscovered and underrated trails that are so different from the likes of Queenstown or Rotorua and it’s well worth doing.
Packing List
- Volcom Trail Ripper Pants
- DHaRCO Padded Chamois Pants
- Evoc Stage 12 Backpack
- DHaRCO Gloves
- Sweet Protection Hooded Wind Jacket
- Lezyne Rap II 25 Multitool