A new 108km road-cycling race will be held in the upper Waitaki Valley in December.
That Dam Race will start in Omarama and take riders around Lakes Benmore and Aviemore and visit the Waitaki Dam.
It would be run for the first time on December 5 to raise money for Omarama School, organiser Chris Thomas said.
The course takes in sections of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, starting from Omarama and running to Otematata.
From there, the course runs around Loch Laird and over the Benmore Dam, around Lake Aviemore to the Aviemore Dam and east to a turnaround point at the Waitaki Dam before riders return to Omarama via State Highway 83.
At 108km, with 1100m of climbing, the course would be a good test of fitness and determination, Mr Thomas said.
''But for all that effort you get the rewards, with spectacular views of Lake Benmore, Lake Aviemore and the breathtaking [Waitaki] Valley,'' he said.
Running in conjunction with the 108km race will be a recreational 26km mountain bike event - The Dynamo.
''It's suitable for most levels ... giving family and school groups their own challenge while they support riders doing the road cycling event,'' Mr Thomas said.
Family activities, displays, live music, food and refreshments will be available in Omarama on race day.
Mr Thomas would like to see That Dam Race become a sustainable, annual event.
In its first year, he is aiming for 300 entries.
Entries for That Dam Race opened earlier this month.
