National women's mountain biking champion Kate Fluker, of Queenstown, has entered for the first time in Patagonia 8hrs@Jacks, a multi-lap mountain bike relay event being held at Jacks Point next month.
The Labour Weekend event, in its third consecutive year, is gaining interest from recreational and elite bikers around the region. The 6.9km Straggler's Loop track has been developed specifically for the event by race director Geoff Hunt.
"Riders enjoy a scenic and challenging track that circles through the tent village created by the teams before heading through rocky valleys and terrain on the northern side of the Jacks Point resort," Mr Hunt said.
"The event is fun, achievable and non-technical.
"People can use the whole eight hours to do as many laps as possible or finish earlier and kick back and relax.
"The event is an opportunity for competitors to catch up with other like-minded people, and there is a great atmosphere of friendly rivalry and camaraderie amongst people of all ages.
"Bikers find that trying to beat their lap times, or that of their team-mates, can be quite addictive, and eight hours is long enough to enjoy the experience but short enough not to be too hard-core."
The race involved individuals or teams of two, three or four competing in the junior, open (men's, women's or mixed) and veteran (men's, open and mixed) sections.
One rider per team biked a lap before tagging a team-mate.
Mr Hunt said elite riders traditionally completed a lap in about 35 minutes, while recreational competitors averaged 45 minutes per lap.
Last year's winner, Queenstown multisporter Jim Hawkridge, clocked 16 laps last year, with his fastest lap recorded at 26min 48sec.
The average for individuals and teams is 12 to 14 laps in the eight-hours.
Fluker, who was support crew for a Queenstown team last year, was keen to be involved in the action this year.
"Last year, it was such an amazing atmosphere in an amazing location, with people of all levels competing, from the 'hard-outs' to the casual teams taking advantage of the view.
"I can't wait to participate."
The 2011 Patagonia 8hrs@Jacks will be held on October 22, and the prizegiving afterwards, at The Clubhouse.
