The Graveler

The Graveler

The Graveler is a 132km unique gravel bike race held in New Zealand that offers a distinct experience for participants. While it is ideally suited for gravel bikes, riders can participate on any type of bike, gravel, mountain bike (hardtail recommended) or “e-bikes in a non-competitive section”. The race begins just outside of Hanmer Springs at the intersections of Tophouse, Clarence Valley, and Molesworth Roads. From there, the route follows Molesworth Road towards Molesworth Station, encompassing some of the most picturesque and seemingly barren landscapes in New Zealand. Riders will cross the Waiau Toa/Clarence River and continue up the Acheron River until reaching the Severn Confluence. The journey continues along the southside of the Alma River bypassing Tarndale and heading to Sedgemere Lakes. From there, riders will proceed onto Rainbow Road, which leads back to Hanmer via Rainbow and Tophouse Road, following the Waiau Toa/Clarence River again. The route also passes by St James Homestead before returning to the starting point and concluding the ride by heading down Clarence Valley Road to finish at the Hanmer Springs Domain. It's worth noting the cautionary advice about the fast downhill section on Clarence Valley Road from Jacks Pass to the Finish. The Graveler is a true gravel race with 99.7% of gravel, with only 400m of tarseal at the Finish, coupled with 1,724m of elevation, this race creates memories.

Water: There will be water and R-Line at the 75km mark and another at approximately 100km, although the 100km mark this water station will be a smaller one. and at the finish. There will be no bag drops on the course or other water stations as getting water out to the location is a big challenge as this is a very remote location.

Transport: There are 66 seats available for the bus. It will leave Hanmer Domain on Saturday morning at 7am. You need to take your bikes to the start on Friday evening after 4pm where a Security team look after them until you get there Saturday morning.

Cut Off Time: Cut off at the Severn- Sedgemere Road (Just before the Severn Bridge) approximately 55km as you come off Molesworth Road is 11:00am Cut off as you come on to Rainbow Road approximately 75km is 12:15pm Cut off 4:00pm at the Finish. If you do not make this time you will need to exit the course on the request of the Marshalls. And/or Tail End Charlie. You and your bike will be brought back to the Finish in the Tail End Charlie vehicles.

Minimum Gear List: We recommend you have an emergency blanket or bag with you as well as a waterproof jacket as it is very barren, if the weather is wet. Also, chain oil as it can be very dry and dusty out there. If you are riding an e-bike you must have 2 spare batteries. In year, 1 rider was caught short having only 1 spare battery.

Prize Giving: This will be 15 minutes after the last competitor has finished at the Hanmer Springs Domain by the Finish Line - approximately 4:15pm

Please Note: Molesworth Station is public land but is leased to Pamu/Landcorp and is farmed. Please be respectful of the farming operation by sticking to the formed roads. Please refrain from trying to ride the route outside of the event as we do not want to jeopardise the event for future years by people going across the station. The Severn-Sedgemere track is open to the public from 5 January to the end of February but CLOSED the remainder of the year. The Acheron Road is open from October to Easter.