Riders make the most of good weather for bike ride
The 10th Coastal Pursuit trailbike ride took place March 24-25 in the Akitio-Weber area.
Torrential rain in excess of $300mm had washed out tracks two weeks before and postponed the event which was scheduled for that weekend. A smaller field of 22 attended when conditions improved.
They were rewarded with fine weather, according to organiser Nigel Scrimshaw who said the track conditions were worth waiting for.
The two-day event was based at Akitio and on Saturday the riders travelled to the Weber district, crossing the Oporae and Ti tree Point areas.
This provided some spectacular views of the ridge and valley landscape and a few challenges as well.
On Sunday the route crossed a number of farms closer to Akitio, with more coastal views.
The riders, who had come from as far away as Auckland and Wellington, were complementary about the variation in riding conditions which ranged from technicallychallenging single tracks to open fields.
The riders crossed 30 farms and Nigelsaid he was grateful to the farmers for providing access and trusting the riders.
The Coastal Pursuit Trail Ride raised $800 for the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter — but participants spent about $2400 within the community for accommodation, food and fuel.
Pongoroa and Weber Schools put on great meals as fundraisers.