Black Gold Trail

2009 Black Gold Trail Results are in Downloads

*To order Photos from 2009- Go to links-Richard Schofield Photograpy

Kaitangata & Districts Community welcome you to the annual Kaitangata Black Gold Trail Mountain Bike, Half Marathon and Duathlon.

Starting at the north end of Kaitangata, Black Gold Trail participants will travel through an awe-inspiring tour of scenic bush trails and forestry roads, giving opportunity to catch a glimpse of the famous Wild Horses living in the forestry of Taratu. Winding your way past historic mining sites you will feel the courage of yesteryears underground heroes and share their sense of adventure.
Reach deep gathering stamina and courage to imagine the mystery and magic of days gone by.
Gain a unique overview of the redevelopment of the Wangaloa State open cast mine and the present day Kai Point Coal open cast mining operation, then travel along the famous Kai Hills to reach down to the Matau mouth of the mighty Clutha River.
An exhilarating climb will give you some of the most stunning views then descend to float alongside the river, return through the township, completing your adventure, exhilarated and totally awed by the experience of Black Gold Trail.
Wearied, like the miners, you will relax, reminisce and relive the day, talk about this years event
and be united in the knowledge that……You have conquered the BLACK GOLD TRAIL

Normally closed to the public, this is your once a year opportunity for an experience of a lifetime to pave the way for the future by following the coal trail of history.
We take this opportunity to thank forestry companies and landowners, who for one day a year have granted access to enable the staging of Kaitangata & Districts Community Black Gold Trail Mountain Bike & Run.
In return we ask participants to respect private property, stay strictly on the outlined course and inform you there is absolutely no access permitted on any of the privately owned property prior to, or after the event.
Also note these courses demand a reasonable level of fitness as they include technical challenge.

RACE DATE: Saturday 14th November
THE RACE: Starting at Crescent Rugby Clubrooms with a short burst on the tarmac to turn right up Taratu Road and undulating forest track, a moderate climb onto Wild Horse and Black Gully Road followed by a fast narrow single track forest descent. Cross Wangaloa Road to follow Wattle Road into a narrow single track. 1 km along, short course riders will turn off for a fast descent into Kaitangata town and the clubrooms to complete their ride. Full course riders continue on Old Coach, Wattle and Lockington Roads to loop back around to the drinks station. A further narrow single track descends through native bush and farmland to follow Summerhill Road and farm tracks alongside The Mighty Clutha River. Return along Summer Hill Road for the last big climb on farm and native bush single track then descend through steep paddocks, to Summer Hill Road for a flat tarmac sprint to the finish line.

To view images click here-Black Gold Trail