The crossing of the Pisa Range via the high route was due to the Roaring Meg Track closure. This route rises to just shy of 2000 metres and has a short but very exposed section at Sallys Pinch. There would be significant risk riding in those conditions. Common sense would dictate that riders wait out for the weather to improve (forecast for later Sunday/Monday improving). However it is understandable many riders would like to progress.
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| Metservice Severe Weather Forecast January 2017 |
Two options have been developed which will keep riders largely below the worst of the weather (there is no guarantee you won't get wet though!).
Option 1 and 2 share the same first section and that is Wanaka to Arrowtown. From there they split with:
Option 1 heading east to Cromwell via the Gibbston Valley Cycle Travel and the Kawerau Gorge. From there it rejoins the current route and proceeds over the Nevis and down the Round the Mountain Trail to Lumsden and onto Waikaia.
Option 2 leaves Arrowtown on the Queenstown Cycle Trail for Queenstown. From there it is a ride on the Earnslaw to Walter Peak and the Round the Mountain Cycle Trail to Lumsden and onto Waikaia.
Option 3 Of course we could just wait and see what the weather is like and carry on over the original course. For the front runners there is a risk but for those arriving in Wanaka and heading for the Pisa Range Sunday/Monday things should be improved.
Both alternate routes (Option 1 and 2) are within 10kms distance of the original route. The Queenstown option being less riding as you use the Earnslaw for some of your trip ;-)
Please check out the Google Map of the options below (click on the map icon below and it will open Google Maps):
Please Vote for an option below:
GSB2017 Weather Bomb Route Options Voting Form
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