New Zealand National Biking Champion Eyes Up Patagonia 8hrs@Jacks

News Release / 05.09.2011

National women’s mountain biking champion Kate Fluker of Queenstown will put her skills on display as a debut competitor in the multi-lap mountain bike relay event, Patagonia 8hrs@Jacks on October 22.

The Labour Weekend event is being held for the third consecutive year on its Jacks Point course and interest is building from both recreational and elite bikers around the region. The 6.9km Straggler’s Loop track has been developed specifically for 8hrs@Jacks by Race Director Geoff Hunt.

“Riders enjoy a scenic and challenging track that circles through the tent village created by the teams before heading through rocky valleys and terrain on the northern side of the Jacks Point resort. The event is fun, achievable and non-technical. People can use the whole eight hours to do as many laps as possible or finish earlier and kick back and relax.”

“The event is an opportunity for competitors to catch up with other likeminded people and there is a great atmosphere of friendly rivalry and camaraderie amongst people of all ages,” says Hunt. “Bikers find that trying to beat their lap times, or that of their team mates can be quite addictive, and 8 hours is long enough to enjoy the experience but short enough not to be too hard core.”

The race involves individuals and teams of two, three or four members competing in Junior, Open (men’s, women’s or mixed) and Veteran (men’s, open and mixed) sections. One rider per team rides a lap then tags a team mate. Elite riders traditionally complete the lap in about 35 minutes while recreational competitors average 45 minutes.

Last year’s winner Queenstown multisporter Jim Hawkridge clocked 16 laps last year and his fastest lap was recorded at 26.48mins. The average for individuals and teams is 12-14 laps during the 8 hour timeframe.

Fluker who was support crew for a Queenstown team last year is keen to be amongst the action this year. “Last year it was such an amazing atmosphere in an amazing location with people of all levels competing, from the ‘hard-outs’ to the casual teams taking advantage of the view. I can’t wait to participate.”

Jacks Point spokesperson Sara Roy has welcomed the return of the Patagonia 8hrs@Jacks. “The event is now an established one on our calendar and we are excited to be associated with it again. It is a race which can be as challenging as people like and the professional organisation of the Southern Traverse crew ensures a continuing high standard of event.”