Cranking through school corridors
It’s a little bit naughty but one Nelson Central School annual event is making riding bikes through school rooms cool.
The Central Crank mini mountainbike event, run in conjunction with the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, is making tracks through the school for its second year, and this time it’s upped the ante.
Participants have the chance to ride through the corridor, a classroom and down the front steps as part of a course through the school.
Other features on the course include berms, a wave, steps and a spiral.
Central Crank organiser Belinda Crisp said last year’s event was well received and had 100 children wheeling around the grounds.
She said this year the course was open to new entrants up to year 8 students with an adults race on kid’s bikes included.
One lap of the course extends 900 metres for the budding bikers with the laps increasing to three or four depending on age.
Aiming to raise more than $1000, Crisp said she would like to get ‘‘at least 200 participants’’.
She said the funds would go towards giving all the year 3 and 4 students the opportunity to go on an upcoming school camp.
‘‘We definitely encourage exNelson Central pupils to come and have a go.’’
To add colour and excitement into the day, dress up and costume is an optional bonus, Crisp said.
‘‘There’s no theme, just come in a crazy helmet or ... come as Superman, whatever you feel like being.’’ ‘‘The emphasis is on participation and just having fun.’’