Join the Cycle Challenge & Wheel Wellington to Victory

Attention all Wellington cyclists – your city needs you! Wellington city is one of 15 cities and regions taking part in this year’s Mayoral Cycling Challenge, a free event on Sunday 26 February.

The event is one of many to mark Bike Wise Week, the only nationally-coordinated event promoting biking as a fun and healthy means of transport and enjoyment.

City Council Event Organiser Jodie Connolly says that Mayor Kerry Prendergast will lead off the Wellington leg of the challenge followed by thousands of people on bikes, all determined to bring home the coveted title of New Zealand's Cycle Mad City 2006.

"We need thousands of people to take part if we want to win the title of New Zealand's Cycle Mad City 2006.  For each person who takes part we get one point, five points for Councilors, Senior Council management and Road Planners and Engineers, and ten points for well-known celebrities – so we need everyone to get their bikes out and join us."

Other local authorities taking part are North Shore, Waitakere, Tauranga, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Taranaki, Manawatu, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Nelson, Wanganui, Christchurch and Invercargill.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says that there is nothing like some healthy inter-regional competition to bring out the best in communities, and hopes it will encourage cycling enthusiasts and loyal Wellingtonian families to get involved.

"The Cycle Mad City Challenge is a fantastic new event and I am really excited about leading it!  This event is not only about showing the rest of New Zealand that Wellington is its most cycle mad city—it's also a great opportunity for Wellingtonians to get outside, enjoy our beautiful harbour, and get some exercise—all at the same time. 

"Join me on Sunday and Wheel Wellington to Victory!"

To join the Mayoral Cycling Challenge, people should be at the Te Papa forecourt at 11.00am to prepare for an 11.30am start.  Two options are available: a 6km return bike ride from Te Papa to Balleana Bay; or a 10km bike ride to Cog Park and back. 

This will be followed by a picnic at Frank Kitts Park from 12 noon with prizes and entertainment.   An Avanti Black Thunder bike will be given away to the best dressed bike and rider, plus each participant can pick up a voucher for a free Discover Scuba session.  And don't forget to bring along food for your picnic. For more information, check out the Feeling Great website or phone (04) 499 4444.

Related Links

•  Feeling Great website

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