EPIC? Well, in 2002 it was an EPIC ride, although these days that crown has well and truly passed to the 120Km Haewa Epic. The ride has gone through a few changes
over the years, but here are just the recollections of a Clydesdale rider doing it in various years.
So, firstly the Mountain Epic for 2002 was organised by Total Outdoor Momentum and was a MTB ride from Arrowtown to Glendhu Bay (10km west of Wanaka) via the Arrow Gorge and Motatapu Valley.
About 230 cyclists entered the event on a clear and warm Saturday morning, 2nd February, 2002.
Well, Pat then retired with a (twice) broken chain 200 metres into the event (with Weakest Link jokes flying around).
Michael: 3:39, Gerard 4:26, Adrienne & Jens: 6:30, Pat: Macetown and back over Big Hill once the chain was repaired!
Seen on the track: 5 broken chains, 1 broken collarbone, one seriously buckled front wheel.
And a map of the full course that we took. The course follows the yellow line.
And the following few years?
2003 was a better year: Pat finished well under 4 hours, Gerard in 4:02, and Adrienne just on 5.
2004 with better gadgets! A wee Garmin Legend GPS provided the profile of the race. Trouble occurred with a flat rear tyre, rain in the second half so time was back to 4:18. Still a fun ride! Thanks to GroundEffect this time!
2005-2009 ... A re-branding, new organisers, change of direction, and a marathon to become a multi-sport event, but no riding.
2010, and time to re-enter the fray!
WOW! 2,400 riders all heading from Glendhu Bay to Arrowtown, in amongst 800-odd runners doing similar.Yes, it's the Motatapu!
A much better time too: aiming for under 4 hours, Gerard over in 3:36, Brent in 3:37, and Graeme in 4:26
2014, and this time it's on foot for the Miners' Trail! 3 minute timelapse of the whole *cough*cough* run.
2015 meant it was back on 2 wheels for the MTB ride, and what a ride! RAIN. MUD. and MORE MUD. Biking in 2-3 inches of nutella and rocks for most of the way. Times were 40-60 minutes slower across the whole field, and then the Arrow river came up so the river crossings were closed.
The result was a 'High Water' finish line about 2km back for much of the pack. Both Shane and Gerard over in 4:36, while Brent caned it in 3:36 in the atrocious conditions.
2016 was a LOT drier than the previous year: cool and cloudy so good conditions on the bike once again. Faster, but not a PB for Gerard in 3:43 while Brent blasted a 3:11, with Graeme improving in 4:13.
2017 and the bike was good, the weather was great, just the engine poorly (or portly). Times reflected a lack of buildup training. Gerard in 4:03, Brent stayed with Julie so 4:34, with Graeme pairing with daughter Katie at 4:47.