“Round the Mountain”
Off Road Adventure Cycle
Sun 2 Feb 2025

Ticket Sales Now Closed
$50 cash entry at 9.15am start on Sunday Morning

An off road cycle circumnavigation of the Maungatua Range
A repeat of our 2024 event that has had such acclaim and positive feedback

A charity fundraiser by Taieri Rotary Club

Two Options - Std & Tuffies

  • Std - 32km Off Road Cycle Circumnavigation of the Maungatua Range with 700m of climbing in total. A real adventure ride for those who enjoy a bit more than a standard tourist or commuter trail

Stunning riding experience over varied terrain and views

  • Tuffies - 38km Off Road Circumnavigation, with option to climb to the top of the range at north and south ends. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge

    See below for full details of expected conditions

NOTE: There are also hike loop and mountain run options for non cyclists - click here for details

Standard Cycle Traverse Option

Starting from Traquair Station (off SH87 above Outram)

Travel sw via grass paddocks and farm tracks to the northern face of the Maungatua Range

then across the western face via farm tracks

with great views of the Lammermoor and Rock & Pillar ranges

But be aware there are some steep ascents

and descents on loose metal tracks

Before reaching the south face of the mountain, with its views of Lakes Waihola & Waipori to the South

while descending down a bush lined track

and finally heading north again on gravel roads and grass paddocks to finish in Grainger Rd., Woodside.

Total trip distance - 32 km

With a total of 700m of climb
and 1200m of descent

Track constraints warning
If you find the Lake Dunstan trail, or climbing the Karatai track on the Otago Peninsular is challenging enough, then this ride is not for you.

While most of the route will be across firm grass paddocks and gravel tracks, be aware

  • There are two steep descents and climbs on a rocky track where the route traverses the Verter Burn watercourse. Be prepared to dismount and walk your bike.

  • There are some rutted sections which will be slippery if there are wet ground conditions.

    BUT, if you are up for

  • pushing your bike about 100m up a steep slope a couple of times.

  • know how to use both brakes to creep slowly down a steep grade.

    Then this will be a marvelous riding experience over country you will otherwise never see.
    A reasonable level of fitness and riding ability is therefore required.

Tuffies Cycle Traverse Option

For the more energetic, there is the option to detour to the top of the both the north and south ends of the Maungatua Range, as described below

Climb the north ridge of the Maungatua Range

to the radio tower

with its fantastic views to the east

before descending back down to the join the std trail

for the traverse of the western slopes

before climbing to the top at the south end to descend past the Three Kings, and again joining the std trail

Total trip distance - 38 km

With a total of 1150m of climb
and 1650m of descent

BBQ Lunch to finish

Be sure to bring some cash, (and some cold ones in a chilly bin) so you can take the time to grab a delicious meat patty BBQ bun and other great snacks selection when you finish, put on by Taieri Rotary Club

You are sure to be hungry, and what a great way finish the event than to share stories over a bun and a cold drink

Event Start Details

Start time is 9.30. Please aim to be at at the start by 9.15am for event briefing.

The location is Traquair Stn, on the right 10km from Outram on SH87. You can click on this link to see the location in Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZVSFVskv2dL5gqyw9

Remember - this is a fun event, not a race. Take the time to enjoy the experience and the views

Transport options between Start & Finish

The start and finish locations are 15km apart,. The start is at Traquair Stn, 10km above Outram on SH87, and the finish is at the corner of Maungatua Rd and Grainger Rd, Woodside.
We do not recommend cycling back up the hill to the start after the event. SH87 is steep, narrow, and has high traffic volumes.

So, your options are

  • Arrange to meet a fellow cyclist at Grainger Rd about 8.30am, transfer your bike to their vehicle, and leave yours at the finish point.

  • Arrive at Traquair Stn before 8.30am, leave your bike with our bike storage check in, and arrange with other riders arriving at the same time to car pool the transfer of vehicles down to the finish point. Allow 30 minutes for the return journey.

  • OR, if running late, just head to the start point and leave your car there. We know there are a number of people who are planning to have their vehicle at the finish and happy to give people a lift back up the hill after the event.

Secure Bike Storage

There will be the ability to check your bike in for safe storage while you transfer your vehicle, both at the start point before the event, and at the finish point at the end of the event

Funds Raised

All funds raised will be applied as a community contribution to the planned Mosgiel to Taieri cycle and walking trail

Event Proudly Supported by