The Carricktown Crusher is the last event on our action packed Cromwell Summer Series. So far this season we have held a half-marathon, triathlon, road cycle race and two other MTB rides.
The race starts and finishes at the Bannockburn Hotel and takes you up to Duffers Saddle (15.2 km and elevation 1300m) via the metalled Nevis Road; and then down the Carricktown track past Carricktown and Quartzville, and back to the Bannockburn Hotel. Total distance is 31 kilometres.
On the Nevis Road, great views can be seen of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan, and ‘Happy Valley’ (with Alexandra in the distance). On the Carricktown track you will pass Adams Gully and the ‘Young Australian Battery’ (Carricktown Crusher) - but you will not see it, or have time to visit it; but on the other side of the gully the ‘Young Australian Water Wheel’ is visible. You will also pass the derelict towns of Carricktown and Quartzville on your steep decent.
Please be warned! The Carricktown track is rough, rocky, with numerous washouts and deep ruts - and is potentially dangerous for bikers and vehicles. All entrants should be aware of the dangers and ride accordingly. The track is partly on ‘public road’ (Richard Anderson’s Kawarau Station), and partly on Donny Clark’s Carrick Station. As a ‘farm track’ it is not maintained and therefore SUPPORT VEHICLES ARE BANNED FROM THE TRACK.
The Group thanks the landowners for their co-operation with the event.
Things you’ll need
Gear: You must wear a safety standards approved helmet during your ride. Wear polypropylene on your upper body, not a cotton tee shirt. As the event is at altitude, you should carry a windproof jacket, and if available, a survival blanket to assist in an emergency.
Drink: You should carry at least two litres of drink at the start, and you should drink every 15 minutes or so.
Food: You should carry enough food to eat/graze throughout the ride.
Tools: You are expected to be self-sufficient, so carry enough tools to keep your bike going. A mechanic from Dr Bike will be available at the start.