CycleZone Rotorua to Ohope Ride hits 20 year anniversary!

When cyclists line up their wheels for this year’s Cyclezone Rotorua to Ohope 100km Fun Ride on November 13, they will also be helping the iconic event notch up its biggest milestone yet – its 20 year anniversary.

The event was started in 1991 by the Rotorua Cycling Club (now Cycling Rotorua Inc) and since then, thousands of cyclists have taken part in the point-to-point race.

The event kicks off at 9am on Sunday 13 November, with solo ride or relay options available.

Cycling Rotorua president Peter Clark says the event has a personal touch, giving cyclists the opportunity to have a fun ride on a scenic course.

“Our cycling club has seen some real growth in the past 12 months, and it’s fantastic to see so many people getting into the sport. The Cyclezone Rotorua to Ohope ride gives our club members, locals and visitors alike the opportunity to participate in a great, well-organised event.”

Peter says he is also expecting the event to offer some competitive racing for some of the region’s elite riders.

“Local Clinton Avery set a new course record last year, and he will be joined by several other internationally-based kiwi riders, including Sam Bewley, who will be looking to challenge that result.

“There will be some exciting racing at the front of the field, but the event really does offer something for everyone at every level, especially with the option of the relay event where two people can cycle 50km each.”

Peter will be riding in the event this year, and will also be joined by many of the club’s members.

“We’re looking forward to being out there amongst it as well!”

Cyclezone owner, Bryce Shapley, says the bike shop is proud to be sponsoring the ride in its 20 year anniversary.

“Cyclezone has been part of the Rotorua to Ohope Fun Ride since the very first race, and we’re delighted to be with the club for this important milestone.

“You really can’t beat some of the scenery on this ride – lakes, forestry, farming areas – it shows off the very best of what cycling in the Bay of Plenty has to offer,” says Bryce.

“The Cyclezone team are all avid riders, and they’re passionate about sharing that experience with their customers and the wider community. We’re looking forward to being on the course this year, as well as welcoming the cyclists to registration in-store at Cyclezone.”

Visit www.cyclingrotorua.co.nz for more information or enter online at www.enteronline.co.nz with registration at Cyclezone at 1299 Fenton St, Rotorua, on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.