The 2010 Alpine Epic wrapped up on the banks of Lake Tekapo with the sun setting over the Two Thumb Range. Some cool Weka Lagers from Moa Beer and a fantastic banquet dinner resulted in some quality mingling between riders, volunteers, landowners. It was a satisfying end to a tough and spectacular four days in the high country.
Day 1 saw riders roll out of Mt Somers straight into the teeth of a proper norwester. It was hot, dusty and tough. After a steep climb to Brown's Saddle, and a quick glance into the headwaters of the Rangitata River, the riders were welcomed at Rangitata Rafts by a well deserved hot shower and barbeque. The norwester provided further entertainment overnight, threatening to blow down the marquee...
Day 2 dawned with a massive 1200m climb ride up Coal Hill. R&R Sport and propertysyndication.com led the race over the hill, with team R&R Whippets leading the women. It was 5 and a half hours before R&R Sport crossed the line, the last team arriving at Lake Opuha in just under 10 hours. Needless to say, this team were the happiest in the race after finally climbing out of the saddle for a well deserved lakeside rest. A number of teams opted for a scenic shortcut, leaving some gas in the tank for the long route into the Mackenzie Basin the following day.
Day 3 was hot and The Wolds beckoned beyond some hard riding through the moonscape of the Mackenzie. Split stages kept the pace high.
Day 4 was even hotter and it was a happy bunch of riders who finally arrived on the bank of Lake Tekapo to watermelon, celebrations and a dip in the lake. When the dust settled it was R&R Sport, Mark Williams and Tony Hogg taking out the men's race over Brent Miller and Ollie Whalley of Team propertysyndication.com. Cath Kelly and Erin Greene of Team R&R Whippets lived up to their name and held out some strong challenges to win the women's category over Jo Williams and Floojte Draisma of Team Outside Sports.
Other highlights were Team Foothold Developments of Nelson becoming inaugural winners of the Corporate teams category and laying a strong challenge to other contenders for 2011.... and our Californian friend Chris who rode the whole race on a rigid singlespeed. Ouch.
