Home / A Summary of all the Colville Challenge Options
Colville Connection Event Options
This page contains a quick overview of the seven events on offer for The Colville Connection, with some being new for 2012. Each event has its own web page with important information which you can access using the link provided with each summary. Dont forget to check out our event videos page to get a better feel of what to expect...
'Le'Originale' - 72km MTB/Single Speed
'Le'Originale' - Coromandel's original mountain bike event; circumnavigates the northern most tip of the beautiful Coromandel peninsula.
The ride starts in the Colville Township with a flat, fast and fortunately short-lived road section before jumping on the dirt and heading through Whangaahei and onto the Port Charles Road to start the first climb of the day.
The course continues to flow through regular climbs and descents amongst stunning subtropical native bush through to Port Charles. From here it only gets better; as you pass through Port Charles the road narrows, the trees shroud the route, light flickers through the bush and as you reach the sea, patches of greenery open up to give you some of NZ's best coastal views. Once you roll through Stony Bay the next 10km to Fletcher Bay gives way to pristine DOC single track - check out our video section, pictures say a thousand words!
A couple more 'rolly polly' climbs sees the start of the one of the country's 'Crimson Trails', beautiful Pohutukawa line the welcomed, flat roads seaside on route back to Colville. Time to soak up the atmosphere and relish your achievement!
Estimated finish times based on previous events - top riders break 3 hours (that's crazy fast!), middle of the pack riders take 4.5 - 5.5 hours, and casual riders 6 - 8 hours.
She's a decent haul and a great day out!
Check out the event page for more details
Click here to open this event page now
'Short and Stout' - 42km MTB/Single Speed
The 'Short and Stout' is one for the die-hard trail riders, single speed purists or those wanting a more technical course challenge.
It heads south for the initial 10km section starting with a brief sealed section before you work your way into a gravel road climb and on to the ups and downs through the bush on 4WD and single tracks.
This little dogleg section sends you back to Colville and provides the warm up for an epic climb. Once through the village you'll embark on the longest climb of the day, starting on a narrow dirt road which forms one of the local's driveways you continue to climb before a 4WD track takes you along a long ridgeline with stunning sea views up to 408m! Have a look at the panoramic video on our YouTube page to see what we're on about. Time to drop all that vert; a mean descent through rugged 4WD trails and single track will get you peaking for the last climb of the day. This descent had our local guide spinning his quad around and heading back home via the ridge - so you know it's legit! This last climb is as they should be; meandering single track will see you getting your flow on before heading back down the farmers driveway you sweated your way up earlier and back to Colville for a cheeky sprint finish.
The bulk of the course is ride-able but be prepared to have to get off and haul the bike around a bit. The majority of the course is on private land, not normally accessible to the public so that's pretty cool!
Estimated finish times based on previous events - fast cats around 2h 20m, median (middle) time 3h 40m, and towards the back 5h 20m
Check out the event page for more details
Click here to open this event page now
'Flowrider' - 21km MTB and Single Speed
This 21km ride is a really great introduction to the exceptionally scenic Colville area. It's 100% ride-able with moderate grades (those are the uphills!), lots of easy / novice off road tracks and trails.
This is a perfect event for all levels of mountain bikers or those just looking for the fastest way back to bask in the sun next to the barbie and beer tent. It offers a quality dirt road climb from the start which gives the more experienced a good chance to test the legs before other events such as 'The Dual' yet allows others out for a more relaxed day to get on top of those pedals. Top notch vistas kick off the descent into Waikawau and if you're not in a particular hurry, there's even the chance for a swim at the beautiful Waikawau Beach. Don't worry about your bike, we've got some fantastic locals who will even watch over it! From here a flat gravel road will take you back to Colville with a moderate climb 5km before the finish just to keep ya honest.
Expected ride time is around 1 hour for experienced riders, but can take a whole lot longer for those that are keen to make the most of their time out there. Middle of the pack riders are around 2 hours, and those towards the back maybe more like 3/3.5 hours.
Check out the event page for more details
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'The Connecto-thon' - 42km Off-Road Marathon
New in 2012!
The Colville Connection's foray into trail running events. The 'Connecto-thon' is the Short and Stout's ruggedly handsome twin brother. The marathon follows the same 42km as the mountain bike course.
It's a solid 42km and not for the faint hearted; with steep climbs, single track and gnarly descents this one is for the genuine trail junkie however throw in mix of technical running skills and some kiwi 'can-do' attitude this is an achievable outing for those who don't mind a long walk/run by the beach, great views and going solo. The majority of the course is on private land, not normally accessible to the public - so that's pretty cool!
Expected times for this trot range between just under 4 hours and all day.
Check out the event page for more details
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'The Connecto-thon' - 22km Off-Road Half Marathon
New in 2012!
This course has a mix of all trail running elements for all levels. The course heads out of town before you get stuck into a gradual climb that takes you away from the east coast, be sure to look over your shoulder before you drop into the bush as it's exceptionally scenic. After the climb it's time to let the legs go and blast through some great single track down to the west coast side. From here, stride out on the gravel roads to take you back to town - don't worry we put a little climb in there just to keep things interesting. This half is pretty much a half technical, half climb/flat, whole fun half and a very good way to see the exceptionally scenic Colville area. It's a course that offers a great variety and will be a half marathon you'll remember for some time!
Expected times for this outing will range between under 2 hours up to 5 hours depending on ability.
Check out the event page for more details
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'Speed Skate' - 10km Trail Run
New in 2012!
A genuine trail run for all levels. 10km events have become a staple in the running world and we really wanted this one to appeal to anyone and everyone.
It's positioned perfectly for the fly girls and boys after a hit out before The Dual a couple weeks later or those looking to get their feet wet or more accurately dirty in the trail running scene. The course starts in the village and heads out of town and starts with a gradual climb out towards Tukituki Bay. If you're feeling out of breath as you reach the top, sorry guys take another deep one as the view towards the Motukawao Islands will suck it back out of you and keep you pondering more adventures in this beautiful place.
The trail then ducks into the bush through a maze of undulating trails, climbing up and down through a mix of single track and the odd bit of dirt road. You'll then swing back towards town where you can soak it all up as you breeze through the finish chute.
Parade and smile for the camera or stride out for that action shot - the choice is yours.
Check out the event page for more details
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'Colville Cruiser' - 5km Fun Run and Walk
New in 2012!
One for Mum, Dad, the little ones or any supporters looking for a relaxed event option while the others are out for the day on foot or in the saddle.
The course heads out towards Tukituki Bay and provides views of the Motukawao Islands before heading back into town to chill in the sun while awaiting the finishers. This is a pram friendly course, so get amongst it!
Check out the event page for more details
Click here to open this event page now
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