The Raglan 500 bikepacking event is gearing up for its second year, with cyclists setting off from the Raglan Cyclery at 6.30am over the October long weekend. More than 30 riders are already registered.
The Raglan 500 is a self-supported bikepacking challenge offering three course options – 165km, 275km, and 500km. The rules are simple: riders must complete their chosen course entirely under their own power, relying only on commercially available services for food and supplies.
All routes circle around the mountain before passing Bridal Veil Falls and looping towards the Kawhia turnoff. The 165km riders continue right into Kawhia before returning to Raglan, while the longer courses head up Pirongia West Road, along Hauturu Road, and drop into Waitomo. Riders can refuel or rest in Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu before climbing over Fillery Road to Waitetuna. Here, the 275km riders make their way back to Raglan, while the 500km group continues over Old Mountain Road to Onewhero and Port Waikato, following the coastline back to Raglan.
The course features as many gravel sections – and hills –as possible, adding plenty of challenge to the ride.
Once again, several local riders have signed up, along with others travelling from as far as Wellington, including some highly experienced racers. Two riders completed last year’s event in under 36 hours despite atrocious weather – here’s hoping for better conditions and faster times this long weekend.
