Kaponga Cow Ride

Something of a Taranaki institution, the Kaponga Cow Race is an annual fundraiser for the Kaponga Lions Club that puts the grass roots back into grass roots mountain biking.

Held annually on Taranaki Anniversary Day, the non-competitive ride takes in stunning rural landscapes over a mostly downhill course from the edge of Egmont National Park to Kaponga. The course follows cow races across farms and fields, and offers both a long and short course (roughly 20 and 10km) options. The ride start at the Dawson Falls Mountain Gates at 10 am and finishes at the Kaponga School.

Entry is on the day only - adults $5 - children $3 - family $10. BBQ, spot prizes, and bike cleaning facilities available at the finish at Kaponga School (you'll need these - trust me). As with all races, bikes must be in decent condition prior to setting off and helmets must be worn.

What better way to mark the regional holiday than sifting over farmland on a mountain bike?

Short Course 3: Putting the Hill into Marsland Hill

Long grass, a wee bit of climbing and some residual damage from a weekend of riding made the final event in the short course race series slightly more challenging than the previous two races.

Despite that, Darry Stevens pretty much cleaned up, lapping the field despite his bike not having flames on, taking series honours in the process. Nicola Cox took out the Women's, with the series win going to Catie Lennox.

Caleb Davis took out the Junior series, despite Daniel Cleland taking the win this week, and James Pritchard put in another solid performance and conquered his aversion to stair gaps to nail the Rec class.

The series enabled us to use some of the lesser known mountain biking spots around town, with the consent of the New Plymouth District Council.  Big thanks must also go to Mitchell Cycles Avanti Plus for their generous support, and NPDC's Wild West Bike Fest for additional support.

While the races were decidedly lo-fi, it's been great to see some not-so familiar faces turn up - if it's something you're keen to see more of then let us know in the comments section below.

3-Hour Race: Results

Judging by the bodily carnage seen at tonight's shourt course race it was a grand day out at Mangamahoe on Saturday for the latest 3-hour teams XC race.

31 riders took the field, with the solo class a lot stronger than the teams for the first time. Fastest lap time went to Tony Patterson with a blistering 15.42.

Big thanks to Craig Treanor for organising this and previous Teams XC races, and committee and club members for their continued support.

FOUND: Camelbak

A camelbak was left behind at the race - if you're missing one flick John a txt on 027 343 3800.

Solo Men
1. Andy Patterson 10 laps
2. Tony Brownrigg, 6 laps
3. James Pritchard, 3 laps

Solo Veteran
1. Graeme McBeth 9 laps
2. Lawson Freeman, 8 laps
3. Mark Duynhoven, 8 laps
4. Paul Plumtree, 8 laps
5. Michael Ure, 7 laps
6. Sean Froude, 7 laps
7. Mike Carter, 7 laps
8. Brett Tanner, 6 laps

Solo Junior
1. Nick Sutton, 9 laps
2. Benjamin Plumtree, 8laps

Solo Vet Women
1. Colleen Froude, 5 laps

2-Person Mixed

1. Matt Goodsell and Caitie Lennox, 8 laps
2. Jenn O'Connor and Graeme Lindup, 7 laps

2-Person Open
1. Shane Wilson and Paul Muter, 9 laps
2. Graham Laing and John Brathwaite, 9 laps

3-Person Junior
1. Matt, Elias and Jo, 6 laps
2. Daniel, Luca and Claudia, 4 laps

3-Person Women
1. Zana, Janet and Suzy, 3 laps

Split times are available with some extra formatting - leave a comment if you're keen to know them.

Short Course 2: Shorter

Round 2 of the quick and dirty short course series happened this fine New Plymouth evening at the Huatoki Domain. The track was indeed short - there shouldn't be any surprises there - and the field was roughly double last week's making for placing madness.

Line honours went to Darry - though we're pretty sure it's just because he's got flames on his bike. Round 1 winner Roger came in with a solid second to hold the Open series points lead.

Catie took the win in the Women's class, making it two from two, Cory again held off Caleb in the Juniors, and James made it two from two in the Rec class.

The trouble with a race that lasts 12 minutes is that it's hard to get photos that aren't blurry, so I'm going to call them arty. Click to enlarge if you're that way inclined.

Tune in next Monday for Round 3 at Marsland Hill. We're not meant to use the summit, but will try and keep the course a little bit interesting anyway.

There's also been a bit of interest in running these beyond the current 3-race series. We're currently scoping some additional courses with a view to making the most of the remaining 4 or so weeks until we lose the daylight savings. Watch this space.

Again good to meet some new riders - hope to see you at the next event on the calendar - 3-Hours of Mangamahoe - this Saturday 2-5pm (registration OTD only from 1.00 pm) at the Mangamahoe Trails, Plantation Road SH3 just south of NP.

Now, to find me a bike with some flames on...

Short Course XC Race - Fitzroy

A small but smiley field turned out for the first of the Short Course race series. The course was a little longer than anticipated, finishing with a short sharp climb, which was all okay because the race was only 15 minutes long.

Welcome to the new club members who signed up at the event, and full credit to Matt for tackling the course on a full-noise carbon roadie, Caleb for managing that hill and 2nd in the Junior class on a downhill bike, Roger, Catie, Cory and James for class wins and Mitchell Cycles Avanti Plus for the spot prizes.

Tune in next week when you'll ride a course that is a little more interesting and a little less hilly...

Huatoki Domain, 6pm Monday 22 February.

Click photos to make them bigger: