The Danseys Pass Trail Ride returns this Saturday, after being canned last year due to extreme fire risk.
The Duntroon School fundraiser is the longest one-day trail ride in Australasia.
It boasts 165km of tracks through private high country farms, braided rivers, forestry, native gorge and rolling farmland in the Waitaki Valley.
Danseys Pass Trail Ride committee chairman Grant Tremewan said it expected between 900 and 1000 riders.
The trail conditions looked good.
"We’re back in business. We’re running again. There’s been good rainfall since the summer, so a minimal fire risk this year," he said.
The course consists of a cloverleaf network of tracks stemming from the "base paddock" on Bushy Creek Road, 9km from Duntroon.
The course was completely redesigned each year, creating a unique and varied day out for riders of all ages and experience.
Mr Tremewan said it catered for family, junior, intermediate, and had advanced tussock, advanced trees and extreme categories.
"The family track is a little bit extended this year. That’s really good to get the young kids going, to give them a bit of confidence. Mum or Dad can take them along and skid around that ... that’s about 21km."
There was also a shorter junior track, which was "good for young kids that [needed] a bit of confidence".
A "heap of people" had been involved in organising the event, he said.
That included the school community, sponsors and three event co-ordinators.
The 2023 ride raised $40,000 towards a new library for the school.
This year, funds will go towards school uniforms and sports and education equipment.
Quadbikes were not included in 2025 due to health and safety reasons, Mr Tremewan said.
