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Rebel Ride South

The Rebel Ride expands to Central Otago, giving women a taste of adventure by bike!

Rebel Ride South

Oteake Conservation Area, Central Otago
Geoff Marks

News & Events Rebel Ride South

Trail Hub recently caught up with the founder of the Rebel Ride, Katie McLennan, for a quick fire Q&A about the new Rebel South event kicking off in Central Otago this December.

Q: What inspired you to launch a women’s-only long-distance cycling event?
I first got into bikepacking a few years ago when I rode the length of New Zealand on my own. It was something I had only dared to imagine, but once I took the plunge, I never looked back. I wanted to share that feeling of taking on something you didn’t think was possible, of stepping into a world you hadn’t thought you belonged in because you don’t ride fast.  

Creating the Rebel Ride was about creating that launching pad for women into the world of overnight bike adventures. Especially, that might not have adventurous buddies to take on such a challenge with.

Q: Why now?
As soon as I realised there weren’t any other bikepacking events or rides specifically focused on women, it just felt like a no-brainer. That, paired with the fact that off-road riding is picking up in popularity and more trails are being built, made it a great opportunity.

Rebel Ride founder, Katie McLennan, out on a bikepacking mission.

Q: What makes this ride different?
It’s less about racing and more about adventure. Riders can choose when they start, how far they go each day, and how they want to experience the journey. The focus is on community, encouragement, and the chance to explore stunning parts of the country at your own pace.

Q: Tell us about the course.
For 2025, we’re taking The Rebel Ride south to Central Otago. The 300km loop route starts and finishes in Cromwell and is designed to make the most of the region’s purpose-built bike trails and some off the off-the-beaten-track roads and routes.

Riders will be treated to three Great Rides including the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Otago Central Rail Trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail but will also get to see places such as Butcher's Dam, Raggedy Range, Oteake Conservation Area and St Bathans.

It’s challenging but achievable, and full of unreal vistas along the way.

Q: How will riders be supported on the day?
It’s a self-supported event, so riders carry what they need and plan their own accommodation — whether that’s camping, motels, or a lodge. I provide GPX files, route notes, suggested itineraries, and plenty of resources to help women prepare, but once you set out, the adventure is yours to shape.

The epic Rebel Ride South course includes sections of backcountry riding through the Oteake Conservation Area.

There are a number of sections along the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail.

Riders will get to experience parts of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

The last section of the Rebel Ride is along the epic Lake Dunstan Trail.

Q: Any advice for first-timers?
Eat lots and bring your favourite snacks to cheer you up when times get tough.

Water, food, pain relief and rest are your friends. Use them all, even when you don’t think you need them.  

Pushing your bike up a hill is not any kind of failure. It is simply a rite of passage for bikepacking, and we call it “The Stride of Pride”.

Spend some good hours in the saddle prior to the ride; be sure to include some back-to-back rides. Even when your legs are tired, they can usually keep spinning, but a tender bum is not as forgiving. It can make you throw your bike down and cry at a beach for 20 minutes because it just hurts that much…. I’ve heard.

And finally, don’t overthink it. Strap some stuff to your bike and go for it!

You can find a Trail Hub guide to bikepacking for beginners here.

 

Q: What do you hope riders take away?
A sense of achievement, definitely, but mostly the confidence to tackle bigger adventures on their bikes. I’d love women to finish the ride feeling proud of themselves and excited about what else might be possible.

Q: What’s the long-term vision for the event?
There are a few other places in New Zealand I’d love to run the ride, but ultimately it is designed to be an inspiration and catalyst for other rides and events. Whether it be organised by a few friends or new adventures created by other communities or organisations, there is room and appetite for more!

Q: And finally – what’s been the best part of organising the first edition?
For me, it’s been seeing the enthusiasm build — from the very first conversations through to the moment women line up to ride. The best part is when people tell me they never thought they could do something like this, and then they go out and prove themselves wrong. That’s what makes all the work worth it.

Classic Central Otago high-country - Flat Top Hill (Butchers Dam) above the Roxburgh Gorge [Photo: Bennett & Slater].

About the Rebel Ride

The Rebel Ride is a self-supported women’s bikepacking adventure in Aotearoa, designed to inspire more women to discover the freedom and fun of multi-day cycling. 

The new Rebel Ride South is a 300km loop through Central Otago starting and finishing in Cromwell. The ride invites women to experience the region’s stunning landscapes, trails, and renowned southern hospitality by bike.

Find out more

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