Do I/We require a support crew?

Yes and No. Riders decide.
145km Riders may choose to do the event unsupported or be supported by friends and family. Unsupported riders can have their Refuel Drop Bags (free in their race packs) transported to the Midway-Point (the 80km/65km Team Relay Transition and Refuelling Station area) and ¾ Stage Point (the second Refuelling Station approximately at the 110km mark).
All Relay Team entries obviously are required to self-support one another. Team member 2 doing second 65km stage, must drive around (leaving before the race start) to the Midway-Point (the 80km/65km Team Relay Transition and Refuelling Station area). Likewise, once Team member 1 has completed the first 8okm stage, they then must drive around to support their teammate at the ¾ Stage Point (the second Refuelling Station approximately at the 110km mark) and greet them at the Finish. Other than the first 26kn on SH87, all Support/Spectator and Relay Team vehicles are strictly prohibited from using the event course.

Can we get away with just one support vehicle?

Yes – In fact one vehicle with one or more supporters could support a number of competing riders at the Midway-Point (Refuelling Station 1) & ¾ Stage Point (Refuelling Station 2).

Are spectators welcome?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at the GOLDRUSH event and can view the event at either the Start, Midway-Point (Transition/Refuelling Station), ¾ Stage Point (second Refuelling Station) & the Finish line.  Spectators are also welcome at the awards ceremony. Spectators, however, are not prohibited from assisting or impeding the progress of entrants anywhere on course.

Do we have to carry all our race food and water on course?

Yes. All entrants will need to carry all their food and electrolytes requirements on each stage of the event. The Midway-Point (Refuelling Station 1) & ¾ Stage Point (Refuelling Station 2) serve to aid riders to either self-replenish their energy & hydration supplies from Refuel Drop Bags, or have their support assist them to replenish their energy & hydration supplies. Entrants are otherwise prohibited from receiving outside assistance out on course. Stowing food and water out on course is also against the rules of the event and fair play in the sport.

Is there a compulsory gear list?

No. We put the onus on the entrants to take care of themselves when it comes to packing/carrying carry the essential items they require for a long day in the saddle.

We remind all riders that they will be venturing into remote backcountry where the elements can change quickly, and they need to be entirely self-sufficient between the two nutrition aid stations.

Whilst ultimately leaving the decision with them to make a smart choice as to what they pack & carry on race day to meet their needs; we have made some suggestions of what riders should consider taking. See the Recommended Equipment & Gear page on this website.

Can I participate using an e-mountain bike or e-gravel bike?

Yes – there is an open category for all e-bikes, meaning there is just one class covering both Mountain and gravel electric powered bikes. Note: The event course is unsuitable for electric commuter style bikes.

Can I change my e-mountain bike or e-gravel bike battery at any point?

Riders may replace their e-bike batteries at The Midway-Point (Refuelling Station 1) & ¾ Stage Point (Refuelling Station 2), otherwise they need to manage their bikes battery power well whilst out on each stage of the event.

Can I change bikes at the Midway Point or ¾ Stage Point?

No. 145km riders must use the same bike frame and wheel set throughout the race. However, an exception will be made should a rider unfortunately damage a wheel and either 1) receive mechanical assistance from the race mechanic on course; or 2) be offered a wheel from a fellow rider on course to assist to keep them going on course to the finish.

Is towing or pushing of another rider allowed.

No. Riders must complete the event under their own steam. However, an exception will be made should a rider have a medical emergency or has a drive chain mechanical failure (i.e., broken chain or derailleur); then a rider may they receive a push (not tow) from a fellow rider.

Can I ride along the Rail Trail?

No. The Rail Trail is Out-of-Bounds and its use is strictly prohibited. This will be monitored and any rider caught on the Rail Trail will be told to backtrack to the race course or be disqualified (no exceptions).

How do I edit my entry or delete (non-original registrant) tandem partners & team relay team mates?

All original registrants can edit their registration before the close of online at 12 noon on the Tuesday prior to race day. Simply –
• Click on the event entry link button above
• Login to your EventPlus profile using your email and password
• Click on your entry on the left-hand side
• Make any changes as required to your entry (i.e., changing age division)
• Delete any old tandem partner or team relay team mate
• Click ‘Update’

How do I add a tandem partner or team relay teammate?

Original registrants can add tandem and relay team-mates by emailing them the registration code (Example: GR123456789) so they can create (or login to) their EventPlus profile (accessed through the entry button above) and enter the team code to add themselves to the pairing. NOTE: If replacing another person, the original registrant must first delete the old tandem partner or relay team mate to free up this email field and space for the new person to join.

In the final 24hrs before the event Registration Expo opens, new tandem and relay team members will need to print out the ‘Late tandem/team member change and Waiver agreement’ form here, complete and bring it with them to the event registration.

Changing the original tandem or team relay registrants or their email address

If you need to change the original tandem or relay team registrant, your email address or have made an error in your entry that you cannot correct, please contact us.

How do I change of my race category

If you wish to change your race category, we can assist making this change for you. Any change in 145km category value will be subject to a $30 admin fee. Any change down in category value will be eligible for a refund of the difference in the entry fee, less a $30 admin fee. No refunds will be given from 31st December 2026. Any change up in category value will be required to pay the additional difference in entry fee, plus a $30 admin fee. The original registrant must contact us by email with race category change enquiries.

Are deferrals available?

There are NO deferrals of entries from one year to the next.

How can we purchase & how can we pay for merchandise items at the registration expo?

Yes – stock permitting, limited merchandise items will be available for purchase at the event registration. There are two means to purchase merchandise items here, either by cash or money transfer into the associated account using your mobile phone banking app.