The Alpine Epic, being held from February 25 to 28, will be the country's first mountain bike race to provide a stage race format and all logistical support, eliminating the need for a support crew.
The four-day cross-country race will see teams of two compete over the 259km course, from the Canterbury foothills of Mt Somers, through the Southern Alps to Lake Tekapo.
Ross said the course was predominantly across privately-owned land and also crossed braided rivers and tussock set against the mountains of the Main Divide.
Ross, Angus and Katherine Jennings and Peter Savage, all from Canterbury, were behind the event, the idea of which was conceived while they were racing in the TransRockies, a seven-stage race held in Canada last year.
"We were having such a great time that we looked at each other and said: Why don't we have something like this?"Creating a multiday mountain bike race for Kiwis who want a bit of an adventure, exploring some stunning, seldom-visited high country, and making it easy for international visitors to come over and race was just too good an idea to pass up.
"We got on with it straight away, and now, a year later, we're go for launch," Ross said.
"We lay everything on - meals, transport, tents, car storage, entry, race gear bag, course notes, prize giving banquet, sports drinks on course, aid stations, medical support, camping and gear transport each day.
"The entry fee is $895 per person, but there are no hidden costs and it's worth it when you don't have to worry about a thing or convince people to run around after you," he said.
The organisers had secured sponsorship, which would provide a mix of prize money and products for competitors.
Entries, which are available at www.alpineepic.co.nz, close on January 20.
• A mountain bike ride down the Mt Cargill walking track will be a feature of a new race tomorrow.
The ride is part of a three-stage race, starting with a cross-country leg at Bethunes Gully, followed by a hillclimb up Mt Cargill, with the downhill leg on Mt Cargill to finish.
The race starts at 10am and is $10 for club members and $15 for non-members.
Entry is on the day.
