Whirinaki Quest

DATE

Saturday 7 November 2009.

DESCRIPTION

The NZO Whirinaki Quest is a truly epic one lap mountain bike race/ride that takes place in the hidden wilderness of the Whirinaki Forest Park. There are 10km, 20km or 40km course options.

Whirinaki Forest Park is a beautiful area of native bush managed by DOC. The huge trees and undergrowth in the forest are truly stunning. The Park is located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, 90km from Rotorua on State Highway 38. The Park has some great history starting with the local Ngati Whare Iwi. The event is based at the Minginui village which is an old logging village from the 60's and 70's. Allow a bit over one hour from Rotorua.

The 40km course includes purpose built MTB single track, forestry trails and old 4WD tracks. It is not super technical, but does have physical and skills challenge.

This event is all about an adventurous mountain bike ride in NZ's wilderness. Getting out there with a bit of mud and sweat enjoying the fantastic tracks in the beautiful Whirinaki Forest Park.

RESULTS 7 NOV 2009

ENTRY

Online entries are now closed. Entries will still be taken on the day with late fees as follows; 10km - $40. 20k - $50. 40km - $60. Payment is by cash or cheque please.

Click here to read EVENT INFORMATION - all participants should read this document before entering.

POSTER

2009 NEWS

NZO Whirinaki Quest 2009 Report

8 November 2009

By Nick Reader

230 riders took on the NZO Whirinaki Quest held Saturday 7 November in the Whirinaki Forest Park. Numbers were up from the150 who rode the first event in 2008 and from all account the event was very successful.

Minginui is a quiet village that was built as a base to log the native bush in the earlier part of this centuary. The logging stopped in the 1980’s in order to save the trees. The fact that the Minginui village now plays host to an event that brings people into the area to enjoy riding mountain bikes in amongst the majestic trees is a real turn around and hopefully a small sign of what the area is capable of in the future.

In terms of winners Team N-Duro took a clean sweep of the male and female 40km options.

In the male division Mark (Cabin) Leishman (Team N-Duro) took line honours after making a break from other riders at the 30km mark on ‘Grovel Hill’. Not a very glamorous name for a section of trail, but a very accurate name for the steep hill as it proved tough for some people. Cabin crossed the line in 1:57:40 comfortably ahead of Junior rider Nigel McDowell who finished in just over 2 hours. The 2008 male winner JP Tobin took third spot in 2:04:54.

The ladies race was taken out by Nic Leary (the other half of team N-Duro). Nic finished a very credible 10th overall (male and female 40km) in a time of 2:17:32. Kote’ Driscoll, just back from the USA, took second place and 46th overall.

The 20km distance was won in 1:04:55 by Callum Gordon (first male) and Simone McGregor (first female).

It was truly an adventurous quest for some people who missed a detour sign and ended up clambering over a giant fallen Rimu tree that was sitting 7 feet above the ground. Other signs of a true adventure were the small cuts on shins and elbows of many riders from the aptly named ‘cutty grass’ and ‘bush lawyer’ on the odd section of track.

The event achieved a lot of its goals in year 2. Over 50 people camped the night prior, to soak up the peace and tranquility of the Whirinaki Forest Park. Plus many family groups took part with members choosing between the 10km, 20km or 40km options. Opotiki College entered 8 riders so we will definitely have an interschool comp in 2010.

Here are some words from a participant that sums up why the NZO Whirinaki Quest is a special event in a special part of NZ.

“Hi Nick,

I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a fantastic event this weekend.

My partner and I really enjoyed the whole thing - the fact that we could stay for free Friday and Sat night was great, the weather was fantastic and the riding was out of this world. I'll definitely be telling family and friends to come and check this event out.

Please pass on a big thanks to the community of Minginui for allowing us to camp the night and explore such a beautiful part of NZ. It was the best 40km of mt biking that I've done in ages”.

