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The Big Backcountry Ride
Your journey starts at River Valley Lodge. We will meet at 9.30am and then take you on a drive for about 55 minutes to a high point on the Napier – Taihape Road, the famous Gentle Annie. From here, you can enjoy 40kms riding back to River Valley Lodge. This is a leisurely ride, with several very long downhills and a couple of significant uphills. This ride starts in the high country, with spectacular views of Mt. Ruapehu and the Otupae and Ruahine Ranges. The route takes you through Otupae and Mangaohane Stations, and then over the Rangitikei River at the Mangaohane Bridge, where, if it is a hot day, you may choose to go for a swim. Plan to end up back at River Valley Lodge around 3pm. This ride is also available with a yummy picnic lunch.
A Great Group Activity
The Big Back Country Ride can be an excellent group event with friends or work colleagues. We can help spice it up with a gourmet picnic lunch, a swim in the river on a hot day. Our shuttle can take up to 11 people.
What Kind of E-Bikes are Available?
We have a range of bike sizes (S-XL) all with a mountain bike style frame. The Giant Talons are suitable for everyone, while the Liv Tempts are specifically designed for women and have a lower top bar.
Who Can Ride?
We have a range of bike sizes, from S to XL. Our policy is that if you can comfortably fit and control the bike, you can ride it.
The Details
The meeting time at River Valley Lodge for a Big Back Country Ride is 9.30 am, with an estimated finish time of approximately 3.00 pm. All rides are on backcountry roads and would be Graded 2 – 3. You will be sharing the road with other traffic, though you will most likely encounter very few other vehicles. When you book the Big Backcountry Ride we will provide you with access to a .pdf file with a route map and information file. We encourage you to ride to the conditions and your ability. On the Big Back Country Ride, we will also issue each group a radio if you need to contact the Lodge. The minimum group size for a Big Backcountry Ride is four people, or 6 people for our Group Package.
Can I Bring My Own Bike?
Yes, absolutely! We will still provide you with a route map and information file, and an emergency radio. You can also choose to include a yummy picnic lunch.
What we provide
- E-Bike
- High Vis Vest
- Helmet
- Drink Bottle
- Drink Bottle Cage
- Downloadable .pdf map and information file
- A handlebar bag suitable for carrying your phone, sunscreen and other small items
- Radio in case of emergencies
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Phone (our route maps and information files are issued in a PDF format)
- Small camera, or any other small personal items that can fit in a handlebar bag
Have any questions?
Speak to one of our friendly adventure consultants who would love to help you out.
thelodge@rivervalley.co.nz / 0800 248666
