The X Scenic

The X Scenic takes place entirely inside Timaru’s Centennial Park – well known locally as the Scenic Reserve.  The ride is a buzz for single trackers with a 9km circuit going over the newest and best single track in this part of the country.  This race was created in response to the exploding interest in mountain biking in the Timaru area in the past few years and is rated very highly by locals and visiting riders.  In 2009 the X Scenic combined with a round of the South Island and New Zealand Mountain Bike Cup.  That course was tougher and longer.  We have shortened it up and taken out the really tough little uphills.  It still requires effort but don't be too daunted as it is a great course for those wishing to expand their MTB skills.

The course covers many of the established MTB trails and some short pieces of walking tracks in the park but has some additional single track and technical segments that will challenge all levels of rider.  The course has fantastic viewing options with spectators able to get close in to many areas of the track.

The registration, timing and transition area will be alongside the lake right in the middle of the Park.  The Western end of the Centennial Park road from the Lake Carpark to Claremont Road will be closed during race day (Sunday 31st January 9.30am - 3pm).  The section of road from the town end of the park (BMX end) to the Lake Carpark will be open at all times so spectators can get into the park easily.

Our thanks go to our sponsors, the Timaru District Council and the South Canterbury Mountainbike Club for their help in putting the race together. Volunteers from the MTB Club have created great MTB trails throughout the park and the X Scenic is going to try and use them all!

This is a  multi lap event designed to appeal to spectators, supporters and families of riders as well as the weekend warriors and elite riders.

The registration and start/finish line is in the centre of Centennial Park (the same place as the 2009 12 Hour Race).  There will be coffee, cold drinks and food at the finish line.

Recreational 9km - suitable for inexperienced and new riders who are keen on stepping up from riding easy trails and want to ride in a race. 
Sport 18km - suitable for intermediate riders - mountainbike enthusiasts and weekend warriors.  Requires reasonable fitness levels and some technical skills. The course is the same as the expert course but two laps.  Testing but 100% rideable.
Expert 27km- This is an endurance race suitable for experienced riders.  The course is demanding but rewarding and requires good technical skills and fitness levels. 

Timetable:
Saturday 30th January - from 4.00pm the track will be marked out for pre-race riding/training but the park will not be closed to the public.  There will be no first aid support or marshals on course.
Sunday 31st January 8.30am - 3.00pm the park will be closed to the public. The road from the Lake Carpark to Claremont Road will be closed to traffic.  First aid support will be on course from 10.45am to 3pm.  Marshals will be in place prior to race start.
8.30 - 10.30am     Registration
10.45am               Compulsory Briefing
11.00am               Race Start
2.30pm                 Prize Giving - Cash prizes for category winners (for cash prizes categories will be amalgamated if less than 5 riders in a category).  Plenty of spot prizes as well (you've got to be there to win).  Race headquarters and start/finish will be in the centre of the park with great spectator viewing opportunities.

X Scenic- Race Categories & Entry Fees
EXPERT - 3 Laps - Approx 27k
This section is for competitive, experienced riders with good levels of technical skills and endurance.
There is a trophy and cash prize for the first expert male and first expert female rider to finish.
Cash prizes to the first riders home in each category - categories will be combined if less than 5 riders in a category.
All category winners will be acknowledged at prize giving.
Age Group Categories and entry fees (age is taken on race day)
Minimum age 15 years
Youth (15 - 18 yrs) $30
Open (19 - 34 yrs) $45
Vet 1 (35 - 44 yrs) $45
Vet 2 (45 - 54 yrs) $45
Vet 3 (55+ yrs) $45

SPORT- 2 Laps - Approx 18k
This section is for competent mountain bike enthusiasts.
Cash prizes to the first riders home in each category - categories will be combined if less than 5 riders in a category.
All category winners will be acknowledged at prize giving.
Age Group Categories and entry fees (age is taken on race day)
Minimum age 10 years - any riders aged 10-12 years must be accompanied by an adult rider.
Junior (10-14 yrs) $30
Youth (15 - 18 yrs) $30
Open (19 - 39 yrs) $45
Vets (40 - 54 yrs) $45
Classics (55+ yrs) $45

RECREATION - 1 Lap - Approx 9k
This section is for inexperienced mountain bike riders who want to step up from riding regular trails.
Cash prizes to the first riders home in each category - categories will be combined if less than 5 riders in a category.
All category winners will be acknowledged at prize giving.
Age Group Categories and entry fees (age is taken on race day)
Minimum age 8 years - any riders aged 8-12 years must be accompanied by an adult rider.
Junior (8-14 yrs) $25
Youth (15 - 18 yrs) $25
Open (19 - 39 yrs) $35
Vets (40 - 54 yrs) $35
Classics (55+ yrs) $35

Late Entry Fee: For all sections and categories a late entry fee of $10 will be added for all entries received after 27 January 2010 including on the day entries.