 Huri Huri News 1 November 2018 Wairarapa’s east coast provides the stunning backdrop for next year’s Pedal for Parkinson’s charity bike ride, organised by Huri Huri Bike Wairarapa. The event takes place on Sunday 17 February, with all proceeds once again being donated to Parkinson’s Wairarapa. Now in its fourth year, the new location and format will give participants the unique experience of mountain biking from Pahoa Station to Ngawi, traversing private land in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The event is open to anyone aged over 13-years, as long as they have a reasonable degree of skill and fitness and use a suitable well-maintained bike fit for the purpose of the ride. Brian Lambert, a record-breaking cyclist and champion wool presser, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in the 1980s, but has not let that hold him back. He’s raced in Europe, ridden from Auckland to Wellington in under 20 hours - and still holds the world record, and kept working in his Masterton bike shop until recently. Brian believed that the diagnosis put things into perspective for him. “I found that cycling and keeping fit helped deal with the Parkinson’s. It’s a disease, not a life sentence.” Fellow Wairarapa cycling legend, Rod Sutherland, was prompted to assist Parkinson’s Wairarapa when his wife Ruth was diagnosed with the disease. “I watched as Parkinson’s robbed her of her love of painting and diminished her physical abilities. We joined the local branch to help other sufferers by organising fundraising events such as this ride.” Together Brian and Rod, plus many other dedicated volunteers, are collaborating to make this Pedal for Parkinson’s a spectacular fun ride. “A ride such as this doesn’t just appear out of thin air,” Brian explains. “There have been many people involved, not just cyclists but other members of the community.” Rod agrees. “We couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for the generosity of the landowners and farms on the coast. They have played a big part in opening up their land for our use and we certainly appreciate that.” To mark the start of Parkinson’s Awareness Week ( 1- 7 November) registrations will open for Pedal for Parkinson’s on 1 November through Eventfinda. For more details on the ride, click here. 
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 Huri Huri News
14 September 2018 A celebration of all things to do with cycling will take place in the wine village of Martinborough this spring with a series of fun activities planned for people of all ages and stages of cycling. Wheels & Vines will be held on Saturday, 27th October, the day before the popular Martinborough Charity Fun Ride, a long-standing event organised by the Rotary Club of South Wairarapa. Wheels and Vines will feature a special road cycling workshop, a screening of the popular film Le Ride with guest speaker Jonathan Kennett and a meandering lunch around four vineyards and an olive grove. On the Saturday there will be a Road Racing Clinic with Gary Gibson aimed at cyclists looking to improve their skills when riding in a bunch and racing. Le Ride will be shown at Circus Cinema in Martinborough. This popular movie recreates the 1928 Tour de France on period bicycles and will be introduced by cycling personality Jonathan Kennett. Following this screening John Randall, who rode the 2018 Tour course as part of a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation, will share his experiences with the audience. Earlier in the day Tour de Vines - a meandering lunch on bikes - will be held at four Martinborough vineyards and include an olive oil tasting at Olivo Olive Grove. This will see vineyards offer up a delicious tasting plate and wine tastings. The Martinborough Charity Fun Ride, which starts and finishes at the Martinborough Rugby Club on Sunday morning, features three loops to suit different cycling abilities. These include a 48km, 67km and 115km options. Proceeds of this event will go to the Wairarapa Whanau Trust, helping build its youth facility in Featherston. DETAILS: WHAT: Wheels & Vines WHEN: Saturday 27 October 2018 WHERE: Various locations around Martinborough, Wairarapa Events include: Tour de Vines Four vineyards, tasting plates and a olive oil tasting on two wheels. Bring your own bike or hire one at Green Jersey Explorer Tours. $60 per person (plus $40 bike hire) greenjersey.co.nz Road Racing Clinic with Gary Gibson Stay safe and work on your road skills $30 per person. 