Forrest Estate Grape Ride

Too late for Forrest Estate GrapeRide 2006, sign on now for newsletters leading up to the 2007 event which is set down for 24 March or "enter now" so you don't miss being on the start line. Entries will be limited to 2500 riders for 07. You too could be knee deep in grapes for the afternoon, one thing we think we can guarantee is a whole heap of fun so join the GrapeRiders, they're a great bunch.

The Marlborough Grape Ride traverses a 101km circuit through some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. From the Forrest Estate Winery stone wall which is located in the capital of the New Zealand wine industry, Renwick, it’s a flat route to Blenheim. Riders then head north and gently climb into Picton with an exhilarating descent into the centre of the town. Climbing out of Picton, the route follows the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive around the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, literally a ride through nature’s photo album. The stunning scenery of Ngakuta and Momorangi Bays passes as the ride winds and twists to The Grove.

A flat ride to Linkwater leads onto Mahakipawa hill and more breathtaking scenery, followed by a descent to the outskirts of the mussel capital, Havelock. Left turn onto SH 6 and it’s homeward bound across gently rolling terrain, hopefully with the prevailing breeze at your back (we hope) and home to Renwick. Off the bike and you’re in the grapes with our celebrity guests, treading grapes for processing into an exclusive Forrest Estate vintage for next year’s event.

The 2006 event saw a prize pool of over $45,000 in value which included an overseas trip for two from Ian Welsh House of Travel, 2 x OCR1 Giant Bikes valued at over $4000, food supplements from Peak Fuel, 3 x $1000 Placemaker and 5 x $200 Inview vouchers and much more.

2007 will see an even bigger load of quality prizes with over $90,000 in give aways and spotties such as 4 new Giant OCR1 road bikes and other cycle gear ($10000 value) thanks to Cycletech and then Ian Welsh House of Travel will again ensure that one of the lucky riders will be able to take their partner overseas for a wonderful holiday to some exotic destination. Another great one to win will be the two week mountainbike trip to Vietnam thanks to Global Adventure Guide's.

In the "Speed Bunnies" section at the 2006 event saw Suzie Wood and Anthony Chapman take home $2,500 each courtesy of TNL Freighting (and those beautiful Cuddon trophies). Cash prizes were given right down to 5th placing in this category. Suzie took out Queen of the Wedge (trophy plus $250 in Peak Fuel products) while Alistair Crossling took the King of the Wedge and an identical prize package. 2007 will see a cash prize pool of a wopping $12,000 with recognition right down to 10th placing.

2005 Grape Riders picked up their exclusive bottle of "100 Virgins" Pinot Noir from the 2005 crush. This tradition will be carrying on from year to year. If you rode the 2006 event we'll have your bottle of the 2006 100 Virgins Pinot Noir waiting for you when you return in 07.

Categories for 2007

Individuals
Age on the day of the event:
Male and Female
Juniors 13-18yrs (must have parents consent)
Open 19+
Vintage 1 35+
Vintage 2 45+
Vintage 3 55+
Classic Vintage 4 60+
Classic Vintage 5 70+

Speed Bunnies

This section is for pro/elite racers. The women will ride in their own group for 07 and complete the 101km course. A decision is still pending as to whether the men ride a longer course (twice round or 202km) for the 07 event. Watch the space.

Standard Team- Social and Corporate Grades (3 riders)
All team members are to ride the 101km course with the team time being taken on the last rider.
All male
All female
Mixed

Relay Team-Social and Corporate Grades (3 riders)
One rider to complete each section with transitions at Picton and Havelock.
All Male
All Female
Mixed

Tandems
One category only for tandem riders.

Ancient (Old Clanger)
This section is for individuals. Bike must be 50yrs plus and single speed. There is no age or gender classification. Prize for fastest, best presented bike, and best presented rider. Dress should match the theme of the "Grape Ride".

Recumbents

One category

Magnums(202km)

Its twice round the stunning 101km circuit and will have male and female categories with prizes down to third place. This is available to all recreational riders. There will be an early start time. A decision is still pending as to whether we use this distance for the male Speed Bunnies.

Penny Farthings
One category only. 19km course. See blue arrows on course map.

Cancer Riders
Male
Female
Riders have the choice of completing the 19km or 101km course. Participants in the Cancer Riders section can either be recovered or recovering cancer patients.

Criterium- Sunday 25 March 2007

This is set down for the following day after the Grape Ride being Sunday the 25th of March and will be primarily for pro/elite, club elite rider and tandem riders. It is guaranteed to be fun filled action. Riders entering this event will have to be nationally registered. They will race for cash and prizes around a tight course that will cover what was the old TNL Tour criterium circuit.

The organisers are also planning a demonstration event of innovative machines such as HPVs with Steve “The Goon” Gurney hoping to find “The bike of the future”. There will also be a fun race for the littlies

Event listed by graperide

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