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Details
Starting at the woolshed you bike/run along the road for aprox 1.5 km then turn left onto the farm track this starts the biggest climb of the day you will climb approx 720 m in the first 11 km’s. If you enter in the MTB Race category you will need to have a good level of fitness to keep up. Once on the ridge line you head up the Cameron Valley make sure you take time to take in the views then over a saddle into the South Ashburton the area at the top of the saddle can be exposed in bad weather so you need to carry Cold weather gear.
The start of the descent into the South Ashburton has a couple of switchback corners where care needs to be taken. At the bottom you Turn Left and head down the riverbed half way down you have to cross a boulder scree some of the top riders will be able to ride it but most Rec riders will have to walk ( Please get through this area without delay this is a active shingle scree and you should be alert to the possibility of falling rocks) head on down the river there is a small climb as the river goes into a gorge you follow along the side of the gorge for while them climb up to the saddle and back across the paddocks to the finish at the woolshed to the smell of the sizzling Westmeats ribeye steaks cooking. The top MTB race riders will take 2.10- 3.30 hrs Recreational riders 4.30-5.30 hrs. This course is more suited to a soft tail if you have the choice. Being the first year we have had the run, Runners please make sure you have seen the course profile above to give you a idea of what you are getting into.
Comments from a rider in 2006
 I just thought I'd email to check you were going to run the event again this year and say thanks for 2006. The reason is that the 06 ride was the highlight ride for me last year - I've been riding and racing off and on for 17 years now and still do a few of the interesting, longer epic races each year as well as quite a few high country rides so I can comment with some experience.
Why is Thee Ride so good?
• Real spectacular back country riding with superb views - there are quite a few hyped up so called 'mountain' races but Thee Ride actually measures up.
• An epic climb, but at the start which is good and not overwhelmingly demanding
• Great downhill followed by the super fast but bumpy blast down the valley (fun boulder garden to cross as well)
• Technically challenging enough to match the demand for fitness but not impossible for newer riders
• The best part? You can ride the course as I did and not enter the actual race
• I rode hard but without the extra race pressure and enjoyed every minute
• A good old fashioned and relaxed after-ride and meal based in the wool shed - you gotta love it
My only question is why some lesser rides attract thousands when Thee Ride is so much better? I'd like to see you with a few more riders just to help ensure you continue to run such a great event. I look forward to coming down again this year.
Programme
Registration Sunday the 28th March 7.30 am - 10.30am inside the Mt Arrowsmith Woolshed it is approx .5 km past the Lake Heron Camping Ground.
42 km off road Run Briefing 8.10am outside the woolshed
42km off road Run Race start 8.30 am
MTB Race Briefing 10.15 am outside the woolshed
MTB Race start time 10.30 am
42km Recreational Ride
Start Time 8.00 am to 9.30 am you will be able to leave when you choose there will be a written briefing you will have to read and sign before you can registrar . No Recreational riders will be allowed to leave after 9.30 am
Finish All riders and runners will get a steak sandwich. Prize Giving will at 3.00-3.30 pm
General Information
• For accommodation in Methven go to www.methven.net.nz
• Accommodation is available at the Lake Heron Camping Ground $5.00 per night, it has toilets and fresh water. The Woolshed is available at $8.00 per person per night, if you are wanting to stay please contact Eric or Salley Smith (03) 303 9090.
• Distances - Methven to Lake Heron Camping Ground approx 70km (12km as shingle road).
Directions for MTB ride
Turn off highway 72 at Mt Somers onto the Ashburton Gorge road follow that all the way to Hakatere turn right onto Hakatere Heron Road it is sign posted to Lake Heron (12km on shingle road) the start will be at the Arrowsmith Woolshed on the shores of Lake Heron.
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2009 Results