2pm meet at Green Jersey Booking essential: [email protected] Le Ride Film Night Recreating the 1928 Tour de France 5,600 km, 22 stages over 26 days on period bicycles Presented by Jonathan Kennett and featuring John ‘Sifter’ Randall $20. Starts 7.30pm Circus Cinema www.circus.net.nz Sunday 28 October Martinborough Fun Ride Warm up for the summer season or just have fun. Registration essential. Choose from 48km, 67km or 115km. $65 (individuals) / $90 (tandems) www.mcfr.org.nz For more details visit www.hurihuri.co.nz. or for more information on booking accommodation visit www.wairarapanz.com This event is part of Wairarapa Summer of Cycling.  Deb Allen Avanti Plus Masterton, former South Wairarapa Rotary President Mary Mason, Angus and Shane Priddle Huri Huri News
30.08.18 The Wairarapa Regional Mountain Bike Trails Trust (WRMBTT) has released a summary of its assessment on the feasibility of developing new mountain bike trails and experiences in the region. “The summary concludes that the proposed trails are anticipated to be popular with locals and visitors alike,” explained WRMBTT chairperson Jonathan Hooker. “They will meet an identified need for a wider range of mountain bike trails in Wairarapa, allowing more people to enjoy the areas by bike. “While we obviously acknowledge there will be upfront costs associated with developing the trails, the assessment anticipates that they will be economically beneficial to the area in the short term and beyond. “The assessment also suggested the development and management of the trails will be most successful if they’re community-led, and that WRMBTT is well placed to fill this role. “The main barrier to these trails being developed appears to be the Department of Conservation’s proposed Conservation Management Strategy, which does not currently allow the Remutaka and Holdsworth trails or the Kiriwhakapapa extensions to be developed,” said Hooker. As part of the assessment, a survey aimed at everyone from long-term Wairarapa residents to riders from out of the region was distributed across several social media platforms. It covered a wide range of questions about the riding opportunities available in Wairarapa, as well as the three proposed new trails: the Remutaka Descent, a Tararua Forest Park Mt Holdsworth Mountain Bike Trails and the Kiriwhakapapa Trail. “To encourage a wide sample of responses, the comprehensive survey was linked to a competition to win a bike courtesy of Avanti-Plus Masterton, South Wairarapa and Masterton South Rotary clubs,” added Hooker. Shane Priddle was the lucky recipient, winning a bike for his son Angus. Originally from the Wairarapa, Shane attended Kuranui College before moving to Karori, where he decided to get into cycling. Concerned that the roads in Wellington may not be the safest, Shane took up mountain biking instead. For Shane, mountain biking offers him a way to release stress, stay fit and have fun. “I like the challenge mountain biking gives me, whether I’m with friends or not. You just get in the moment and nothing beats that adrenalin rush,” he said. The lack of decent grade three trails has put him off biking in Wairarapa at present, but he believes this new initiative will attract more people like himself to the area. Shane thinks that putting in new trails around Wairarapa is a great opportunity for the region, and he hopes that he and his son will be amongst the first riders to try out the new tracks. His advice for anyone interested in giving mountain biking a go is to find a group to start with and get decent coaching; but above all have fun. “You meet new people, you get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer. That’s hard to beat.” You can read the summary of the feasibility assessment at www.facebook.com/WRMBTT.  The Wairarapa Regional Mountain Bike Track Trust (WRMBTT) is seeking the views of the community, as it considers the feasibility of developing new mountain bike trails and experiences in the region.
