Mayoral Challenge proves popular once again

Last night’s Franklin Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge saw 835 participants jump on their bikes, trikes, tandems and unicycles to show their support for Franklin and compete against the big cities.

The Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge is a national community event where Mayors from around New Zealand are challenged to see who can get the most people cycling with them.

The event at Pukekohe Park Raceway saw families, friends, the old and the young join together to compete for the title of ‘Cycle Mad District’ and enjoy a night of fun cycling and entertainment on the iconic track.

Franklin District Mayor Mark Ball says, “It was another great night of cycling and family fun. Thank you to all those who participated – and I hope it encouraged many more to pick up a bike and get cycling. The Mayoral Challenge is about promoting the joys of cycling to our residents as a fun activity, great to get people active and a good way to get around.”

A highlight of the event was the Jockey’s BMX Jaunt where Franklin’s top jockeys tackled an 800m cycle sprint. Jason Collett was the winner on the night, with other participants including Danielle Johnson, Natasha Collett, Maija Vance and Sam Spratt.

The festival-like event featured the sounds of DJ Lenny and MC Bryan Marsh (Marshy) a sausage sizzle, free healthy snacks, the Milo van and spot prizes.

The main prize, an Avanti Bike, was won by Kirsty Rapana from Tuakau. The child’s Tarini bicycle donated by Counties Cycles was won by Megan Jamieson.

Mark says, “Once again this is a true community event, which has seen great support from Council, Counties Manukau Sport, NZ Police, Pukekohe Park Raceway, Full Throttle Motorcycles, Counties Cycles, DJ Lenny, Pak ‘N Save, Franklin County News, Transfield, Franklin Pakeke Lions, Franklin Sport Swim and Fitness, Counties Fitness and Health, Sunset Coast Franklin BMX Club, Frucor, Nestle Milo van, McEntee Party Hire and McDonalds Pukekohe.”

The Mayoral Challenge is a highlight of Bike Wise month, which aims to raise the profile of cycling and active transportation, to get more people onto their bicycles.