Old-school mountain biking at Taupō's Craters Classic

The Craters Classic has short, mid and long course options to cater for every rider, including e-bikers. Photo / Bike Taupō

Bike Taupō is gearing up for one of the biggest events on its calendar, Craters Classic.

After being postponed in June, the mountain bike race goes down on Sunday, October 18, and all the information can be found on their website www.cratersclassic.co.nz.

The event is held based at Wairakei Resort but most of the riding will be done at Taupō's Craters Mountain Bike Park.

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One of the event organisers, Melissa Johnson from Bike Taupō, says the Craters Classic is one of the biggest fundraising events for Bike Taupō with all the money raised going towards the upkeep and building of tracks in the Taupō area.

She says it is important that people realise they are an entirely non-profit organisation and they don't keep the money they make from events like these, but put them back into cycling in the local area.

Based at Wairakei Resort and mainly run on tracks in the Craters Mountain Bike Park, the Craters Classic returns to Taupo on Sunday, October 18. Photo / Bike Taupō

"This event is for everyone with a mountain bike. It consists of three courses - short, mid, and long, suitable for everybody, e-bikes are also welcome."

Melissa says the great thing about the Taupō tracks is the pumice soil makes them all weather because of their optimal drainage. The Craters Classic is a long standing event for the Taupō District and attracts a lot of out-of-towners as well as locals.

With every entry the competitors get a goody bag and the opportunity to win loads of spot prizes.