The “Flyer” as it is known has been running now for a number of years, and is one of the top recreational rides to do, and attracts a healthy field numbering 3500+

It is a well organised race and fun ride, with a serious side with a number of top riders competing for line honors.

Starting in Rotorua the ride starts with directing the riders though a back forestry road, with a nice climb about 4 kilometres in, warming the legs and getting the lungs and heart pumping.

Soon you are whizzing down towards SH5 and back onto the “Thermal Explorer” route. Course map here

The ride then has a few smaller climbs, but also one of the quickest parts with a long downhill, and if you get a chance to ride with a good group who understand how to draft and work you will really fly.

Passing Rainbow mountain with its steaming pools is always a  thrill and then down past the iconic Benny Bee service station.

Reporoa and Broadlands are relativity flat and once again there are some real gains to be made in riding in a group that works together. There is a bit of  a gradient at the half way point, and usally a big group of people waiting expectantly for their interchange.

From there on it is still flat and the only climb is towards the end of the ride, the main influence will be the wind, and living in Taupo, I can report that the prevailing wind is a south westerly, and that can be a rather stiff headwind. Once again I recommend that you try to ride in a group, and make sure that you work together, no FREE-LOADERS!!

I have done this ride three times and thoroughly enjoy it, the ride caters for anyone that can ride 50ks, and don’t think that distance is insurmountable, it isn’t with a number of “non-typical” cyclists riding and completing the event.

Well with not long to go, hope to see you on the start line!

The start line at the Flyer