6 Hour Blast 2026

The 6 Hour Blast is a mountain bike relay at McLeans Island in Christchurch. It is structured around six hours of riding, not a fixed distance. Participants can enter solo or in teams of two to five. Team members alternate, with only one rider on the course at any time. The objective is to complete as many 11 km laps as possible before the time limit. This event appeals to those seeking a hard race, and also to groups preferring a social day on bikes. Each lap follows easy-to-moderate trails, featuring a combination of single track and gravel road. This makes it more accessible than a technical backcountry race, yet still requires moderate bike skill and fitness. Mountain bikes, gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes, and e-bikes are permitted. The organiser will assign e-bike category placements. Solo participants are divided into men's and women's age groups. Team categories include men's, women's, mixed, junior, veteran, e-bike, and corporate mixed social. Food and drink vendors will be present, spectators are welcome, and bike hire is offered for those wishing to participate without their own race-ready bicycle.