Great Kiwi Gravel

In the interest of keeping things simple, we have created a single blog site to manage our events. 

Great Kiwi Gravel is now the home of the Le Petit and Kiwi Brevet's. It is also the home of the inaugural Tuatara Brevet.

Check the blog out here. You will be able to find all the event information there. Updates will be posted there going forward.

This blog will continue to exist and hold all the history that is here, it will just no longer be updated. 

Thanks for coming along for the ride. 

Hi there + 2021 dates

Hi there,
So you have been asking for a while now, is the Kiwi on again? Please tell me when?

Well here it is....
10am Saturday 6th of February until 10pm Sunday 14th February 2021 Seymore Square Blenheim

Keep an eye out here for updates, registration info, route updates and hopefully helpful details.

But first things first, you will have also noted that I'm not Scott or Jo.

Hi, I'm Andy Chalmers.... the new instigator. I've ridden bikes for a while and even towed the start line of the Brevet in 2019. It is a bit of a story but I never got back to Blenheim. Following my enjoyment of both bikes and maps, Scott and Jo have handed over the reigns and I aim to continue the adventure.

It wouldn't be right to introduce myself without thanking Scott and Jo for all that they have done for the Kiwi Brevet/Brevette! Thank you Scott and Jo, hopefully now you might be able to ride the event again!

In the mean time I am going to get into planning, you hopefully are on your bike and if you have any questions - kiwibrevet@gmail.com

Be careful out there
Andy C

Molesworth Rd IS open

Hi everyone,  I have just gotten off-the-wall the phone with DOC about the Molesworth Station Rd.  It is currently still open.
At this stage they will be closing it on Monday the 11th so it should not affect us.
They have asked that I ensure everyone is aware how hot and dangerous it is. Take plenty of water.
This status could change at any time. I will stay in touch with DOC. they also told me that any status change will be put up on the website immediately.
You guys are all amazing,  keep chipping away.
Cheers Scott and Jo

Brevet Reroute

Brevet riders plase note there's a reroute from Stillwater. Look for a text when you next get reception. Any stalkers please let your loved ones know the following:
Notown Road is closed for logging. Do not enter.
After the bridge over the Grey River at Stillwster do NOT turn left, follow the cues below:
• 0km - RIGHT into SHWY 7
• 0.5km - LEFT into Arnold Valley Rd
• 22.1km - Moana Township
• 36.2m - RIGHT into Lake Brunner rd
Continue on original course to Jackons and beyond
Sorry guys!
Cheers Scott

Thanks

Briefing and Start

Hi everyone, I hope your week is going well.

I haven't had too many emails so I assume you are all set, that the cues make sense and that the .gpx files have uploaded ok.

The super friendly folks at BikeFit Marlborough posted this on the Facebook event page:
Hi 2019 Brevet/Brevette riders! Just to let you know you are welcome to leave any gear at Bikefit Marlborough on Market Street. Opening hours; Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 2pm and Sun 10am to 2pm. Good Luck everyone!
Also we are open Waitangi Day 6 Feb from 10 to 3. 😊
Please support them if you need any last minute bits n bobs.

The ride briefing will take place at 8am at Seymore Square, the start is at 10am from the same place. There's not too much to tell you at the briefing but I want to allow plenty of time for last minute questions and SPOT collections. This also allows you to listen to my dulcet tones then attend to the last minute nervous poos etc. You might even have time for a coffee and muffin.

The weather is looking a little cooler in Blenheim on Saturday and also in Nelson on Sunday.

At this stage there are no further forest closures that I am aware of but of course I will be monitoring this closely.

Any questions? kiwibrevet@gmail.com
Cheers, Scott and Jo

Update

Hi, I have been in contact with The Nelson City Council and DOC about the current situation. I will call the Rainbow station Manager this evening.

As it stands today the Maungatapu Track is open for bikes, but the forest which the Brevette travels trough from the top of Whangamoa Saddle is not.
The Maitai Valley tracks are closed to recreational users.
Rabbit Island is closed to recreational users.

What this means to you is as follows:

• Brevet riders, the only change will be in the Maitai Valley, you will continue all the way down Maitai Valley Rd without crossing over the Tantragee Saddle.
• Brevette Riders will not turn left off SH 6 but will continue on to join the cycle trail at Clifton Terrace School which will tack you into Nelson. You will not go across to Rabbit Island on the Great Taste Trail turning left onto Redwood Road then right onto The Coastal Highway, then right onto Mapua Road.

Hopefully the Rainbow and Molesworth remain open for the next couple of weeks!

I plan to update the .gpx files and cue sheets tonight/tomorrow and email out as soon as I can.

I realise this is not ideal but none of these changes should affect you overall planning of food/water or accomodation.

As per usual, any issues, questions or comments please flick me an email kiwibrevet@gmail.com

Cheers, Scott and Jo