Graeme Simpson: Nduro is back to test riders again

The 24 Hours of Nduro is coming back in April after a four-year break.

A really appealing event, its 16km laps aren't too crowded, making it more relaxing than other races such as the Moonride.

Rawiri Bhana has jump-started the 24 Hours, helped by Megan Dimonzantos, a Rotorua local and one of the world's best 24-hour solo racers.

Over to Megan for an insider's guide to the race: "Twenty-four hour racing has been close to my heart for a long time. When I heard Ra was bringing back the 24 Hours of Nduro, I knew I wanted to be involved and help make this an amazing event for other riders. People who like real mountain biking. So I volunteered to help set the course.

"My history with 24 Hours of NDuro goes back to 2008. I'd been riding 24-hour races for a couple of years.

"My desire to thrust myself into this world of craziness truly bloomed when I won that event - and qualified for my first world championships.

"I got a coach, travelled to Canada and came seventh in the world. Now, five years later I'm ranked third in the world for 24-hour solo mountain biking.

"And I owe that largely to that encouraging win all those years ago at 24 hours of NDuro. It was a real shame to see the event disappear off the calendar as 24-hour racing thrives in other parts of the world, with an extensive following. However, New Zealand has lacked a 24-hour race that fully challenges the senses and allows weekend warriors the opportunity to ride a world-class course alongside world class riders.

"All that changes on the weekend of April 20-21.

"You don't have to take the 'nutter' option like me and ride the whole thing yourself. Get a bunch of mates together. Enjoy what the Whakarewarewa forest has to offer over 24 amazing hours or 12 if you aren't quite up to a full day.

"There is even an exciting new 6+6 option which allows riders to only race the daylight hours of the event.

"The 24 Hours of NDuro is affiliated with the World Endurance Mountain Biking Organisation. This means we'll eventually hold a world championships event here. And the course will be designed to keep riders entertained and challenged for the full 24 hours. It isn't a highway. We are talking about quality trails in areas of the forest where many riders will not have ridden before and stunning views. I'm hoping for a fine weekend because sunrise and sunset will be amazing.

"The course is about 16 kilometres long, so not too short to get bored. It's been designed in a figure eight, crossing by the race village twice per lap.

"Solo riders can eat and see their support crew twice each lap. Team riders can enjoy a good lengthy ride before swapping over. Or swap with their teammates half way through a lap, so they are effectively only doing 8km laps.

"The tactical flexibility provided by a course like this will make it an exciting weekend out in our forest."

So what are you waiting for? Jump on to www.nduro24.co.nz and register your team.