Shimano Round the Lake
It’s the pillar event of the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge and the ride of a lifetime, the iconic Shimano Round the Lake is 160km and circumnavigates the stunning Great Lake Taupō in the centre of the North Island.
In 2023, we went back to our original route from 1977 - the full 160km!
From the start line in the heart of the Taupō town centre you’ll head out towards acres of lush green Waikato farmland and geothermal steam fields along Poihipi Road. From there it’s onto State Highway 32 where you’ll need to be prepared for plenty of undulations, particularly Waihaha Hill and its false summit.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning views along the way, from the picturesque Waihaha River and Pikopiko Stream to breathtaking views across Lake Taupō after the notorious grind up Waihi Hill.
Rolling into Turangi and onto SH1 all that stands between you and the finish line is the length of the lake including the grueling Hatepe Hill. If you need a little push to help you over the line, remember this section of the course is the most scenic, so make sure you have enough left in the tank to take in the surrounding beauty as you weave your way around the crystal waters of the lake towards Taupō.
For those of you who think it may take you over 8hrs 30min to complete the ride please select Start Group 9 when you enter online. The course for Start Group 9 is slightly shorter to ensure you get home in time. Please see the Start Group 9 map via button.
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Start Time:
6.45am (Start Group 9 starts at 6.05am)Start Line:
Tongariro St
Finish Line:
Tongariro St
Rider Check In:
Friday from 12pm till 8pm and Saturday from 6am till 9am
Great Lake Centre, Taupo -
As a safety measure you are asked to choose a start group based on the time you estimate it will take you to complete the ride.
Start group 9 is only for those who anticipate they will take between 8:30 - 11:30 hours. These riders start at approximately 6:05am.
We also offer two ‘women only’ start groups. This does not preclude women from selecting any other start groups.
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There are a number of water stops around the lake.
R-Line Electrolyte Drink will also be available on the course.
Hydration is available at the Length of the Lake start point, and the following locations:
Marotiri
Waihaha
Kuratau Lookout
Tokaanu
Mission Bay
Hatepe Hill
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Management reserves the right to remove riders from the course if it’s apparent they will not complete the event by 7pm or it is deemed that the safety of themselves or others could be compromised. Riders must be passed Tūrangi by 3:15pm.
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ONE BIKE, TWO RIDERS
Do a one-lap circuit of Lake Taupo, approximately 160 km with 2 riders on a tandem bike – ideal for couples, family members, friends or gym mates.
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This year’s age groups are:
19 and under
20 - 29
30 - 39
40 - 49
50 - 59
60 - 69
70+
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We have made the decision that the minimum age for a child with an accompanying adult (1:1) is 12 years old. This decision has been made not only for the safety of your child but also our other participants and in keeping with the NZ Road Code. To ride the event alone the child must be 15 or over.
If your child is between 12 -15 but you will be accompanying them for the full duration of their ride please email info@cyclechallenge.com for entry information.
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Electric bikes are permitted as part of this event category and will be timed separately from the non assisted bikes. We will not be supplying charging stations around the course. Please ensure you register in the ebike event category when you enter online.