A comprehensive survey has been developed as part of the feasibility work being carried out on three proposed new trails. Each completed survey will go unto the draw to win a bike from Avanti-Plus Masterton, thanks to the generosity of both South Wairarapa and Masterton South Rotary clubs. The survey is aimed at everyone from long-term Wairarapa residents and riders from out of the region, and covers a wide range of questions about the riding opportunities available in Wairarapa as well as the proposed new trails. The results will help to inform WRMBTT, a charitable trust recently formed to develop and manage mountain bike trails in Wairarapa, as they look at the feasibility of new trails to gain further funding for their development. The three proposed new trails are the Remutaka Descent, a 15km trail suitable for intermediate riders (Grade 3 and above), Tararua Forest Park Mt Holdsworth Mountain Bike Park, a series of easy trails (Grades 1-3) set in native bush behind the Holdsworth campsite, and the Kiriwhakapapa Trail, an existing 9km walking trail 20 mins minutes’ drive north of Masterton, which will be upgraded to a Grade 3-4 track. The project was initiated by the Department of Conservation (DOC) who are seeking further opportunities for people to use the Tararua Forest Park. The majority of the proposed tracks are within the forest park and the government agency see bikes as a good way of getting more people to experience the area. The WRMBTT is a group of keen local riders looking to create more places to ride around the Wairarapa. WRMBTT Deputy Chair Stephen Brown says the survey is a vital part of the process. “Our proposals are very much in consultation with DOC and local Iwi, and once we have undertaken the study we will be able to take the project to the next stage,” explained Stephen. “We are aiming to cater for all ages and skill levels, giving people the opportunity to learn to ride in a safe environment as well as creating some great places to ride too.” “We need a broad view of the current provision and what people are looking for in the future. Our aim is to coordinate with other groups involved in developing cycling infrastructure for a connected cycle trail network that includes road, mountain bike and recreational trails in our region.” WRMBTT hope to begin work on the first track within the next 12 to 18 months. To complete the survey and go into the draw to win a brand new bike, simply click: http://aprconsultants.co.nz/wairarapasurvey2018.  Huri Huri News 30.03.18 Pedalling into Carterton on Thursday 19th April, as part of the exciting Carterton Go By Bike Week programme, the dynamic film concept The Big Bike Film Night rides into town with a breath-taking array of movies devoted to the bicycle and all who ride. The Big Bike Film Night showcases a range of short cycling films from New Zealand and around the world; from the deserts of Oman to the Canadian Arctic Circle, with a selection offering plenty of appeal and thrills for riders and movie goers. “It is a privilege and an honour to present our 2018 collection to a new bike audience in the Wairapapa. This is our “4th vintage” and we have a stellar line-up with a smorgasbord of stories, a treasure trove of tales for those with an appetite for everything on two wheels” says Curator/ Film Pedlar, Brett Cotter. “This entertaining event is a great reminder of why we love to ride our bikes by showcasing movies that celebrate the fun, adventure and inspiration that cycling enables. At its heart, these films draw upon true stories with universal human traits- those of character, hope, courage, discovery, and much much more with the humble bicycle the unifying factor throughout” says Brett. Selected by a panel of Kiwi film and bike buffs, Brett says to expect action, drama, humour and plenty of inspiration in the 2018 compilation. There are 13 short films being shown ranging from 2 to 26 minutes in length, including a number of New Zealand premieres’ and International award winners. The line-up includes an ambitious journey across the harsh desert landscapes of Oman; a New Zealand female road cyclist who believes in the power of bicycles; double-trouble with twin uni-cyclists strutting their stuff; Kiwi BMX riders with a passion to see the youth of today succeed; a beautifully charming narrative that shows an artisan Italian frame builder who puts his heart and soul into building bespoke bike frames; and the remarkable story of an American Cellist who challenges the notion of limitations by travelling over 6,000 kilometres by cargo bicycle. Mountain bike fans are also in for a treat with two movies featuring arrestingly beautiful landscapes and world class riders. “To see these on the big screen is something else, they’re mesmerizing films,” says Brett. Brett says he’s particularly excited to showcase “Escape” a Canadian short documentary on JaBig, a Montreal-based DJ and his fixed gear bicycle ride in winter across Canada, coast to coast to coast. “JaBig buys a single speed fixed-gear bike on a whim and then decides to beat the world record for the longest continuous bike ride in a single country. This movie, however, isn’t about the quintessential hero or the quest to break a world record; it’s about vulnerability, and what we do with the weight of the expectations in our lives.” “Our event celebrates cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms. There is some cool stuff here I think everyone should see, it will whet your appetite for all things bicycle related and I’d even go so far as to say it’s bike-alicious!” says Brett The Big Bike Film Night 2018 collection screens in Carterton on Thursday 19th April, 7pm at the Carterton Events Centre. For more information on the Big Bike Film Night, and to buy tickets go to www.bigbikefilmnight.nz or on the night at the Centre.   