Karioi Classic would be nothing without Dirk De Ruysscher and Lisa Thomson at the wheel.
The dynamic duo organised and hosted the very first event back in 2009.
Dirk, who owns and runs the Raglan Cyclery and Lisa who is the Waikato District councillor for Raglan, first met in 2006 when Lisa was looking for support for the Sea to Sand triathlon she was organising.
“I opened the shop on Stewart Street, and Lisa came in one day to introduce herself and she asked if I was happy to be involved with the bike checks,” Dirk says.
A participant that first year, Dirk stepped in to help Lisa organise the event in 2007 and they went on to organise the Off Road Challenge before settling on the Karioi Classic as a premium event in Whāingaroa.
“One year we ran three events in one season; the last triathlon, the last or the second to last Off Road, and then the first Karioi Classic,” Dirk says.
The events were never money-spinners for the pair; it was all about bringing the community and adventure sports enthusiasts together, and adding some action to the quieter winter period.
“The purpose of our events has never been to make money, but to be self-sustaining. In the early years, we decided we wouldn’t go for big sponsorship. And if we did get sponsors, we would determine the kaupapa of each event so it belonged to us,” Lisa says.
This year will be the 13th year Karioi Classic keen cyclists have pedalled around the maunga. The pair took a break from 2022-2024 and weren’t expecting the event to come back to life.
“We ran it for two years during COVID and it wasn’t easy; it took all the energy out of it,” Dirk says.
“We are excited to bring it back to Raglan. We knew we were starting from ground zero with pretty much no money. We have the intellectual property, knowledge and outreach into the cycling community, and that’s why we partnered with DMO (Whāingaroa Destination Management Organisation) because event management is the DMO’s jam.” Lisa says.
Sustainability has always been an important factor for the pair. They have eliminated single use plastic and use flax cable ties instead of the traditional cable tie, and the Classic has always been as close to zero waste as possible.
“The Karioi Classic event doesn’t produce any more than half a blue bag of rubbish and we’re hosting 300 to 400 people; that’s something we’re quite proud of,” Lisa says.
Injecting all things Raglan/Whāingaroa into the event is important to Lisa and Dirk. The main trophy is painted by local artist Doug Ford, and Karla Stevenson from The Monster Co. handcrafts the ceramic medallion every competitor receives.
Lisa and Dirk are grateful to local businesses who provided spot prizes, funding, accommodation packages, upcycled bags and more.
“We also couldn’t do an event like this without our volunteers who are out in the rain, hail and sunshine with smiles, words of support and genuine warmth that is much appreciated by our competitors,” Lisa says.
by Janine Jackson
Essential information for riders
Register at www.goraglan.com/events/karioi-classic-2025 and keep in the loop on socials @KarioiClassic
For further event information contact Karioi Classic Event coordinator Jacqueline Anderson
jacqueline@raglanihub.nz
Both races start on Stewart Street.
The Long One- 87km race starts at 8.30am.
The Short One – 58km race will start at 9.30am.
There are soft road closures in place, but at all times, you must be responsible whilst out on the road. All normal road rules do apply.
The private gravel section on Rangitahi Peninsula is only open to competitors on race day.
Refer to the pack emailed to riders for more detailed information about the event.
