Coppermine race gets huge makeover

Riders will negotiate a revamped course in this year's third annual Santa Cruz Coppermine Epic Mountain Bike event in Nelson on Saturday, February 20.

The course has had a major makeover and Nelson City Council contractors Nelmac have been working hard on the track for the past four months. The result is a spectacular and more achievable mountain bike loop. For those who have ridden the Dun Mt walkway to Third house and enjoyed this terrain, the track has been upgraded to a similar standard all the way to Coppermine Saddle.

The major makeover involves the 800m descent towards the Maitai Dam. This section is now rideable and will appeal to riders looking for a challenging back-county experience.

The event traverses Nelson's Mineral belt via the Dun Mt walkway and takes riders out into the seldom explored back country. The ride has two courses to cater for all abilities.

The Enduro course will appeal to most fit recreational riders. This course follows the historic Dun Mountain rail trail and gradually climbs all the way to Coppermine Saddle before descending to the Maitai Dam.

The Epic course is for experienced riders and has a huge hill climb to the top of Fringed Hill and exits via the technical Black Diamond Ridge single track. Both courses rejoin on the rail trail above Third house and continue to the finish.

The event's aim is to provide a ride that will be a challenge, gives the opportunity to enjoy Nelson's spectacular weather and after the race a free beer from the Sprig and Fern. The event has attractive sponsors and there are many spot and performance prizes to give away, including a Santa Cruz Heckler as a spot prize.

The start and finish area is 2km up the Maitai Valley, with signs from Nile St. There will be coffee, gourmet seafood, massage and sponsors tents at the start and finish.

Entries close on Friday. Enter online at coppermine.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News