World class BMX display team Freestyle Lifestyle will be the star attraction of Carterton’s Go By Bike Week, organised by Huri Huri: Bike Wairarapa in conjunction with Carterton District Council. The week-long cycling festival is taking place during Monday 16 - Sunday 22 April, to celebrate the Vantage Age Group Road National Championships, which take place in the Carterton District between 20-22 April. Councillor Rebecca Vergunst, elected member to the Carterton Walking and Cycling Advisory Group, says that the cycle championships coming to Carterton is the perfect opportunity to encourage the community to get on their bikes. “For some time we have been talking about how to encourage residents to use cycling as their preferred mode of transport, and having a significant cycling event come to our district was the perfect catalyst to get an initiative underway.” A packed programme of events for all ages has been created to give residents a taste of cycling as a sport, hobby and mode of transport. Events include a kids decorate your own helmet competition, Big Bike Film Night, a chance to try out an E-bike and an opportunity for people to get back on their bikes with an adult ride out with Pedal Ready instructors to Fensham Reserve. The Huri Huri Kids BMX Workshop sees the Freestyle Lifestyle team make their first appearance in Carterton following successful events in Martinborough and Masterton in the last year. The event runs during morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday 21 April, where young riders will learn about bike safety equipment and essential safety skills, and how to fix and maintain their bikes. There will also be games, stories and stunt demonstrations, and the kids get to try out some basic BMX stunt skills. Registration via EventFinda is essential and the cost is just $10. For more information about any of the Go By Bike Week activities, check out www.hurihuri.co.nz or the Huri Huri facebook page.  Huri Huri News
15 February 2018 Cycling’s rapid growth in popularity throughout Wairarapa has led to a change of role for Huri Huri, the organisation originally established to encourage community support for the Women’s Tour of New Zealand and the New Zealand Cycle Classic road races. Over the last four years, Huri Huri has established itself as an overarching body for the promotion of cycling activity in Wairarapa.“With more and more people jumping on their bikes for both transport and recreation, a coordinated and cohesive body to support and promote further growth is vital,” explained Huri Huri Project Manager Catherine Rossiter-Stead. “This is imperative from both community and tourism perspectives, particularly in a region that is currently behind the eight-ball in its development of cycling infrastructure. “Last November, Huri Huri facilitated a Wairarapa Cycling Stakeholders Forum involving personnel from all aspects of cycling in the region, ranging from accommodation suppliers to providers of cycling facilities and cycling clubs. The stakeholders lent their support behind Huri Huri taking on a leading advocacy role for cycling in Wairarapa. “As a result, Huri Huri is being developed into an entity responsible for hosting and promoting cycling events throughout the year, to be a conduit for information on cycling opportunities in the region, and to support and encourage a safe cycling message. It’s been fantastic to have the backing of the three Wairarapa councils and Greater Wellington to help achieve this. “Huri Huri has undergone a recent name change to reflect its new role, from Huri Huri: Wairarapa’s Bike Festival to Huri Huri: Bike Wairarapa. This aligns with its recent move to absorb the Wai Bike website and its new objective to be a source of information for all things biking in Wairarapa. The Huri Huri website will become populated with trail maps and other useful information such as where to get your bike fixed or what clubs you can join, as well as safety information and event details.” Huri Huri News 22 January 2018 One Wairarapa family brought a whole new meaning to the ‘morning after the night before’ as they carried on partying and scored themselves a brand new BBQ from Mitre 10 Mega for their efforts. The Norman family and friends decorated the gate to their West Bush Road property for the final stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic road race – the morning after a family wedding. “What better way to work off a post-wedding hangover than to cheer on the many participants of the NZ Cycle