Get ready for the Slicks & Stones on Sunday Jan 24 2027

Slicks and Stones

The Slicks and Stones is back in 2027

The Slicks & Stones cycle challenge returns in 2027, with two days of racing based in the Manawatū: the Joe Allen Classic road race on Saturday 23 January and the Slicks and Stones tar/gravel event on Sunday 24 January, starting and finishing in Ashhurst.

At a glance: Saturday 23rd January features the Joe Allen Classic road race, while Sunday 24th January brings the Slicks and Stones gravel event, both based in the Manawatū and designed to create a full weekend of riding.

The Joe Allen Classic . . .  

In 2027 there will be an additional event on Saturday 23rd January. It’s the Joe Allen Classic, a handicap event conducted by Bike Manawatū for all comers (excluding elite registered riders, of course), enabling everyone to have a go.

First contested in 1948, the Joe Allen Classic is one of New Zealand’s longest-running cycling races. Over the years it has been won by many of the country’s top cyclists, including Gary Anderson, Sam Horgan and Robert Stannard, who rode this year’s Tour de France.

Together, the two races create a full weekend of riding in the Manawatū, with Saturday’s road race leading into the main Slicks and Stones tar/gravel event on Sunday.

The Slicks and Stones . . .

Back to the Slicks and Stones; first run in 2020 as a precursor to the famous Gravel and Tar professionals’ event, it has developed its own reputation as a “must ride” for all Kiwis (and quite a few internationals) who want to test themselves on a course that’s designed for the professional riders but only open to amateurs.

Once again in 2027, the Slicks and Stones will be a precursor to the two Gravel and Tar races – the men’s Classic and the women’s La Femme.

Previous Slicks and Stones participants have come from all over New Zealand with even a few from places such as France, Scotland and the Netherlands!  So you’ll likely be in very good company in January 2027.

Riding preparation . . .

Let’s start with the hard stuff! It’s advisable to do some practice on gravel roads prior to the Slicks and Stones event so that you feel comfortable on a gravel surface. If you’ve not ridden a lot of gravel before, we have some great tips on our website to check out.

Visiting the Manawatū . . .

If you’re from out of town, the Manawatū offers a great base for a cycling weekend, including northern Manawatū’s Kimbolton, Apiti, Pohangina and Rangiwahia districts. The scenery is stunning, and there is plenty of accommodation in Feilding and Palmerston North. If you want to make the weekend extra special for your support crew, Makoura Lodge offers a luxury country lodge and rural retreat just a short drive away.

Course and registration . . .

Course and registration details will be available shortly. In the meantime, practise your gravel skills, arrange your accommodation and invite your friends to join you for a full weekend of riding in January 2027.