http://www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz/the-u ... llenge.php

The ultimate challenge

Teams start simultaneously and cycle either the North or the South Island. The journey takes competitors through some of the most spectacular routes and trails. Along the way there will be parts on road and some routes off road.

Each daily stage route is subject to approval from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and Regional Authorities and may change at any time. Daily race briefings will keep all our teams up to speed on the state of play, but route planners will do their best to avoid major highways. To ensure that the course information is up to the minute, keep an eye on this website to confirm race routes.

Whether an elite cyclist or recreational rider, mountain biker or roadie, Tour of New Zealand offers every competitor, every challenge, every day.

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/iconic-t ... ed/5/90292

Sounds interesting
A great way to promote the beauty of NZ overseas
I wonder what colour jerseys the kom, sprinters etc will have.

Yea, when I first heard of the race thought how cool it would be ... but now after having checked the maps/stages as well as the need for MTB and Road bikes Im wavering. If to do it as a team of 4-5 riders you are going to be needing to transport up to 10 bikes ... with both being used each day, makes it a lot harder to organise as well as keep costs down ... given the $2000 Team entry fee.

Can understand the Crit in Wellington needing numbers limited ... but pretty gutting to have ridden as a team for 800km, to have to choose one rider for the Crit, whilst in the mix will be novice riders dropped after 100m.

Would almost certainly be needing sponsorship etc.

Very interesting, cool idea, I hope it works out.

Kiwicyclo wrote:

thekiwi wrote:Yea, when I first heard of the race thought how cool it would be ... but now after having checked the maps/stages as well as the need for MTB and Road bikes Im wavering. If to do it as a team of 4-5 riders you are going to be needing to transport up to 10 bikes ... with both being used each day, makes it a lot harder to organise as well as keep costs down ... given the $2000 Team entry fee.

Can understand the Crit in Wellington needing numbers limited ... but pretty gutting to have ridden as a team for 800km, to have to choose one rider for the Crit, whilst in the mix will be novice riders dropped after 100m.

Would almost certainly be needing sponsorship etc.

Harden up and do it as an individual or team of 3 (you old silver back masters 3 rider). . . .plus you have to ride open male as you are not a vet yet.

PBR will own this one as well . . . smash up some more social riders!

Have to start calling you powder puff!

Didn't make any comment on the physical nature ... as physically I dont think its that demanding with around 120km / day for 8 days. The offroad sections look to be the planned Cycle Way paths ... so prob not much there in terms of technical. For a support crew (prob 2 cars/drivers to carry all the gear and people) its a little more involved and certainly ups the cost for 8 days.

For me I think Id rather invest in the Wellington to Auckland race where its more literally a race.

Kiwicyclo wrote:

thekiwi wrote:Yea, when I first heard of the race thought how cool it would be ... but now after having checked the maps/stages as well as the need for MTB and Road bikes Im wavering. If to do it as a team of 4-5 riders you are going to be needing to transport up to 10 bikes ... with both being used each day, makes it a lot harder to organise as well as keep costs down ... given the $2000 Team entry fee.

Can understand the Crit in Wellington needing numbers limited ... but pretty gutting to have ridden as a team for 800km, to have to choose one rider for the Crit, whilst in the mix will be novice riders dropped after 100m.

Would almost certainly be needing sponsorship etc.

Harden up and do it as an individual or team of 3 (you old silver back masters 3 rider). . . .plus you have to ride open male as you are not a vet yet.

PBR will own this one as well . . . smash up some more social riders!

Have to start calling you powder puff!

I had a look at this earlier today and couldn't find any mention of accommodation packages either. I only really looked at the South Island option and some of those places they're going to overnight in are pretty small and I'm not aware of camping facilities at them. Tents in a paddock? Brrrrrr.

How about a human powered cross country journey using kayaks or canoes for water sections?
Big cities like Auckland could be avoided using harbours.?

Hey, do you realize this event is now ROAD ONLY and there are lots more entry options...individual, team where everyone rides every day, interchangeable team, or just ride the stages you want - great for corporates!!

Check out latest details on www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz !!!