The NZO Whirinaki Quest is gaining traction on it’s path to becoming a classic race on the NZ MTB calendar.

See www.epicevents.co.nz for full pdf results and the photo gallery.

ends

NZO Whirinaki Quest

News 4

Wednesday 4 November 2009

By Nick Reader

Hey well we have hit 160 riders so are well on our way to have around 200 bikers taking on the NZO Whirinaki Quest this Saturday.

On line entries remain open until 7:00pm Thursday 5 November. After that entries are still taken on the day, but are plus $10. So the 10km fee will become $40, the 20km fee $50 and the 40km fee will be $60.

We were marking some trails in the Park today, stopped for lunch and actually took a moment to soak up the tranquility of the place. The huge native trees are so majestic and there is the whistle of birds everywhere. I know on the day many of you will be too busy cranking away on those pedals to look around much, but take a moment to look up and check out the beauty of where you are. Or even better, go back for a walk in the native bush after the race when you have more time.

There are quite a few people booked in for the BBQ on Friday night and we have some good MTB DVDs to be played. JK will be helping people fine tune their bike set ups so there will be plenty on to keep you occupied. Those that did not camp last year wished they had so maybe think about coming along Friday and pitching a tent.

We have thousands of dollars of product from NZO to give away as spot prizes so make sure you stay after the event, grab a coffee, a cold drink or a beer and be in to win.

There is no cell phone coverage at Minginui, so if you need to ring us, contact Jodie Davis on (02) 1187-3074. If you just wish to change distances, you can do that easily on the day. There is no need to ring us.

There is a location map on the website. Allow about 1:20 from Rotorua.

Here is the schedule as a reminder plus some general information.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday	3:00pm	Campsite open at Event Base
	5:00pm	Free bike set up by John Kirkcaldie
	6:00pm	Dinner - BBQ dinner for those who pre booked
	7:00pm-9pm	Early Registration. Mountain Bike DVDs in the clubrooms.
Saturday	7:30am	Registration
	9:30am	Registration ends
	10:00am	Riders Briefing (please gather at start line)
	10:30am	Race start (10km, 20km and 40km)
	3:00pm	Prize giving. This is an approximate time.

GENERAL INFO

Place your transponder on your left ankle. Please return at the end of the event to the bins at the finish line.
There is espresso coffee for sale.
Food for sale includes a sausage sizzle, bacon and egg sandwiches, steak sandwiches, cold beer and cold drinks from 11:30am Saturday.

You are welcome to camp at the club grounds Friday and Saturday nights. Or stay at the DOC Mangamate waterfall campsite just 5 mins away

NZO Whirinaki Quest

Media 3

2nd November 2009

MOUNTAIN BIKERS TO FLOCK TO WHIRINAKI FOREST

The Whirinaki Forest will play host to up to 250 riders in the NZO Whirinaki Quest, an adventurous mountain bike ride, on Saturday 7th November.

Situated near Murapara, only 90kms from Rotorua and 75kms from Whakatane, the Whirinaki Forest Park provides the perfect setting for 3 different rides aimed at different ability levels on great trails and terrain in stunning native forest with huge trees and undergrowth.

‘The NZO Whirinaki Quest is about getting out and enjoying some great tracks and trails – feedback from last year’s entrants, both social riders and racers, was overwhelmingly positive, ” said Nick Reader, Event Director.

“Online entries at www.epicevents.co.nz close on Thursday at 7pm and after that, a late fee will apply.”

“The 40km course takes in purpose-built MTB single track, forestry trails and old 4WD tracks – it is not super technical, but does have physical and skills challenge,” said Reader.

“The 10km and 20km are 80% purpose-built MTB tracks involving a climb for the first half and flowing fun downhill for the descent.”

Early favourites for the event are Mark ‘Cabin’ Leishman and last year’s winner JP Tobin.

