π΄ββοΈ Raetihi 88 Athlete Guide
Ride Holidays Raetihi Gutbuster | Saturday 18 April 2026
Welcome to the Raetihi 88 thanks to Ride Holidays β a true backcountry road adventure from the Whanganui Awa to Raetihi. This is a big day out, with remote landscapes, honest climbing, and a strong community feel.
βChallenge the roads. Embrace the community.β We canβt wait to see you on the start line.
π Event Overview
Distance: 88km
Start Time: 8:30am
Shuttles depart Raetihi : 7:00am
Start Location: Whanganui River Road (Oskams paddock)
Finish Location: Waimarino Museum, Raetihi (Event Hub)
Total Climbing: ~1,698m
This is a shuttle-supported event, with riders transported to the start before riding back to Raetihi. There is no official time cut-off for this event and as this is the first year so we will try and manage prizegiving to welcome as many as possible.
π Registration & Check-In
All athletes must complete registration prior to the event.
Friday (We strongly recommend registering on Friday (open until 8.30pm) to make your event morning easy):
Location: Raetihi Information Centre
Time: 5:00pm β 7:00pm
Saturday Morning:
Location: Raetihi Information Centre
Time: From early morning (before shuttle loading)
Whanganui Riders:
Registration available at The Bike Shed, Whanganui
Time: Friday 3:00pm β 5:00pm
π At registration you will receive:
Timing chip
Bike sticker and helmet sticker plus gear bag tag
Event information
π₯ Your famous Raetihi Gutbuster vege bag (fuel for the journey!)
Important: Please allow enough time to register before shuttle loading from 6.30am
π Shuttle & Bike Transport
Bike loading: From 6.30am
Location: Outside the Raetihi Information Centre
Shuttles depart: Approx. 6.45 - 7.00am to get you to the startline in good time. It is a 45minute drive.
Whanganui riders: Arrive at startline in good time. No parking on the River Road.
π Important:
Be ready early β allow time to load bikes and check in - we are working on having a coffee option from 6.45am.
Follow instructions from shuttle coordinators
Your bike must be event-ready before loading
Please remove anything that may dislodge during the trip over the Parapara's (drink bottles etc)
π Gear Bags
You may bring extra gear for the shuttle journey (warm layers, food etc.)
All gear will be:
Collected at the start
Transported back to Raetihi
Available at the finish area
π Please ensure:
Your gear is clearly named including your race number (we'll have have tags for this)
Keep valuables to a minimum
π·οΈ Athlete Identification & Timing
All Raetihi 88 riders will be issued with:
Timing Chip β used to record your official start and finish time
Bike Sticker β wraps around your seatpost, with your number clearly visible from the rear
Helmet Sticker β to be placed on the front of your helmet
π Please ensure:
All stickers are securely attached before loading onto the shuttle
Your number is clearly visible at all times
You wear your assigned timing chip for the duration of the event
This helps our team with timing, safety, and identification on course.
π Start Line Information
Riders will be staged at Oskams paddock
Toilets and water available onsite
All riders must be ready to start by 8:10am
Event briefing will take place before the start
π¨ No spectator vehicles are to follow the course β you are riding independently. Any spectators should use the SH4 road over the Parapara's if required.
π΄ββοΈ Course Overview
Starts beside the Whanganui River Road
Climbs steadily back toward Raetihi via:
Remote valley roads
Papa cliffs and river landscapes
Sections of the Waipuna Cycleway
This is a remote ride β come prepared.
π§ Aid Stations
There are three key aid stations:
Matahiwi β 39km
Pipiriki β 61.8km
(Course merges here with the RGB52)Waipuna Hill β 72km
(Course merges here with the Half Marathon)An additional aid station is on the turnaround for the Valley Spin approx. 9kms form Raetihi.
Each includes:
Water
Basic nutrition (snacks/lollies/bananas)
Support from volunteers
π Toilets available at key locations including the startline, Matahiwi (next to cafe), HiruhΔrama (Jerusalem), Pipiriki (on corner of Whanganui River Road before the Aid Station) and at the finish
β οΈ Safety & Ride Expectations
This is an open road event:
Roads are NOT closed
You must follow normal road rules
Some sections of the road are narrow and there are one-way bridges
Key reminders:
Ride on the left at all times
Be aware of vehicles
We encourage the use of a flashing back light for visibility
Ride within your ability
Look after each other
π¨ This is a self-supported ride:
Carry what you need, there are basic aid stations including spare tubes and tools. Ensure you have a jacket/layers for inclement weather.
Be prepared for changing weather
Remote sections have limited support
π± Communication & Emergencies
Mobile coverage is limited in places
Event team uses mobile + WhatsApp groups
We have a roving Event Medic on course with the tail end sweep vehicle.
If something goes wrong:
Ensure your safety
Call 111 if urgent. There are km markers along the Whanganui Road to assist with identification of your location if required.
Notify Race HQ / event staff:
Lynley on 021 403036
π Finish Line β Raetihi
Finish at the Waimarino Museum Event Hub. Youβll find:
Food and refreshments
Your gear bags
Medals and results
(Prizegiving is at 1.00pm)
π Take time to enjoy the atmosphere β this is what itβs all about.
π Final Notes
Respect the whenua, the community, and the road
Support your fellow riders
Take in the views β itβs a special journey
