MAD COW

For the Packies, Cooks, Cowboys, Wranglers & the BOY!

35km

distance

750m

Climb

750m

Drop

Next Race

Saturday 18th January 2025

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Race Information

The Mad Cow our latest edition to the James MTB options. An easy (ok one big hill!) course of around 35km that will start and finish at the St James homestead finish zone.

It will head out through Peters valley and down to the hut at Scottys camp (passing by the hot springs in Cow creek) and returning via the usual Pony Express route to the finish.

Expected start time will be around 10:45am.

It will also be open to E-Bikes.

35km

distance

750m

Climb

750m

Drop

Entry Fees

Individual: Earlybird – $120.00 General – $150.00.  Late – $180.00

Entry Cutoff

Earlybird entry for 2025 is now open and closes on July 31st. General entry will close on 20th DEC!

20th Dec is also the cutoff for entries if you want a personalised number plate –  shepherds whistle finishers medal and other goodies in your registration bag.

All entries close 5th Jan.

Restrictions

The “James” Mad Cow is open to 13 years and over – those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult….

Start Times

Race start 10:45am with briefing at 10:35am.

Average Times

  • Womens – 2:19:18
  • Mens – 2:07:54
  • Overall – 2:09:20
  • Average expected finish time: –
  • Earliest finish expected: –

Course Map

Course Elevation

Course Notes

The race will start at 10:45am (race briefing 10:35 am) on the Peters Valley track – just over the foot bridge (PLEASE USE THE BRIDGE TO AVOID DIDYMO CONTAMINATION). Heading up the valley to join the Edwards 4×4 track, riders will then descend down the hill past the Bull Gully aid station and continue down the Edwards, after crossing the Edwards river and then Whilmers creek, the course turns off the 4×4 track to the left and drops down crossing the Edwards again, then climbing up and across the flat before dropping down to cross cow creek (just below the hot springs). 

The course then follows around along the foot of the mountain before rejoining the 4×4 track down to the further most point and the Scottys Camp aid station.

From here riders do a U-turn and follow the main 4×4 track all the way back out to the Bull Gully aid station and the “big” short-sharp climb up out of Bull Gully before descending down to the Edwards gate at the Clarence where they will follow the road back to the finish at the St James homestead.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

e-Bikes

We will once again offer a non competitive E-bikes option.

Be Prepared!

Competitors can expect very hot conditions – be prepared and stay adequately hydrated. There are two marshal stations with EM’s goodies, R-Line, water, banana’s, sunscreen & crampstop) but this is remote country so all competitors will need to be self-sufficient – all rivers & creeks should be ok to drink from directly.

Minimum Gear Requirements

Spot GPS trackers are highly recommended and can be ordered through TRACKME NZ. These are live trackers (as well as a PLB) so all your mates can watch your progress online at home – https://trackme.kiwi/eventgroup/54/stjameshanmer

All competitors will be required to carry a minimum amount of safety/emergency gear – it can go from hot sun to heavy snow in a matter of hours even in the height of summer. By preference race organisers require all riders to use hydration packs and not water bottles – these are too often lost/dropped from bikes and left on the track. As with any littering any competitor caught dropping rubbish will be intantly disqualified.

Race Briefing

All Competitors must attend the race briefing on the start line 15 minutes prior to race start and ready to go immediately after!

Anyone who is unable to meet these conditions should notify The Yeti (theyeti@stjamesmountainsports.co.nz) to make other arrangements.

Choose Your Challenge

Confirmed Entries & Results

Course Records

Womens

Stefanie Parks: 2:19:18.5

Mens

Mark Ewing: 1:43:26.7

Gallery