Joining the Special Events team in January – one of the first things I was informed about was the PlaceMakers Pass2Pub MTB race – coming from my radio back ground I was well aware of this event but even that couldn’t of prepared me for how BIG this event is and just how many MTB enthusiasts there are out there.

Lots of preparation in the build up with securing sponsorship and fantastic prizes and then there was getting people to enter....let me just say that on the Wednesday and Thursday before the event I got very fast at processing registrations.

Saturday’s pre-registration day at PlaceMakers was supurb, as usual Mervyn had everything well organised and with Simon manning the BBQ we had a great time – it was so very good that the majority of riders came and picked up their race numbers and got some great freebies of Dole Bananas, and Milky way chocolate bars yummy.

Then came the very early start on Race day  - wow a rude awakening by the alarm clock at 5am and then off to Burkes Pass at 6am (with a small stop at the Fairlie Bakehouse on the way for something delicous). Now all set up for late registrations and it’s cold and drizzly – but that certainly did not dampen anyone’s spirits because 620+ riders later it was time to get up on the back of the truck for the briefing.  (Yes, that chick that was talking on the Mic all the time was me)
 
After the race started, I did my own dash back to Albury to make sure that Hamish (our time guy) had all the late entries and numbers of those that weren’t riding so we could keep track on what was going on.  Ahhhh now I can relax and enjoy the party atmosphere right?? WRONG – now it’s time for me to get on the Mic again and call out some of the riders as they were coming home, I must say that those that did this ride are amazing, fast times, big groups coming in together and always coming in with a smile on the face,(some had a bit more than a smile – mud, blood and cow poo)

Prize giving was fun, lots of excellent prizes to give out and lots of happy winners collecting certificates and cash – Hayden Paddon was a welcome addition to prize giving and he got home relatively quickly even if he did get a puncture and didn’t know how to fix it with out the assistance of a co-driver.

There were some great Crash stories that I heard about and these just added to the fun of the event....the food, the fun the festivities it was all these things that made my first Pass2Pub experience a fabulous one and although a little tired today, I am really looking forward to doing it all over again next year.

Over and out from Kirsty

Join us for the PlaceMakers Pass2Pub - the biggest little mountain bike race in the world!

The Pass2Pub is one of NZ's premier mountain biking events.  It's been running for over twenty years, attracts up to 1,000 riders and is one of those legendary races that everyone has a story about.

Clear your calendar for March 3rd 2013 and enter the PlaceMakers Pass2Pub.

The Pass2Pub appeals to all ages and all abilities, from the guns to the newbies.  If you are a first time competitor, a weekend warrior, or aspiring world champion then the PlaceMakers Pass2Pub should not be missed.  Like hundreds of others, you will want to come back and ride it year after year.

Whatever level of rider you are, the Pass2Pub is a great challenge.

The perfect ride for those new to the sport - it's strenuous, it will make you work hard, but you will be rewarded  - a spectacular ride in the South Canterbury back country, a wonderful, carnival atmosphere and the absolute thrill of competing and cycling down the finishing chute to the rousing celebrations of family and friends.  A magical experience!

If you have the pedal power, you can go flat out – beat your mates or beat your time from last year and clock up another personal best.   At top speed, the course will be challenging and a good test for your technical skills.

Here’s what you get with the Pass2Pub:

• A great ride over a challenging course. 
• A great atmosphere with plenty of spectator support (some rider even get into fancy dress)
• Heaps of spot prizes
• The chance to hang out at the finish with a great after-race party.
• Proven race management systems
• A second to none safety record
• Thousands of happy riders who keep coming back for more.

Your 36km ride starts in Rollesby Valley Road, Burkes Pass in the Mackenzie Country and travels across 12 farms, through valleys, across streams, along farm tracks and shingle roads to the finish at the Albury Tavern, on State Highway 8.

Everyone who enters has a chance to win great spot prizes. We also have special prizes for the oldest and youngest rider to complete the course. There are special race categories for Retro bikes (no shocks, no front or rear suspension and no clip in pedals), for Single Speed bikes (no gears) and for tandems.

The Pass2Pub after-race party is famous -you can kick back and enjoy great southern sunshine and Mackenzie Country hospitality - live music, the Albury School gourmet BBQ and of course plenty of liquid refreshments from our sponsors and the Albury Tavern (my insiders tell me it will be back open by then).

Don't wait any longer - enter the Pass2Pub today, but be quick. Entries are limited

Entries will be accepted on the day but you will have to pay an additional late fee.