Cabin’s latest success includes winning the legendary Karapoti classic MTB event held near Wellington. With the NZO Whirinaki Quest considered a ‘mild’ Karapoti, this should mean Cabin is well suited to the terrain.

To win this event, Cabin will have to wrestle the title from last year’s men’s open winner JP Tobin from Auckland’s North Shore. JP crossed the line in a little over 2 hours in November 2008 to take the win by over 2 minutes over Shay Wahrlich. Better known as a world class windsurfer, JP will need to be in good form to fend off Cabin.

Cabin’s partner Nic Leary has also entered in the Quest in the open Women’s class.

She has also achieved fantastic results in mountain biking in 2009 with an Xterra win and 2nd at Karapoti. Last year’s female winner Roz Reekie-May has entered, but has had a lot of time off the bike lately so will probably be trail riding and not bidding for the race win.

There is a strong local contingent with over 20 Rotoruans entered.

All entrants will be in with a chance to win $3000 worth of spot prizes from sponsors

Enter online at www.epicevents.co.nz by 7pm Thursday 5th , 2009 to avoid a late fee or enter at the event on Saturday morning (7.30am – 9.30am)

For further information, please call Nick Reader, Epic Events on 021 983766

Distributed on behalf of Epic Events.

Photo caption: Riders in last year’s Whirinaki Quest. Photo Credit: Zeroseven

Ends

NZO Whirinaki Quest 2009

Media 2

14 October 2009

Just 3.5 weeks to go until the NZO Whirinaki Quest mountain bike takes place in the hidden wilderness of the Whirinaki Forest Park Saturday 7 November 2009.

JK and myself have been busy making a really cool downhill section for the final descent to the finish line. There is a bit of a grunty climb required to get to the downhill, but hey that's what cross country mountain biking is all about. Effort followed by reward. And just to get into the spirit of the event, we decided to camp the night at the base of the downhill.

We have also added an extension to the ‘Redwoods' section that should be fun. We used a small 1.5 ton digger to make the new tracks, plus a lot of shovel power. Let's just say our digger operating skills are slowly improving...

JK has written some training guidelines and we have placed them on the website so if you are not sure how you should be training, then take a look.

Entries are coming in steadily. We have an early bird discount for the 40km Quest option at $50. This discount is valid until Sunday 25 October. The price then goes up to the standard price of $60 so make sure you enter early.

NZO are also offering a sharp deal on an event t-shirt for just $20. The event T is a great way to remember your achievement of completing either the 10km, 20km or 40km trail.

There is also a BBQ meal option on Friday night. If you are planning on making the most of the weekend and want a hassle free meal, then this is the way to go. The BBQ meal consists of a piece of steak, sausages, 2 salads and a bread roll all for $10.

Camping is free so make a weekend of it in the Whirinaki Forest Park 7 November.

NZO Whirinaki Quest

Media one

17 September 2009

The NZO Whirinaki Quest is fun mountain bike ride in a unique and beautiful area of New Zealand. It will seem so remote when you get there, but it is actually only 90km from Rotorua!

The event is based in the Whirinaki Forest Park which is a beautiful area of native bush managed by the Department of Conservation. The huge trees and undergrowth in the forest are truly stunning. Just ask Dr David Belamay!

The event is looking to build on the success of the first event held in 2008. The ‘08 event was won by JP Tobin who completed the 38km race in 2:05:56. 149 other keen Mountain bikers took a little longer to complete the course, but loved the location and the course.

For 2009, we are excited to have NZO on board as our naming rights sponsor and number one supporter. The crew at NZO live, eat and breath mountain biking and have some great NZO product prizes on offer.

We have added a 10km option to the 20km and 40km distance options that were offered in 2008. The 10k will be a great option for the ‘not so fit’, novices or young kids.

The 40km course includes purpose built MTB single track, forestry trails and old 4WD tracks. It is not super technical, but does have physical and skills challenge. The 10km and 20km are 80% purpose built MTB tracks involving a climb for the first half and flowing fun downhill for the descent.

