SCOTT MOTU 160
Cycle Challenge

Calling all bikers! This new event will be run together with the Baytrust Motu Challenge multisport. You can enter either an individual or a two person team.  The 65km mountain bike will be raced with the Motu Challenge competitors. Multisporters will then split off at Motu to complete their run, ride and paddle; while Motu 160 competitors will get straight onto their road bikes and cycle 90km back over Traffords Hill and down Waioeka gorge to Opotiki.

STAGE ONE Mountain Bike - 65km    Sponsored by HICKEYS SPORTS OPOTIKI

Elliott Street, Opotiki start – with the multisporters. The course follows the East Coast Scenic Highway out of Opotiki, turning right at Waiaua onto the Motu Road. The first 12km are on sealed road (State Highway 35) and the next 53km is on the winding, hilly Motu gravel road. The stage ends at the Motu School after a fast narrow downhill ride. This route was well used by Maori Chief Te Kooti during the19th Century as the only direct route between Poverty Bay and Opotiki. The gravel road is now one of the best Mountain Bike rides through native bush in the country, offering many bush archways with panoramic views beyond. No service vehicles, spectators, or assistants may use the Motu Road. All race support traffic must travel to Motu via State Highway 2.

STAGE TWO Ride - 95km    Sponsored by HARDRIVE CAFE MATAWAI

Now change to your road bike, or over to a team mate. The route follows State Highway 2 from the Motu School. Competitors ride to Matawai Township on SH 2, turning right to Traffords Hill and the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve. The reserve is a popular hunting and tramping area, with numerous historic sites including two bridges conserved by the Department of Conservation at Manganuku and Tauranga Valley. There are also numerous camping opportunities and short walks. The stage continues down the Waioeka Gorge, past the multisporters’ kayak transition at Oponae. It’s gradually down hill, with the odd rise. A head wind is likely, especially later in the day. After leaving the Waioeka Gorge, there’s 11km of open riding to Opotiki. The finish is at Opotiki Domain, just like the multisporters.