Cycling Festival Hits Top Gear

The inaugural Hutt Valley Summer of Cycling is a great way to discover why the Hutt Valley is the region’s off-road cycling capital.

With 11 major events, a series of regular rides, and bike maintenance and learn to ride workshops over a three-month period, there’s something for everyone from hard-core mountain bikers to families looking for a fun day out.

Hutt City Mayor David Ogden says the Summer of Cycling is a great way to discover the wealth of cycling tracks and trails the Hutt Valley offers.

“I’m challenging everyone who has a bicycle languishing in the shed or garage, to dig it out, dust off the cobwebs, and re-acquaint yourself with one of the most fun ways of getting about.

“There are plenty of events suitable for families and new cyclists, including a ride along the Hutt River Trail or to the Pencarrow Lighthouse, and you can top it all with the 100km RaboPlus Big Coast ride in March.

“Experienced riders can challenge themselves with events like the epic Merida Karapoti Classic, the Skyline Screamer and the Screaming-O. “

Highlights of the inaugural Summer of Cycling include the:
Bicycle Christmas Downhill Fun Day – Sunday 20 December
Akatarawa Attack Mountain Bike Orienteering Challenge – Sunday 31 January
Go By Bike Day Breakfast - Wednesday 17 February
New Zealand Mountain Bike Festival - 26 February to 7 March
Avanti Plus Lower Hutt Bike the Trail - Sunday 28 February
Hutt City Skyline Screamer - Wednesday 3 March
Merida Karapoti Classic - Saturday 6 March
R&R Sport PNP/College Sport Wellington Mtb Champs - Sunday 21 March
Screaming O – Sunday 28 March

For more information, visit www.summerscene.co.nz/cycling or pick up a brochure from your local bike shop or Council facility.

Summer of Cycling is organised by Hutt City Council as part of Summer Scene, and is supported by BikeNZ, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Upper Hutt City Council, New Zealand Community Trust, RaboPlus, Avanti Plus Lower Hutt and the Radio Network.