ISDE in New Zealand.
 

I see some members here are from New Zealand, where the ISDE is being held this year. Can you tell us about the area where the even will be held? What is the terrain like? What are the trails like? Weather?

Are there any New Zealand ISDE team members you will be cheering for?

thanks,
jeff

The terrain is pumice vulcanic rock/sand. All weather riding is normal as the pumice has excellent draining and good hookup. Taupo is one of the tourist capitals of NZ and there is heaps to do, before or after the race. Weather is spring with 18-20 Celcius to be expected during the day. Altitude is about 700m. Nice hot springs to relax in after each day. Its a pretty cool place.
Bugger that David Knight has pulled out of the race.
Cheers
Kim

Thanks Kim,
I wish I could come over this year to the ISDE this year - I had thought of coming along and volunteer to help the U.S. team this year. Especially since it is in such beautiful location. The u.s. team manager (gunny claypoole) lives near me and I sometimes help him prepare and load up the container (all the rider's bikes, etc) for the trip, etc. He has asked me to come along - but I can never find the time...

Is there anything that the u.s. rider's should be prepared for? Sounds like the traction will be fantastic - is the pumice hard on tires? Does the terrain also have rocks that might cause flats, etc? What are the trails like? Tight stuff or more wide open?

thanks,
jeff

The terrain is mostly plantation pine forest, so I would expect a lot of twisty tight tracks between the trees with plenty of tree roots. Pumice is a lot easier on the tires than sand. There isn't much rock about, but maybe they will truck some in ?, unless they have some events further from Taupo, like at the southern end of the lake where there is mountains (with skiing at present).

I'll cheering for the bloody lot. Anybody doing/finishing 6 dayers are legends.
Quite a few privatiers from our local club will be there, so they will get a bit extra.