Cyclists set to converge on Pukekohe

The streets and roads of Pukekohe will be ablaze with cyclists and colour this Sunday 19th October as the Franklin district hosts the revamped Bauer Pukekohe Express.
Approximately 1500 cyclists are expected to take part in either the 100k or 50km events which will see cyclists riding a scenic circuit course from Pukekohe to Waiuku via Glenbrook Rd before returning to Pukekohe via Waiuku Road and the finish outside the Pukekohe Town Hall

Open to anyone with a bike, both events offer a great mix of flat and rolling countryside to suit riders of all levels of fitness and ability.

Although there will be a large number of experienced riders taking part, the event has been designed to be achievable by riders of all abilities. Event Director Murray Fleming from Event Promotions adds “we really want to encourage those you haven’t been on their bike for a while to get out and give it ago. The course we have used is very rider friendly and the 50km event would be a wonderful goal for those new to cycling”

As an added incentive there will be over $70,000 worth of spot prizes up for grabs including fantastic Bauer road bikes, Sirius Tacx home trainers and an Escapade Q-Kayak.
Pukekohe Town Hall & surrounds will be the venue for Registration (8am-11:30am), 100km Start (10am), 50km Start (12 noon), Finish (approx 12:20 – 3pm) and Prize giving (Approx 3pm) for the event.

Pam Rose, EFDT Events Co-ordinator has worked with Franklin District Council and others to bring some additional elements to the day. As a result, Franklin: The Centre will be open this Sunday including Franklin Arts & Cultural Trust shop and gallery (9:30am – 3:30pm). Mocca Café will be open serving fresh coffee and a selection of delicious foods. Pukekohe i-SITE (open seven days a week) will also have staff on hand to help and advise on local attractions as well as arrange booking for New Zealand wide accommodation, tours, activities, bus bookings and more. Additional activities for visitors and locals on the day include food stalls, BBQ’s, live musical entertainment and children’s face painting.

In addition to the all above there are of course a range of great local cafes, restaurants and Sunday retailers in Pukekohe, Tuakau & Waiuku offering further attractions for locals and visitors alike during the day.
Bauer Pukekohe Express organiser’s are reminding motorists that the roads on the event route will be heavily congested Sunday morning and traffic management procedures will be in place. In addition to the cycle route the area surrounding the Pukekohe Town Hall will be very busy with restricted flow and some closures in place. The organisers thank motorists for their patience and for showing courtesy to the cyclists.

For further event details, cycle route and online entry visit www.pukekoheexpress.co.nz.

Late entries will be accepted on the day, so dust of that bike and join in the fun.

If you can’t be in the Bauer Pukekohe Express make sure you get along with the family and witness this amazing spectacle!