The Gambler

The Gambler is a unique event offering a fun, challenging race with a point of difference being the introduction of a strategic element.

Riders have 4 hours to accumulate as many points as possible by completing a choice of 4 different trail loops (Grade 2 – 4) in the order of their choosing – with each loop worth different points according to their length and difficulty.

You asked so we have delivered…we now have an E Bike Category, they will have 3 Loops to choose from, this is to ensure the safety of all competitors.

Trails, rules and points system will be advised closer to the event.

Riders need to plan and strategise how they will race this event – will they do the same loop over and over, or perhaps attack the difficult loops worth more points – who knows? 

Under this format it will not necessarily be the fastest rider that wins, but the most strategic rider/s of them all.  As this event caters for the avid racer as well as young teams and families, we have a trail loop that is only for Juniors riders (12 years and under).

With thanks to our Major Sponsor!

  • Solo ($50 TMTBC Member: $60 Non-member)

    Solo E Bike ($50 TMTBC Member: $60 Non-member)

    Teams (2-4 riders): Starting at $80/team (see pricing on entry page)

    E Bike Teams (2-4 riders): Starting at $80/team (see pricing on entry page)

    Family (2-4 riders): Max 2 Adults – young riders must be under 12 years. Family teams must have at least 1 Adult and 1 Junior rider. Starting at $80/team (see pricing on entry page)

    School Teams (2-4 riders): Senior 13-17 years starting at $70/team (see pricing on entry page) or Junior 8–12 years starting at $60/team (see pricing on entry page). If one rider in a team is a senior, then the whole team must enter in the senior category. All riders in a team do not have to be from the same school.

    ALL MEMBERS in a team must be TMTBC Members to take advantage of the member rates.

    The entry form asks for your TMTBC member tag number so have it ready. Non-members simply enter N/A in the form.

    18 years and over are considered Adults

    Age is as at 02/12/2023

  • Please read our Terms and Conditions before entering.

  • Rules will be updated once the committee can confirm the tracks that will be used for the event.

    Click HERE for the event rules

  • EVENT BASE: Craters MTB Park – at the dirt carpark off Karapiti Road (The road to Craters of the Moon).

    BRING YOUR TENT: You are most welcome to bring a tent for your team and set up for the day at the event base – we will have a designated area for this.

    PARKING: Limited parking in the event village – teams bringing a tent for shelter during the event will have priority for parking. Parking marshals will direct you for parking along Karapiti Road. Riders can also drop off gear at the event base and park at the new Hub area by Kefi at the Hub cafe and ride/walk back up to the event base.

    TOILETS ONSITE

    NO WATER ONSITE so please come prepared

    FOOD AND BEVERAGES: TBC

  • Registration from 9:00am – 9:30am – Event Base: Craters MTB Park – dirt carpark

    Race Briefing: 9:45am (all riders must attend)

    Race Times: START 10am – 2pm FINISH (all categories)

    Prize-giving: ASAP after race finish

  • ALL COURSES START AND FINISH AT THE EVENT BASE CARPARK

    2023 Course will be published closer to the event.

    Gambler-Rules (1) Note: subtle changes have been made to the handing over of bands between team members and for solo riders to improve on last years process. Teams will now tag their next rider and then hand in their bands. Solos riders will be placing their bands on stands visible for all other riders to see for the duration of the event.