The Cyclery The Shepherd is a NEW loop option for those keen to experience the event without the river crossings and the more technical riding of The Drover and The Muster. The Shepherd is a loop course around the canals, alongside Lake Pukaki, and up Braemar Rd.
The course is predominately gravel road, with some short sections of sealed road. Riders will enjoy some of the most spectacular views on race day; the turquoise water in the canals and Lake Pukaki, the majestic Mackenzie landscape, and mountain views all around - including New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook.
The start and finish line is on the Village Green in the Lake Tekapo village. You will head through the village and have a short climb until you get above the Tekapo Substation. From here you will descend to the start of the canals, where you will cross the bridge and begin your ride canal-side towards Lake Pukaki. This section of the course will be fast and is on sealed road for a short time. The road becomes gravel and you will ride alongside the canal until you reach State Highway 8. There will be a controlled crossing across the highway and then you will continue to ride alongside the canal until you reach the Lake Pukaki Power Station. This section of the race is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
At this point you are now at the edge of Lake Pukaki. This lake is larger than Lake Tekapo and sits beneath Aoraki Mt Cook. The first aid station is at this point, where you can refuel before continuing alongside Lake Pukaki for the next 20km. The views are spectacular and you get the chance to see Aoraki Mt Cook as you continue on your ride. You will then come to Braemar Road where you turn right and head back towards Lake Tekapo. The first 10km of this road will be a test on the legs, with just over 300m of elevation gain over 10km. Once you finish this climb you get a reprieve as you head through true Mackenzie country - the views are incredible in all directions.
Along Braemar Rd riders will get to enjoy the Irishman Creek Café - an amazing café-style aid station with tables and chairs overlooking the vast landscape of the Mackenzie Region.
The loop course finishes with a descent back into Lake Tekapo, where riders will enjoy a great reception and receive a beautiful finishers medal.
This option is perfect for E Bikes, Gravel Bikes, and of course Mountain Bikes. Riders will enjoy the hospitality at the Smoko Break Aid Station when you reach the edge of Lake Pukaki. At the historic Irishman Creek Hut there will be the "Irishman Creek Cafe" where there will be a café style stopover for those that want a rest amidst the incredible views.
Riders can choose to enter The Shepherd as a competitive race or a social race.
