14 October 2023 | Launch Edition
COURSES
The CENTURY Gravel Grind
A century ride is usually the term used to a road route of 100 miles or 100 kilometres. Well, this one ticks both boxes. Ride all our spectacular gravel roads to create a spider-style route. Don’t be fooled by the lack of big hills – this ride will eat you little by little with some surprises along the way. Make sure you save some legs for the last leg- word is out she’s the hilliest of the route.
160 kms (100 miles) | 1900m Vert
78% gravel | 22% paved | 100% stunning
Over 20 creek crossings | Spring winds likely
2 Aid Stations, twice each
Kinloch | KM 25 & 50
Paradise | KM 93 & 114
Aid stations will have water, some nutrition, toilets.
DOC Public Toilets also available at all turnaround points: Greenstone, Routeburn, Chinaman’s bluff and Muddy creek carparks
Water available on Aid stations. You will cross many creeks where locals drink water from. Use your own judgment.
Timings:
Registration: Friday 13th October from 3pm to 8pm at the Community Hall
Event day:
06:30am Riders gather at the start line, waterfront
06:45am Race briefing
07:00am Start time
Cut-off times:
Kinlock Aid Station return 50km | 10:00am
Paradise Aid Station return 114km | 2:00pm
Finish Line 5:00pm | Total riding time allowed 10 hours
The PARADISE Gravel dash
We all heard about the Road to Paradise, but did they ever tell you it’s a gravel road? Of course it had to be, it’s paradise after all! Most locals would argue this is our most scenic gravel road so you are in for a treat. This is a family friendly easy ride option if you are not in for the suffering. Ride through farmland, beech forest, surrounded by the Southern Alps. How many mountains can you name it? Go on.
37 kms | 360m Vert
A family friendly scenic ride, perfect if you are supporting someone riding the big event.
Native forest, mountains, great views of Diamond Lake
1 Aid Station
Paradise – 18km
Aid station will have water, some nutrition, toilets
DOC Public Toilets also available at Diamond Lake
Timings:
Registration:
Friday 13th October from 3pm to 8pm at the Community Hall
Event day:
08:30am Registration Closes
08:30am Riders gather at the start line, waterfront
08:45am Race briefing
09:00am Start time
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Come and help our community event, we have a variety of tasks and roles that need some hands on!
INFORMATION ABOUT GLENORCHY
Just a 45-minute drive away from Queenstown, Glenorchy is situated on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu and serves as the entry point to hiking trails and the enchanting world of Middle-earth™.
Our small town provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a genuine paradise. Set against a backdrop of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, the surroundings of Glenorchy are truly mesmerising. Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River provide chances for jet boating and kayaking, while some of the finest hiking trails in New Zealand are easily accessible from Glenorchy
The magnificent landscapes of Glenorchy have transformed it into a sought-after filming location, representing numerous scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy and making appearances in the Narnia film series. Just twenty kilometers away from Glenorchy, as pastoral farmlands give way to beech forests, you’ll discover Paradise. Some say its name originates from its natural allure, while others attribute it to the paradise ducks inhabiting the area. The exact origin of its name remains uncertain, yet everyone agrees on its absolutely breathtaking beauty. “This is the Middle-earth™ I had always envisioned,” commented Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) about Paradise.
Being home to approximately 500 residents, Glenorchy extends a warm and vibrant welcome, renowned for its distinctive Southern kiwi hospitality. A variety of lodging options, cafes, eateries, and bars add to its charm. Acquiring hiking provisions in nearby Queenstown is a prudent choice.
Need a place to stay? Activities for the family? Check our page below with plenty of options and useful links!
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WITHDRAWAL, CANCELLATION AND RACE RULES
By entering any of the “Glenorchy Gravel Grind 2023” events you must read and agree with the Withdrawal, cancellation and race rules for the event. You can find them on the page below:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If yours is not here yet please contact us 🙂
What bike can I use? Do I need a Gravel Bike?
Both events cover a bit of sealed road and the rest is all on gravel roads, with no single tracks. You don’t need a gravel bike. If you have a gravel bike, great! If not, any mountain bike will do just fine. If you only have a road bike, you are in for a true adventure, we recommend you have previous experience riding your road bike on gravel roads.
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