Time to get on your bike for February riding challenge
People across Waikato are being encouraged to go for a ride as part of Aotearoa Bike Challenge Month.
Currently, there are 164 workplaces and over 1000 riders from the region signed up for the challenge, which encourages cyclists to log their biking activity. Each ride accumulates points, which are put into the draw for prizes including an ebike and Bluetooth speakers.
Taupō District Council are running two events during February aimed at improving new and recentlyreturned riders’ confidence.
An afternoon park ride in Taupō on March 21 will help cyclists master the basics, and a twilight neighbourhood ride on the same day looks to boost confidence on the roads.
There is also a competition for 5-12-year-olds in the Taupō region to design their own bike helmet, with a winner from each age category being chosen to see their creation come to life.
Getting the kids on board can be transformative to the whole family’s attitudes to riding, said Shane Hancock, environmental health officer at Taupō District Council.
For his sons Michael, Patrick and Christopher, it provides a great combination of challenge and family time.
“Cycling is a great way for the family to enjoy our time together, whilst also being on a mission.
“Living in Taupō provides so much opportunity and variety for the rider.
“When it rains, you can hit the mountain bike trails at Craters [Mountain Bike Park], or some of the Great Lake Trail, and then when it shines you hit the road.
“If you just want to cruise, the safety of East Taupō Arterial Path and the Lion’s Walk lakefront path are great.”
However, there is the risk of eventually being outpaced by your kids, he said.
“The boys are getting quicker and I am now finding myself getting left behind a bit.
“I knew it would happen eventually but I didn’t expect it this soon.”
Cycling also presented a great fullcircle moment for him, as he was recently able to support his oldest son through his first Cycle Challenge, just as his family did for him as a youngster.
“Last year, I had a real ‘dad moment’ of sharing a ride around the lake in the Cycle Challenge with my eldest at 13.
“It took me back to when I completed my first one in 1984 as a young whippersnapper on a steel 10-speed in stubbies and a cloth hat!”
For details on Taupō District Council events, see www. taupodc.govt.nz.
For information on the Bike Waikato Ngāruawāhia ride, see bikewaikato.org.nz.