Follow the link below to see the route on NZ Mapometer.
http://nz.mapometer.com/mountain_biking/route_3718548.html
This maybe the easiest Le Petit Brevet yet but I think you'll still find the climbs a challenge :-)
It is a combination of the last three years routes.
The start is the same as last year, leaving from Hansen park, up Rapaki Track, the Summit Road, Gebbies Pass, Charteris Bay Road and Marine parade to Purau. Up to Purau Saddle, then the Monument Track to Western Valley Road. This year you will drop down to Little River for a coffee and some cake before resting the legs along the Rail Trail to Birdlings Flat. Then it's time to ride the entire length of Bossu Road through to Wainui. A gentle cruise around the Akaroa Harbour before enjoying more coffee and cake. No cruise after this coffee though, you've the glorious climb that is Purple Peak Road. After a down-dulating ride along the Summit Road you will plunge into Le Bons Bay, climb up Lavericks Road, Camerons Track and Big Hill Road to Okains Bay. Less than 100k to go now, let's call it the home straight? From Okains it's the upsy downsy Chorlton Road to Little Akaloa. The climb out of Little Akaloa will hurt at this stage. Up to The Summit Road from where you then dive down toward Pigeon Bay via Pigeon Bay Road, up and over to Port Levy, one last big push to Purau, a cruise around Lyttleton Harbour to Lyttleton itself. From there we follow in the footsteps of the first European settlers by using the Bridle Path to access the beautiful Heathcote Valley and the last few flat kilometres to the finish back at Hansen Park.
It is about 253kms long with approximately 6800m climbing.
I hope this meets with your approval?
I will create the route notes over the next couple of days and aim to have them sorted by Saturday.
Any questions please let me know, Scott
