EVENT SHOWCASE
Coppermine: furious and fun Phil Barnes profiles the uniquely Nelson mountain bike race through diverse and historic landscapes. P HO T O G R A P H Y H E N RY JA I N E
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round 150 competitors are expected to line up for the annual Coppermine mountain bike race on March 28. Skye Irwin, from the organising Gravity Nelson bike company, says the event comprises two main course options, the Coppermine Classic and the Coppermine Epic. The 40km Classic comprises a loop of the Dun Mountain Trail that includes the mineral belt around Coppermine Saddle. At an altitude of 878m, the saddle, unable to support beech forest, is dominated by reddish-brown rocks and limited vegetation. The course then descends steadily on a fast and often exhilarating track. Skye says Easy Trail Services have done a wonderful job upgrading the descent track over the last year, taking out rocks, smoothing crossings over streams and adding berms. The refurbished surface is a further attraction for entrants.
“Easy Trail Services have done a wonderful job upgrading the descent track over the last year, taking out rocks, smoothing crossings over streams and adding berms.” 26
The Epic course is a similar distance to the Coppermine but consists of 500m of extra vertical climbing and is far more technical. This is due to a separate section where the Epic leaves the Coppermine course at Four Corners to climb steeply to the top of Fringed Hill (793m). It then follows the single-track descent through native forest along the rugged and undulating Black Diamond tramping track, before rejoining the Coppermine course just past Third House. Skye says the Classic ride is the more popular of the two. The Epic tends to attract more experienced and competitive mountain bikers.
Solos and teams
Skye, who combines roles for Gravity Nelson of administration along with coaching, guiding and driving work, says the event is divided into several categories. These include single-speed, e-bike, parent and child, family and corporate teams. Family teams must have at least three members. The corporate grade generally comprises workplace teams of four. Skye says teams often wear costumes to add to the fun of the event. “We had a group last year who wore suits, but cut off the arm sleeves.” The criterion for team categories is that all members must stay together. The start and finish area for the event will be on the flat area known as the Maitai Esplanade Reserve just before the campground on the way up Maitai Valley Rd. An ‘event village’ will feature food and coffee for sale, as well as a range of games and entertainment. Skye says children are encouraged to bring their own bikes to the area. Last year included a competition (for all ages) to see who was fastest to ride a single-speed bike around a giant log.