We have got legendary downhill Mountain Biker John Kirkcaldie on board to help with more single track design, but don’t worry, it will be fun flowing downhill, not scary stuff!

To get the best out of this event, we reckon you should make a weekend of it. Sneak out of work at mid day Friday and camp Friday and Saturday at the base. Camping is free. The event base is huge old rugby sports grounds and club rooms with pool tables, toilets and a small kitchen. We have got free bike set up on Friday by JK (John Kirkcaldie) and the latest MTB DVDs from around the world. So bring your tent and tea and settle into the relaxed pace of Whirinaki.

Another really nice campsite just developed by DOC is the Mangamate waterfall campsite located 5 minutes from the event base. Phone DOC 07 366 1080 for more info.

If you would prefer a roof over your head (rather than nylon), then there is some basic accommodation 10 minutes from the event called WHIRINAKI FOREST HOLIDAYS. Includes kitchen and hot showers etc. Phone Gary at 07 366 3235 OR aldridges@xtra.co.nz

Entries will be taken on line by Monday 28 September with credit card payment. There will also be a paper and cheque entry option.

This event is all about an adventurous mountain bike ride in NZ's wilderness. Getting out there with a bit of mud and sweat enjoying the fantastic tracks in the beautiful Whirinaki Forest Park. So make the commitment now to get away from it all and take on the NZO Whirinaki Quest.

TRAINING GUIDLEINES

NZO Whirinaki Quest 2009

Training Guidelines to complete the 40km Quest.

The Quest is a reasonably tough event with a solid climb to the 17.5km mark and another challenging climb at the 30km mark. (Plus of course some cool downhill in between).

As with most endurance events, the more training you do, the more you will enjoy the event on the day. However I know that it is tough to fit training in with today’s busy lifestyles.

Last year the winning time was around 2 hours with the final person riding across the line in about 4 hours. So you need the ability to ride comfortably at a good pace for 2-4 hours depending upon your fitness.

Following is a very basic training plan with 4 weeks to go. This is written for the average weekend warrior who is currently biking 1-2 times per week for fun and general fitness.

Monday
Tuesday	1 hour moderate
Wednesday
Thursday	1 hour hard
Friday
Saturday	2-4 hours easy
Sunday

Tips

Add a 1 hour moderate ride on Sunday if you have time.
Make sure you include hills in your training venues.
Include 2 days complete rest before the event to rest your legs.
Do some stretching after riding, especially in the hamstring area.
Wear a CamelBak for the race as you will need some fluids to avoid dehydration. You should also take some food snacks and start eating at about the one hour mark.
If you are taking on the 10km or 20km then just halve all the training times.

Good luck. John Kirkcaldie.

ACTIVITIES

Click here to go to the DOC website which has full information on the Whirinaki Forest Park.

The following website also has heaps of information on the Whirinaki Rain Forest. Go to www.whirinakirainforest.info

ACCOMMODATION

Camping

Riders can camp at the event base for free. There are toilets, a large club rooms, a small kitchen and BBQ available.

Or try the Mangamate waterfall campsite. This is a great camp site by the Whirinaki River with a waterfall flowing in. DOC and the locals have recently improved all facilities at this camp. It is located about 5 minutes from the event base. Phone DOC 07 366 1080.

Houses to hire

Or if you would prefer a roof over your head (rather than nylon), then there is some basic accommodation 10 minutes from the event called WHIRINAKI FOREST HOLIDAYS. Includes kitchen and hot showers etc. Phone Gary at 07 366 3235 OR aldridges "at" xtra.co.nz These houses are about 10 minutes from the event base.

DOC Recreation Camp

3 huts that sleep about 8 per hut. Has fires, an open kitchen, toilets and no showers. Located 5 minutes from the event base. The Department of Conservation Recreation Camp is fully booked sorry.

