In 2024 MBO will hold a daytime 3/6 hour event with Solo, Team and eBike categories. 

Race date is Saturday September 21.

The Event

Bike It Now! and Mountain Biking Otago have collaborated to present the 21st annual Naseby Challenge. This year marks the debut of 3-hour and 6-hour races.

We’ve crafted a 10 km loop encompassing water races, single tracks, and 4WD tracks winding through Naseby Forest and Naseby Holiday Park, catering to riders of all skill levels. Categories include Solo, Teams, Junior, School Challenge, Senior, Veteran, Men, Women, Mixed, Masters, Corporate, and Single Speed. Additionally, there’s a Class 1 eBike category (no de-restricted bikes).

The Naseby Challenge isn’t just about racing; it’s a social affair. Picture a tent village where the track weaves through and past your setup. The aim? Over 3-6 hours, ride as many laps as possible, with the individual or team completing the most laps crowned as winners. Rally your friends and secure your spot early, as entries for solos and teams are limited this year.

Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of payment.

The Venue

Located at Naseby Holiday Park, nestled within the town of Naseby and adjoining the Ernslaw One-owned Naseby Forest, the event hub features a 10km loop starting and ending right at the campground. For those unfamiliar with Naseby, it lies near Ranfurly in Central Otago, just 9 km from State Highway 85.

How to get there

Naseby is a 1.5hr drive from Dunedin, or 1hr from Alexandra.  The Naseby Holiday Park is on Swimming Dam Road (see map on MBO website).

Accommodation

If you plan to camp onsite, please note that the camping fee is separate from the event entry fee, as we strive to keep entry costs low. Naseby Holiday Park provides various accommodation options including cabins, chalets, on-site caravans, and two self-contained houses. Booking early for these accommodations is highly recommended!

For bookings, you can contact Naseby Holiday Park at 03 444 9904 or email bookings@nasebyhp.nz.

Access to the track and campsites will commence from 5PM on Friday. Please be aware that the gate will be closed until this time, without exceptions.

Naseby has some other accommodation options:

• Royal Hotel   03 444 9990
• Naseby Trail Lodge  03 445 3118
• Air BnB / Bookabach 

Event Timetable

Entries will close on September 18, unless race limits are reached earlier, in which case wait-lists will be implemented.

Friday 20 September:

Camp gates will open at 5PM.

Registration at the MBO marquee in the Naseby Holiday Camp, from 6PM – 8PM.

Race Day – Saturday 21 September

Registration will take place at the MBO marquee in the Naseby Holiday Camp from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

All riders must attend their briefing at 9:45 AM.

The race will commence with a 10 AM start for both the 3-hour and 6-hour events, using a Le Mans Mass Start format.

For the 3-hour event, the race will conclude at 1 PM, and for the 6-hour event, it will end at 4 PM.

The prize giving ceremony will take place at 5 PM or as soon as possible after the race concludes.

Medals

Solo Categories – medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Team Categories – medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Spot Prizes – many spot prizes will be handed out during the race.  However, the big spot prizes will be given out at the prize giving (where you will have to be in attendance to receive a prize).

Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed team and competitor, sponsored by Mr Whippy.  The theme is “Favourite Pop-Star”.

The fastest rider and fastest junior riders will also win a prize, sponsored by Coffee2Go.

“What to bring” Checklist

• Mountain bike and helmet (compulsory).
• Recommended: gloves, glasses, spare tubes, tyres, and tools.
• Food and drink: Some items will be available for purchase onsite. Espresso coffee and Mr Whippy will also be available on race day.
• Warm clothing: Temperatures can drop at the 2,000 feet elevation, so bring suitable attire. Consider bringing folding chairs, blankets, and a heater for added comfort (note: no open fires are allowed).

Good Stuff to Know

• The race course will be marked with tape throughout the campground. Each participant can park one vehicle alongside their tent or camper van on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Race packs containing your race numbers and rules will be available for pickup at registration.
• First Aid services will be provided by the Red Cross onsite throughout the 6hrs of the race. They will be stationed near the start line in the campground and positioned along the race course.
• While some food will be available for purchase onsite, it’s recommended to bring your own supplies. Coffee2Go and Mr Whippy will also be available on Saturday.
• Your entry confirmation will be posted on the Mountain Biking Otago website no later than September 20, 2024. The website will be updated regularly with any additional information.

For more detailed race conditions and updates, please visit the Mountain Biking Otago website.

Categories

Emersons 3 Hour Solo eBike

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Junior Men (u18)

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Junior Women (u18)

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Men

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Single Speed

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Vet Men

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Vet Women

Emersons 3 Hour Solo Women

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Masters (50-59)

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Men

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Singlespeed

Emersons 6 Hour Solo SuperMasters (60+)

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Vet Men (35-50)

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Vet Women (35-50)

Emersons 6 Hour Solo Women

Design Windows Cromwell Junior team (12-17)

Design Windows Cromwell Masters Team

Design Windows Dunedin Vet Mens Team

Design Windows Dunedin Vet Womens Team

Naseby Holiday Park Family Team

Nidd Realty Mixed Team

Rabbit Ranch Mens Open Team

Rabbit Ranch Womens Open Team

Specialized Turbo eBike Team

SRAM Corporate Team

Category Notes

• Teams consist of 2-5 members
• New Specialized Turbo eBike categories added this year (3 Hour solo and 6 Hour team)
• Mixed teams
  • Team of 5 must include 2 women
  • Team of 3 or 4 must include 1 women
• Vet team ages
  • Women, 35+
  • Men, 40+
  • All members must comply, or enter Open Category
• Masters team ages
  • Both men and women, 50+
  • All members must comply, or enter Open Category
• Junior team category also includes a trophy for School Teams.  All members of a School Team must be at the same school, and need to include the school name in the entry.
• Family team – must consist of related members of a family.
• Corporate team – members must be from the same workplace (or spouse/partner)
• If a category has less than 3 teams entered then MBO reserves the right to amalgamate classes

Entry Fees

Any 6 Hour rider (solo or team) $55

Any Junior or 3 Hour rider $45

Entries are not confirmed until payment has been received.

All competitors must read and acknowledge the waiver. You will also need to sign at registration to receive your race number.

Refund Policy

Full refund until September 1.

50% refund from September 1 – September 10.

No refund after September 10.

All refunds are less transaction costs.

ONLINE ENTRIES ONLY.  OPENING FROM 16 JULY 2024, at 9pm.

Many thanks to the forest owner, Ernslaw One, for allowing access to the Naseby Forest for this event.

Participants are requested to comply at all times with any instructions regarding fire bans and forest access.  See notices at the main entrance, or view their website at www.ernslawone.co.nz and check the fire status before you travel.

For further information, please contact the Race Direction, Craig Bates, on 027 489 4361,

For questions relating to entries, please email naseby12hr@mountainbikingotago.co.nz.