Classic,” explained newly-wed Emily Ireland. “We had visitors from Western Australia, the South Island, and around Wairarapa shift all the wedding decorations from the shed to the gate to ensure the cyclists had a proper Wairarapa welcome.” Armed with plenty of water, the fans cheered on the teams from as far afield as the United Kingdom and Switzerland, surrounded by the recycled purple and white decorations. A quad bike driven by the bride’s brother joined in by driving through paddocks parallel to West Bush Road, only just keeping up with the cyclists. The quad’s horn was tooted for every passing cyclist, and of course the race officials, sponsors, and the Wellington Free Ambulance – which on one lap of the race circuit matched the horn with its own siren. “We went to a bit of effort, but it was well worth it to win the barbecue,” added Emily. “Funnily enough, no one supporting the race was a cycling fan – we were just fans of having fun and making sure visitors to our region know how welcome they are.” Otis and Frankie Lennox also won a BBQ, and Poppy and Freya Sparrow a tent in the kids dress-up competition also supported by Mitre 10 Mega. The competition was organised by Huri Huri: The Wairarapa Bike Festival Charitable Trust, which promotes cycling throughout the Wairarapa region. Huri Huri News
20 January 2018 The 2018 Huri Huri Bike Festival spun into gear on Saturday, with a record number of riders taking part in the Family Fun Ride through Castlepoint Station. With 75 advance registrations and a number of last-minute entrants on the day, cyclists of all ages took advantage of the unique opportunity to ride through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside on a stunning Wairarapa day. The event, which forms an integral part of the year-long festival, doubles as a fundraiser for the Peter Laing Memorial Trust, with all registration revenue being donated help people obtain practical assistance for entry into the agricultural industry. Festival organiser Catherine Rossiter-Stead was delighted: “It was beyond all expectations, with so many great people joining us on the ride from little Tessa on her princess bike, the awesome CrossFit team from Wellington and Jim and Sheryll who had travelled all the way from Warkworth especially for the event,” she explained. “We are extremely grateful to Emily and Anders Crofoot for once again allowing us to ride through their land and enjoy some of the best views in the region, and to the Huri Huri team of volunteers, sponsors and funders who made the event possible.” Huri Huri News
10 January 2018 Wairarapa cycling fans young and old are gearing up for a rare treat in Masterton on Tuesday 16 January, with a display from FreestyleLifestyle BMX – one of the world’s leading cycling display teams. The line-up for the Huri Huri Family Fun Evening at Mitre 10 Mega on Ngaumutawa Road includes the legendary Jed Mildon of Nitro Circus, the first rider in history to successfully complete a quadruple flip. Jed will be joined by Paul Langlands, Ellie Chew and Hugh Wotherspoon, who were all part of the spectacular display in Martinborough during last year’s Huri Huri Bike Festival. The team will be jumping, leaping and flipping their way over ramps and jumps in a display which takes place between 4pm and 7pm. The Huri Huri Family Fun Evening will also include kapa haka displays, free BBQ food and a cycling obstacle course for kids with plenty of spot prizes, so don’t forget your bike! The event also marks the launch of the New Zealand Cycle Classic, with all the international road cycling teams being presented to the crowd before the start of their five-day event the following day. Supporters are also encouraged to dress up, as Mitre 10 Mega has donated a BBQ as the prize for the best dressed supporter of any age. Event Manager Catherine Rossiter-Stead is looking forward to an exciting evening. “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the FreestyleLifestyle BMX team back to Wairarapa, and there’ll be some incredible feats for the crowd to enjoy,” she explained. “We’re extremely grateful to Mitre 10 Mega for hosting the event and for the support from all of our funders and sponsors which has made this event possible.” Club cyclists are invited to take part in a criterium around the neighbouring streets, before watching the elite cyclists take on the same course at 7pm. The entry fee is $10 for this unique opportunity for local cyclists to test their cycling ability against some of the very best international riders. Another major Huri Huri event is being staged on Saturday 20 January with the rare opportunity to explore the historic Castlepoint Station by bike along three different coastal tracks. Riders can choose from a 7km short loop (1-1.5hrs); a 14km long loop (1-2.5hrs) via the beach or a 20km (1.5-3hrs) course option that covers the limed road to Otahome and back. The event is open to riders who have a reasonable degree of skill and fitness and registration is through the Eventfinda website www.eventfinda.co.nz or in person at Avanti-Plus Masterton. Registrations can also be made on the day from 8am. |
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