N-Duro 3 35km bike race

Yesterday, Dom (15 year old son) and myself left home at 5.45 AM and drove the 3 hours to Rotorua for race 3 of the N-Duro Mountain bike series. I have not ridden an N-Duro before but have heard some good things about the race. Dom and I were riders 443 and 442 respectivly so assuming consistancy of numbers there was not a bad turnout. There are 2 options a 70km and a 35km race. As Dom was riding in his first, non-team event we elected the easy option. (it was the right option !)

Rotorua has to have some of the best single track XC/trail riding in the world, the riding is primarily through well established pine forest but there are areas of native bush and some clear felled pine forest (with some awesome views.

The race started with a 6km climb, that was mostly rideable, I am sure it was fully rideable for some though, then down into Gunna Gotta some lovely fast flowing single track. Unfortunatly it was pretty much ruined by the slow traffic in front of us, there was no overtaking, unless riders fell off the side of the track ! but it was still better than riding up hill.

The rest of the ride was through a combination of fast flowing single track, some steep climbs, and fire and forestry roads. The single track was mostly fantastic, though we did consistantly get stuck behind the same group of riders on the more technical trails, who passed us on the climbs. Dom did clean out a woman on the final down hill to the finish line, which meant we had a quick run to the car to get changed before we sifted around the finish line chatting to a few riders.

All up it took us about 2:45, I have no idea how fast the winner was as the results have yet to be posted. But we were happy, Dom did an awesome job on his first long race, especially riding a Giant AC2 with 6 inches of suspension and flat pedals.

I am damn glad I did not do the 70km race as I was stuffed after the 35, and the 70km had some additional gruesome climbs by all accounts.

I will be back next year, maybe do the nice short race 1 on the single speed.