The ride begins at the Hawea Dam. It covers mixed terrain and tracks negotiating river crossings, steep dramatic bluffs, 4x4 tracks, and farmland. A total of 2400 vertical metres are climbed and descended before the athletes hit the finish line that is literally inside the Hawea Hotel Garden Bar.
"It is the most earned beer these riders are likely to drink," said event organiser Danielle Nicholson of LMS Events.
The ride passes through two high country stations. The Dingle Burn Station owners hold a tea and scone cafe two thirds of the way around the track, providing a highlight for riders with some southern hospitality.
All profits from the most remote cafe in the country go to charity.
"I am a pretty competitive bugger and I hate to stop in any event," added Gurney.
"But I have to admit that I have loved stopping for a jam and cream scone to recharge. The kids are really cute and the stop is a fundraiser for their home schooling. It is too heavy to carry coins so everyone carries a note and it's well worth it."
The Epic race is made possible by local support. A number of Wanaka Search and Rescue staff work as volunteers on course.
Safety is a paramount concern and event organisers have a chopper on hand, a safety officer and an emergency response team to form a solid safety net. However, Nicholson said the Epic is famous for its ethos of self-responsibility.
"We try to maintain an oldschool approach to thinking for yourself," he said.
"Planning your own gear and getting yourself to the finish line on your own terms. We believe riders are safer when given the responsibility for their ride."
Gurney applauded the "attitude of the event".
"There is a dangerous trend happening in New Zealand sport and multisport in particular where the organisers are bubble wrapping their events with over regulation. Danielle and her team are putting the athlete's safety into their own hands and making it clear that it is their responsibility. It makes athletes think about the consequences and figuring out what they need in the wilderness."
The Epic is not just a marathon ride. There are also the 95km and 35km options, all with the same finish line.
The race falls on the Saturday after Anzac each year and next year it will fall on Anzac day itself when the organisers plan to stage a dawn parade on the start line.
It is just another way that the Contact Epic is different from any other MTB event in the world.
Advice for newcomers
Steve Gurney shares his advice for newcomers to the 125km ride:
1. Pace yourself: It is the longest MTB event in NZ. It is going to be a huge test of your endurance, especially if you are not used to that distance.
2. Don't cram: If you haven't done a long ride in preparation don't try and cram it in this week. Save your energy.
3. Negative split: Get ready to do a negative split. Work out approximately what you think you will do the event in and look to complete your second half faster than your first half. It is always better to have more fuel in the tank coming home.
4. Brace yourself for cold weather: Half of these events so far have been run in testing conditions. The conditions can change very quickly in an alpine environment so be prepared for that.
5. Enjoy it: It is one of the most unique parts of this event so make sure you take your time to enjoy the scones and catch up with other athletes while you refuel for the final leg of the race.
