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.
0 Comments
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. |