After a few forays into the Mackenzie Basin over Christmas and some careful consideration we have pinned down the last stage, and are now in a position to reveal more final distances and stage start times....profiles to come soon:

• Stage 1 will start on Wednesday 24th February 2010 at 10am, and will be followed that afternoon by the stage 2 time trial where riders will depart in order of stage 1 arrival. Stage 1will be 45km, stage 2 18km.
• Stage 3 will start at 8am on Thursday 25th and feature 70 odd km of remote high country riding. Pack your sunscreen.
• Stage 4 will begin at 8am and cover 75km into the spectacular desolation of the Mackenzie.
• Stage 5 will start at 9am on Saturday 27th February and finish a glorious 70km later on the banks of Lake Tekapo.

If you are lacking a calculator that makes the total distance 282km.

If you're looking for some gear for the race and have entered the 2010 Alpine Epic get along to one of the R&R stores around the country.

• R&R Sport have 20% off all cycle accessories and parts for Alpine Epic entrants for January 2010
• R&R Sport relocated their Christchurch store late last year to the Corner of Colombo and Tuam streets, with the new space, they now sell bikes, cycle clothing, parts and accessories and have full bike workshop services

Despite widespread interest and reports of Alpine Epic induced rioting in Rakaia we still have a fair few places available, so if you're keen to come along it is not too late.

Organising sporting events involves all sorts of hurdles. On the 2nd January 2010 in an attempt to gain access to some land, Pete, Gus, Nick Jennings and I found ourselves deep in the Mackenzie country fencing in galeforce norwest winds...Pete even bled for the cause. Check out his form on the crowbar, and the rocks we had to contend with...