🚴♂️Gutbuster Classic Bike Athlete Guide
Ride Holidays Raetihi Gutbuster | Saturday 18 April 2026
Welcome to the original Gutbuster — a true Kiwi road ride. From Raetihi to Pipiriki and back, this is a ride of honest climbs, fast descents, and big views.
“Challenge the roads. Embrace the community.” We can’t wait to see you on the start line.
⏰ Key Event Timings & Check-In
All athletes must complete registration prior to the event.
Friday Registration (recommended)
📍 Raetihi Information Centre | 🕔 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday Morning Registration
📍 Raetihi Information Centre | 🕖 From 8.00am (before race start)
Saturday Start Times:
Gutbuster Classic 52K :Start Time: 9:00am
(Raetihi → Pipiriki → Raetihi)Valley Spin 20K :Start Time: 9.30am
👉 At registration you will receive:
Timing chip
Bike sticker and helmet sticker plus gear bag tag
Event information
🥕 Your famous Raetihi Gutbuster vege bag (fuel for the journey!)
🏁 Start & Finish – Raetihi Event Hub
Start and finish at the Waimarino Museum Event Hub.
👉 Please:
Allow time to register, collect your gear, and get organised
Be at the start line at least 10–15 minutes before 9:00am / 9.30am
Facilities on the day include:
Water and refreshments
Food stalls
Medical support
Secure bike area
Medals and Prizegiving at 1.00pm
👉 Stay around after your ride — great atmosphere and community vibe.
All courses finish back at the Waimarino Museum Event Hub
Follow BIKE signage into the finish chute
Please slow down and follow marshal directions
🏷️ Athlete Identification & Timing
All Raetihi Gutbuster riders will be issued with:
Timing Chip – used to record your official start and finish time
Bike Sticker – wraps around your seatpost, with your number clearly visible from the rear
Helmet Sticker – to be placed on the front of your helmet
👉 Please ensure:
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.
💧 Aid Stations
There are three Aid stations on the Raetihi Gubuster 52K and one shared at the Valley Spin turnaround
Pipiriki (approx 26kms)
(Course merges here with the RGB88)Waipuna Hill (10.5kms)
(Course merges here with the Half Marathon)Valley Spin turnaround - ( 8kms)
Each includes:
Water
Basic nutrition (snacks/lollies/bananas)
Support from volunteers
👉 Toilets available at key locations including the startline, Pipiriki (on corner of Whanganui River Road before the Aid Station, a bit further down the road) and at the finish
📱 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.
Notify Race HQ / event staff:
Lynley on 021 403036
⚠️ 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 may be 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
🚨 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
🌦 What to Bring
We recommend:
Roadworthy bike
Helmet (compulsory)
Water bottles
Nutrition
Basic repair kit
Weather layer
🚴♂️ Raetihi Gutbuster Course (The OG)
Follow the PINK arrows - its out and back
Starts and finishes in Raetihi
Heads out toward Pipiriki on quiet rural roads
Turnaround point clearly marked near Pipiriki
Return journey climbs back to Raetihi
Expect:
Long steady climbs
Fast flowing descents
Rural farmland and native bush
👉 This is a classic out-and-back — pace yourself for the return!
🚴♀️ Valley Spin – Course (20km)
The Valley Spin is a scenic, social ride designed for all abilities. It’s a great way to experience the quiet rural roads and landscapes around Raetihi.
🧭 Route Description (follow the ORANGE ARROWS)
The ride starts from the Raetihi Event Hub and heads out of town onto local roads
Riders make their way toward Mangaeturoa South Road, following clearly marked event signage
The course continues through open farmland and quiet country roads, with wide views across the valley
A clearly marked turnaround point will direct riders back toward Raetihi
Riders return along the same route to the finish at the Event Hub
💚 Final Notes
Respect the whenua, the community, and the road
Support your fellow riders
Take in the views — it’s a special journey
