Mountain biking in New Zealand is on many mountain bikers’ to-do lists, and now there’s one more reason to visit: The Pioneer stage race. New this year, the 7-day race links together 353 miles of singletrack, doubletrack, farm tracks, and cycle trails from Christchurch to Queenstown through the Southern Alps.
Riders must ride in a team of two, and the $2,499 NZD race entry fee (about $1,600 USD) covers pretty much everything during the week, including lodging (in a tent), food, swag, and miscellaneous support. Heck, a plane ticket from the US will set you back more than that, which makes the all-inclusive fee look like a good deal to me.
If you’ve been thinking of riding your mountain bike in New Zealand, this seems like a great way to do it! Get more details about the Pioneer Stage Race here. Check out the promo video below for even more stoke.
I won’t be making the Pioneer; I probably couldn’t survive it anyway. But I will get to ride NZ in 2016 as my wife and I are planning a trip there in April. Can’t wait. Should be a very cool experience.
When you get down here, get in touch with some of the local clubs.
Members will be more than happy to show off our stunning playground to you.
Thanks Scott. I missed your reply until just now. Maybe you’ll see this; maybe you won’t. I’ll be on the South Island for a week or more. Still working things out. Hoping more like 10-14 days on the ground.