The Graveler Sunday 18th February 2024 Click here for Results from 2024 (or click the results tab on the website) The Graveler is a 132km unique bike race held in New Zealand that offers a distinct experience for participants. While it is ideally suited for gravel bikes, riders can participate on any type of bicycle, gravel, mountain bike (hardtail recommended) or “e-bikes in a non-competitive section”. The race begins just outside of Hanmer Springs at the intersections of Tophouse, Clarence Valley, and Molesworth Roads. From there, the route follows Molesworth Road towards Molesworth Station, encompassing some of the most picturesque and seemingly barren landscapes in New Zealand. Riders will cross the Waiau Toa/Clarence River and continue up the Acheron River until reaching the Severn Confluence. The journey continues along the southside of the Alma River bypassing Tarndale and heading to Sedgemere Lakes. From there, riders will proceed onto Rainbow Road, which leads back to Hanmer via Rainbow and Tophouse Road, following the Waiau Toa/Clarence River again. The route also passes by St James Homestead before returning to the starting point and concluding the ride by heading down Clarence Valley Road to finish at the Hanmer Springs Domain. It's worth noting the cautionary advice about the fast downhill section on Clarence Valley Road from Jacks Pass to the Finish. The Graveler is a true gravel race with 99.7% of gravel, with only 400m of tarseal at the Finish, coupled with 1,724m of elevation, it's going to be a race that creates memories.
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About
One of the highlights of The Graveler is the opportunity to explore Molesworth Station, which is only open to the public for a limited period of six weeks each year with permission, crossing from Molesworth Road to rainbow Road. Participants will have the chance to traverse this remarkable terrain and experience some of New Zealand's most beautiful and remote backcountry, with stream crossings and real 4-wheel drive country, which is often inaccessible to the majority of New Zealanders.
Overall, The Graveler offers a distinctive biking experience in New Zealand, allowing riders to enjoy stunning landscapes, ride across Molesworth Station, and discover the hidden beauty of New Zealand’s backcountry that is seldom experienced.
Water: There will be water and R-Line at the 75km mark and the finish. There will be no bag drops on the course or other water stations as getting water out to the location is a big challenge as this is a very remote location.
Cut Off Time:
Cut off at the Severn- Sedgemere Road (Just before the Severn Bridge) approximately 55km as you come off Molesworth Road is 11:00am
Cut off as you come on to Rainbow Road approximately 75km is 12:15pm
Cut off 4:00pm at the Finish.
If you do not make this time you will need to exit the course on the request of the Marshalls. And/or Tail End Charlie. You and your bike will be brought back to the Finish in the Tail End Charlie vehicle.
Prize Giving:
This will be 15 minutes after the last competitor has finished at the Hanmer Springs Domain by the Finish Line - approximately 4:15pm
Please Note:
Molesworth Station is public land but is leased to Pamu/Landcorp and is actively farmed. Please be respectful of the farming operation by sticking to the formed roads.
Please refrain from trying to ride the route outside of the event as we do not want to jeopardise the event for future years by people going across the station.
The Severn-Sedgemere track is open to the public from 5 January to the end of February but CLOSED the remainder of the year. The Acheron Road is open from October to Easter.
Contact information
- Event contact
- John Moore
- john@cjmsevents.co.nz
- Phone
- 027 226 7769
