Who would have thought that some gutter dweller would have forwarded our email that we had sent out to the Christchurch City and Greymouth District Councils. What would be the point of this? Maybe they could an event organiser that runs events for profit. In addition, they cannot understand non-profit words like “Fun, Camaraderie and Achievement”.

The money paid to participate in this ride is given straight back to the riders in goods. All of the jerseys feedbags that the riders receive are all designed to give a retro fell like the good old days. The whole point of the ride is to experience the same kind if emotion that Sir Edmund Hillary did when he “Knocked the Bugger Off”.

Now we are face with the prospect of having to comply with the same rules and regulations as profit driven event organisers.

The thing that really grabs me by the short and curlys is what is the difference between 30-40 people meeting at a predetermined time on a Sunday morning and riding from point A to point B and our event? Maybe its time that your Sunday bunch ride should submit a traffic plan and pay a STMS company unnecessary amounts of money to cone off the road just incase.

Or maybe it’s best to let common sense prevail.

The Icebreaker Off-Road Marathon & Summit 50km High Country Mountain Bike run through the iconic Motatapu, Soho and Glencoe stations starting near Lake Wanaka and finishing at historic Arrowtown. This is over a route that is only open to the public once a year. The MTB is always a sell out by November each year! We suggest you enter early.

NEW for 2010
The Motatapu Miner’s Trail 15km Off-Road Mountain Run.
Enjoy the event on half the training. This route is only open once a year. A spectacular loop from Arrowtown, ascending the historic Tobin’s Track up onto the Crown Terrace before entering the magnificent (and private) Glencoe Station. Incredible views!

The Motatapu R&R Sport Adventure Run (Teams of two).
This is not for the faint hearted! This route traverses 4 peaks, the highest 1275m, with a total ascent of 2790m. The route follows the DOC Motatapu Track, described in places as merely a “marked route”. It is exposed and physically challenging backcountry terrain, negotiating rough tussock-covered areas, long steep sidles and river crossings. This is a serious mountain run for serious athletes.

For entries and full details on all Motatapu events see www.motatapu.com