Karapoti Classic

The Karapoti Classic is New Zealand's longest running annual mountain bike event, started in 1986 by Paul Kennett. It starts at Karapoti Park[?] off Akatarawa Road, north of Upper Hutt, and heads up the 8 km Karapoti Gorge[?]. From there it begins a single 30 km loop in native and pine forest.

The 1986 Karapoti was New Zealand's first national mountain bike race and was self declared the National Off-Road Championships. The event was managed by the Kennett Bros until 2002.

The event differs from most races because it comprises a large single loop and the route does not change from year to year.

It is held on the first Sunday of March every year.

Official website (http://www.karapoti.co.nz)