Wairoa's cyclists needed to join in cycle madness

The race is on again for the coveted title of New Zealand’s Most Cycle Mad City. Cyclists of all ages are being urged to hop onto the saddle for the family event of the year, and to help Wairoa pedal to victory.

The Mayoral Challenge is a highlight event of Bike Wise Month. During February cities and towns from all over New Zealand will compete to get the most people riding along with their mayor. A point is earned for each cyclist participating.

Mayor Les Probert will lead the Challenge from outside the Wairoa Community Centre at 10.45am on Saturday, March 5, with registrations beginning from 10am. Riders will go from the Community Centre to the Yacht Club, then on to the Pilot Hill Reserve before returning along the same route to the Community Centre. There is an option of stopping for a rest at the Yacht Club, then joining in again for the return journey.

To add to the fun, cyclists have the option of wearing their favourite “wig”, the more outrageous the better as there are spot prizes up for grabs.

Not only will participants help boost Wairoa’s points tally, they’ll also get to enjoy spot prizes, snacks, face painting, sausage sizzle and a swim at the Community Centre. One lucky person will also be in the draw to win an Avanti bike.

Wairoa District Council Administration Manager James Baty says the Challenge is a great opportunity to have fun and be active while showing support for Wairoa.

“We were very proud of last year’s effort, but this year we hope to do even better. As the reigning champions of the small towns under 11,000 category we want New Zealand to know that Wairoa is a cycle-mad force to be reckoned with.”

He said cyclists can bike the route at their own pace and are encouraged to just enjoy the ride and the atmosphere.

“Cycling is a healthy and fun way to get around. And you get extra brownie points for being environmentally friendly. If you don’t usually cycle, this would be a great opportunity to discover its joys. So dig that bike out of the shed, or borrow one, and come along. You’d be mad to miss out.”

This will be the fifth Mayoral Challenge and the competition gets bigger every year. You can find more details about Wairoa’s Mayoral Challenge and lots of other fun, family-friendly Bike Wise Month events at www.bikewise.co.nz.