Jail House Farm Stay

Looking for something a little different? Then try the Jailhouse farm stay. Newly refurbished fully self contained accommodation, set in a relaxed environment, with secure parking. Your Hosts Scott & Vanessa. See www.jailhousefarmstay.co.nz Located about 5 minutes from the event base.

Lake Aniwhenua Lodge

The Lodge is in Galatea beside Lake Aniwhenua so nice and handy for any riders and accompanying guests.

They have been operating successfully for 18 years and have a total of 40 beds. Accommodation ranges from self-contained cottages to private rooms and cabins. All at affordable prices.

More information on the Lodge facilities can be found on our web site below.

Hosts are Joan & Graeme Ryder

Ph /Fax +64 7 3664 777 Email: trout.guide "at" xtra.co.nz Web: www.troutguides.co.nz

Lake Aniwhenua Lodge. Ryders Professional Fishing & Hunting Guides

Walking Legends Guided Walks

Whirinaki is just the beginning!! Venture further into the wilderness of Te Urewera with a guided walk around the magical Lake Waikaremoana. North Island's best hike with a small pack.

Trip departing Nov 9. See our website for details. www.walkinglegends.com

2008 results

download 2008 class results here

2008 NEWS

Whirinaki Quest 15 November 2008

Media 5

Event report

150 people navigated their way into the Whirinaki Forest Park (one hour from Rotorua) last Saturday to take part in the very first Whirinaki Quest mountain bike cross country race.

A few were there to win, some were there to push them selves to the limit, but most were there to explore new terrain and trails on their MTB's.

A shot gun start sent the riders on their way. After 2km of gravel road to have a sort out, the riders entered the beautiful podocarp forest of the DOC mountain bike track. After about an hour, a marshal reported the first rider through to the 14km mark (mostly uphill). Just over one hour later the winner JP Tobin from the North Shore completed the 38km race in 2:05:56. JP is a legendary windsurfer and is also very handy on a mountain bike. JP was chased by Shay Wahrlich who came second in a time of 2:08:39. Shay resides in Australia, but was in his home town of Kawerau so he decided to enter the race.
And how crazy is this, Tony Pike claimed 3^rd place on a single speed. I reckon the single speed class should be renamed nutter class. I mean why make a tough sport tougher? Just kidding - I give great respect to those utilizing just 2 sprockets.

First woman home in a fantastic 10^th place overall was Roz Reekie-May. Roz showed just how tough she was by riding the 20km lap after the 40km lap just for FUN!!! And she made it back in time for prize giving. Good on ya Roz. You are one tough lady!

Looking at the split between the distance options. 101 riders muscled up and took on the long 40km race while 49 riders chose the 20km race. The 20km race was still a definite challenge, but provided an easier option for those not so fit or those who just did not want to be in the saddle for longer than 2 hours. Matt Shawcroft won the 20k race overall in a time of 1:11:12. A super effort from 14 year old Callum Gordon saw him claim second overall in the 20km race, just over 2 minutes behind the winner.

Most riders described the course as both physically and technically demanding. Some constant (but not too steep) uphill followed by nice flowing downhill where line selection was crucial. The course followed old logging, 4WD and Motorbike trails as well as utilized some brand new trails made just for the event.

I asked a few people how they felt after the race and ‘BROKEN' was the answer from the first 2, but they were grinning.

The Carbo Shotz drinks station proved popular as the sun broke through the early cloud cover and beat down on the riders. Most drained their camel baks by the end of the race and were looking around at the finish line like thirsty camels arriving at an Oasis.

The Minginui community threw their support in behind the event with locals helping clear tracks, manning the marshals points and providing great on site catering. Some of the competitors camped the night prior to the event and many of those that did not camp, wished they did as they discovered just what a beautiful and tranquil place the Whirinaki Forest Park is.

So the Whirinaki Quest got off to a flying start and now we look forward to the growth of the event over the next few years to become a must do classic event on the NZ MTB calendar.