Pedal power gathers momentum in Waipa

WAIPA Mayor Alan Livingston and Brett Purchase of Te A’ Cycles lead the field off from Albert Park in Sunday’s Bike Challenge. 06071AD

By Grant Johnston

Waipa District Mayoral Bike Challenge attracted 167 participants - 89 adults and 79 children and the procession made quite a sight as it made its way through the streets of Te Awamutu on Sunday morning.

The presence of a number of celebrities and business leaders - including a number of New Zealand representative cyclists, motor racing whizz kid Nick Jordan, Paralympic wheelchair athletes, Maioro Barton and Alistair Johnston, and senior Council staff - contributed to 220 points haul for Waipa in the bike challenge.

“It was an excellent day for our first time with great feedback from the public,” says Janis Jeffers, one of two Sport Waikato Waipa co-ordinators. “We were delighted with the support from families and seeing them having so much fun together on their bikes.”

There was a mini circuit for younger children on Albert Park.

Having completed the 10km street circuit in Sunday’s challenge myself, I have to give a bouquet to the organisers and their assistants (including Council staff, police and TA Sports Cycling Club members) - the marshalling and safety assurance measures were first class. Thanks also to the many local motorists who showed courtesy in letting the bike ‘train’ through.