Prize-winning family keep the party going

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.