Pass2Pub - Course Description

Simply put it is a fantastic family race that appeals to all ages, abilities, genders and walks of life.

A 35km ride from Burkes Pass (at 545 meters above sea level) in the MacKenzie Country, through valleys, across streams and down to the Albury Pub (at 238 meters above sea level).  It is on shingle roads and 100% rideable farm tracks, crosses eleven farms, goes through the Tengawai River twice, and has a couple of moderate hills. But it’s mostly downhill – it must be as it has an altitude decrease of over 300 meters!
IMPORTANT - All Roads are Open to Traffic and Normal Road Rules Apply.

The Start
To get to the starting turn off State Highway 8 at Burkes Pass onto Rollesby Valley Road and travel about 1km to starting point. Park in the designated area and then go to registration to get your race pack.

The Course (remember all roads and farm tracks are open to traffic - keep left and normal road rules apply!)
From the start in a field off Rollesby Valley Road, travel across country through Sawdon Farm .  Beware - just 500m from the start is a narrow bridge over a creek. Only a small percentage of riders can ride over the bridge at once.  It can become a bottleneck.  Once you go through the creek there is a gradual climb to the farm yards/woolshed.  It is a deceptive climb, so take it easy. At the farm yards turn left onto a farm track and then left into Rollesby Station Road - this is a fast part of the course where you can each high sppeds, but take care on the loose gravel.

At the end of the road turn right into Rollesby Valley Road, bike uphill (this is the first hill).

At the summit turn left onto undulating farm track riding in the small valley between Albury Range and Single Hill Range. Continue on farm tracks along Duck Stream and Tengawai River. Cross the river several times (usually these are rideable). Take care to follow markers and arrows. In some places the course does not follow farm tracks. Cross the river again, up a short rise and exit the field through yards at Wairewa Station. (At this point you have traveled through Sawdon, Single Hill, Coolgardie, Aries, Waratah and Wairewa Stations)

Turn left into Waratah Road and follow the undulating shingle/sealed road.  Flat at first then up the Manuhune Hill (the second hill).  Coast down the other side but it's a gravel road, so take care and keep in control of your bike.  Pass by Limestone Valley Road on your left and across the single lane bridge (take care) and you're now going up Coal Pit Road (the third hill).

At the top of the hill turn left into Southbrae farm - (this is a new part to the course and skirts around the original Albury Coal Pit).

The course now heads cross country through undulating farmland until you cross over the Little Opawa River and into the adjoining Deepdale farm.  Continue through Deepdale with another crossing of the Little Opawa River through the Deepdale yards and out their drive. Turn left into Chamberlain Road for the fast road section (and you are nearly home).

After several kms turn right off Chamberlain Road and into a field, up a slight rise, cross country to ford the Opawa River, onto Mt Nessing Road and into Duke St., Albury and the finish line - just 36km from the start.

The Finish
The finishing area is located in a paddock behind the Albury Pub. At the finish there are toilets, plenty of refreshments, shade and first aid as well as fantastic family entertainment. Bring your sun umbrella, spread out your picnic, celebrate and cheer on the riders that finish after you.