Dusky Trail

Mountain Bike Race

The 40 km Dusky Trail Mountain Bike race is predominantly an off-road event which is based on the Department of Conservation (DOC) track called the Dusky Trail. It runs along the base of the Ben Ohau Range and takes in some classic scenery dominated by mountains, tussock and matagouri flats and some beautifully clear high country rivers.

Dusky Trail
Mountain Bike Race

Saturday 26th October 2024

As well as DOC land, it also traverses several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. The start/finish area is in one of the home paddocks of Simon and Priscilla Cameron’s Ben Ohau Station.

This is a challenging course with a couple of gradual but long sustained climbs and some rough stream crossings however it also has a lovely fast downhill run below the top Fraser Stream crossing and a steeper descent off the Pyramid Saddle. For this reason, we restrict competitors to age twelve and over. However if you take it easy, it is well within the capabilities of most mountain bikers.

We also have a 16 km mountain bike race (this year sponsored by The Cyclery). The course has no hills and only a couple of small stream crossings. It is suitable for kids who want to make the transition from the 10 km ‘Mini Dusky’ event or for adults who do not want to complete the full 40 km event.

10 km Mini

16 km

40 km

11:00 am

$60 – 16 km
$70 – 40 km

$15
under 18

Dusky Trail Mountainbike

Bike Race Information

Tips & Resources

Mountainbike rules

An approved cycle helmet must be worn while warming up and competing.
All roads are open to normal traffic. Road rules must be obeyed.
It is compulsory that bikers follow the track marked for the race. The official course will be closed to non registered bikers. You cannot come back later to ride the the trail as the course is closed. The course is over private land. Only the public assessible DoC part of the track can be ridden outside of the Hard Labour Event.
No iPods or other music devices to be worn during the event.
In the highly unlikely event of flooding raising river levels above safe margins, the organisers reserve the right to hold the event on an alternative hard packed route. This will be 2 circuts of the 16km course. If conditions are such that human life could be endangered, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the event.
Entry fees are not subject to refund.
Everyone must show consideration to race officials, other competitors and livestock and don’t drop rubbish. If you are seen dropping rubbish, you will be disqualified.
Cut off time for competitors will be the bottom Fraser Crossing at 3:15 pm. At this point bikers will be directed to the short cut to the finish line (the 16km course to the finish).
Please carry with you any medication you need or you think you might need.
Please wear clothing appropriate to weather conditions which can range from very hot (sun block) to very cold – also be prepared for windy wet conditions.
Please carry enough water for the duration of the race. If you choose to drink from streams it is at your own risk.
No private vehicles on farm land or the Dusky Trail track, however spectators are welcome to walk in on DOC marked tracks.
Be Didymo aware. All bikes and other equipment (particularly shoes) must be clean and dry prior to the event. It is compulsory for all competitors to push their bikes through, and stand in the Didymo trough after crossing the Twizel River to prevent the spread of Didymo to the next waterways.
All Dogs are STRICTLY PROHIBITED at the Twizel Hard Labour event site at Glen Lyon Road. This is where the Mountain Bike and Run/Walk events start and finish.
All Dogs are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from following or being alongside a competitor as they compete the Mountain Bike or Run/Walk event courses.
Any competitors that rely on a certified disability assist dog, you must contact the event organisers prior to the event requesting dispensation. Please send an email to twizelhardlabourweekend@gmail.com

Mountainbike Safety

All marshals on the course have cell phones and can make contact with the race director at the finish area. There will be a tail-end Charlie following the last competitor.

Please look after each other and get word to the next marshal if anyone is in difficulty.

Take with you any medication you need or think you may need and wear appropriate clothing.

If you pull out of the race, please let the time keepers or marshals know so we don’t go searching for you!!!

If you come across any stock-move round them as quietly as you can.

Stay on the well marked course. Spectators keep to the DOC marked trails only.

Times

Time	Description
11:00 am	Registration
12:45 pm	Race Briefing
1:00 pm	40km Dusky Race Start
1:05 pm	Mini Dusky Race Start
1:15 pm	16km Dusky Race Start

Age categories

Category	Age
Youth	12 – 17 years
Open	18 – 39 years
Veteran	40 – 49 years
Classic	50+ years

Start/Finish is on Ben Ohau Station. To get there from SH8 turn west 200 metres south of the bridge over the Twizel River and follow Glen Lyon Road for 6 km (do not go down the unsealed Old Glen Lyon Road). Ben Ohau Station is on the left, the start/finish is 500m beyond the homestead over the Fraser River on the right, and visible from the road. Portable toilets will be provided. Shelter is limited – bring warm clothes as it can be cold, especially at the start.

Social Hour and Prizegiving will be outside the MOW Bar in the Twizel Marketplace (town centre) from 5:00 pm.

Dusky Trail Mountainbike Information

Mountainbike Courses

40 km course

Riders head up Glen Lyon Rd, over the Canal Bridge and turn right onto the gravel canal road for about 3 kilometres. The course drops off the canal road and onto Rhoboro Downs Road travelling around Lake Poaka. Turn left before the Twizel River and head up the road to Rhoboro Downs Station where the course skirts the farmhouse and picks up a track behind the buildings. Shortly afterwards, the track turns right and heads north, crossing the boundary into Pukaki Downs. After about 3 km, the track joins the actual Dusky Trail and completes a long steady climb up the south side of the Gladstone Stream.

The course then heads westward along the base of the Ben Ohau Range with a short, sharp climb to the highest point (810 m.) where if you feel like a rest, there is a picnic table to sit on. The altitude gain from the start is 300 m.

Bikers then drop down to a rough crossing of the Fraser Stream (normally not bikeable). A fast, gentle downhill ride takes competitors down the Fraser Stream crossing it another two times.

From the bottom Fraser crossing (570 m.) the course again climbs steadily up beside the Dart’s Bush Stream to the top crossing at 750 m. A short gentle downhill section is followed by an equally brief wee climb to the Pyramid Saddle at 710 m. From here you can see the finish line and a downhill blast on 4WD track and through an Oregon pine forest takes you back to Glen Lyon Road, and the finish line (510 m.).

The course mainly follows 4WD farm tracks and has a small section of single track and sealed and gravel roads. Most of the course has good cell phone (027) coverage.

Total altitude gain is 510 m. over two climbs.

Google Map of 40 km Course

Dusky Trail Mountainbike Course

16 km course

Riders start as for the 40 km course but before reaching the turn-off to Rhoboro Downs Station, turn left onto a farm track which heads back in a westerly direction, crossing two small streams on the way. Once Fraser Stream is reached, turn left and enjoy the gentle, flowing downhill back to Glen Lyon Road and the finish line.

Google Map of 16 km course

Google Map of how to get to the