N- Duro 24

When: April 20- 21) Where: Whakarewarewa Trails, Rotorua What: Atrue test of stamina, endurance and riding abilities, the N- Duro 24 is not your typical 24- hour event, and is not in your typical biking location. For more information and entry visit www. nduro24. co. nz

‘‘ However, New Zealand has lacked a 24- hour race that fully challenges the senses and allows weekend warriors the opportunity to ride a world- class course alongside world- class riders.’’

All that changes next weekend and Dimozantos is urging all keen mountainbikers to take on the event. ‘‘ You don’t have to take the ‘‘ nutter’’ option like me and ride the whole thing yourself. Get a bunch of mates together. Enjoy what the Whakarewarewa forest has to offer over 24 amazing hours, or 12 if you aren’t quite up to a full day.

‘‘ There is even an exciting new 6+ 6 option which allows riders to only race the daylight hours of the event.’’

The N- duro 24 i s affiliated with World Endurance Mountain Biking Organisation and the solo winners will get automatic entry into the 24- Hour Solo World Championships in Canberra in October.

It also means Rotorua is likely to hold a 24- hour solo world championship.

The course will keep riders entertained and challenged for the full 24 hours.‘‘ It isn’t a highway. We are talking about quality trails in areas of the forest where many riders will not have ridden before and stunning views.

‘‘ I’m hoping for a fine weekend be- cause sunrise and sunset will be amazing.’’

The course is about 16km long, so not too short to get bored. It has been designed in a figure 8, crossing by the race village twice each lap. Solo riders can eat, and see their support crew twice each lap.

Team riders can enjoy a good length ride before swapping over. Or swap with their teammates halfway through a lap, so they are in effect doing only 8km laps.

‘‘ The tactical flexibility provided by a course like this will make it an exciting weekend out in our forest.’’