Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge opens for 2011
Early bird entries for the 34th Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge open later this week (Sunday 1 May) at a discounted rate of $89.
This year the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will be held on Saturday 26 November, just seven months away. Event Director Rob McKnight acknowledges that it is has been a tough six months for some. “Yes there have been major earthquakes in Christchurch and a tsunami in Japan, yes we are fighting a recession and yes, this year our event coincides with Election Day. But we are confident that this year’s Cycle Challenge is going to be bigger and better than ever.”
The Cycle Challenge team is aware of the financial challenges many families are facing, so this year the pricing structure has been simplified across the board. All cyclists can ‘Face the Challenge’ for $99 – any event. Juniors cyclists (U18 years) can ‘Face the Challenge’ for $79. “Also this year we have brought back our ‘Early Bird’ entry option - ‘Face the Challenge’ for $89 to let families plan in advance,” said Mr McKnight. Early Bird entries open 1 May and run through to 30 June. Registration is through the website www.cyclechallenge.com
One of the reasons the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is so popular is the wide range of cycling events available to participants of varying abilities and fitness including the solo 160 km circumnavigation of Lake Taupo, road and mountain bike relays, mountain biking challenges, separate men’s and women’s elite events, corporate challenges, Enduro events (2 and 4 x around the lake) and the Heart Riders event for kids. The full range of events is also available on the website. “We get participants from around New Zealand and the world to participate in the individual, team, road and off-road challenges. We have something for everyone who is into cycling,” said Mr McKnight.
Cycling safety is a major focus of the event and in 2011, the ‘Trainer Wheels’ programme will be kicked off earlier in the training season to help prepare cyclists for the challenge. “Our goal is to run an enjoyable and safe event and we provide ‘Trainer Wheels’ so our cyclists can ensure they are as prepared as they can be,” said Mr McKnight. “Trainer Wheels is about getting bums on bikes, helping people get back into cycling and giving those who are unsure about completing the event the confidence to take on the challenge.”
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a community event, owned and operated by the Taupo Moana Rotary Club. Over 1,000 local volunteers contribute to the event with the proceeds going back into the Taupo community.
Heart Children NZ are the official charity of the Cycle Challenge and will be asking riders to support their fundraising page when they enter the event. Funds raised via this page will provide life-long support to children and their families living with the daily challenges of a heart condition.