Weather challenges cyclists

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 412, 12 November 1991, Page 1

Weather challenges cyclists

The inaugural Avanti sponsored 'Round Ruapehu cycle race was held last Saturday in conditions which included sleet, heavy rain, mist, restricted visibility and patches of sunshine. But despite the terrible conditions all who crossed the line were "pretty positive" according to organisers. "There were no grumps - most thought of the ride as another feather in their caps," said one of the organisers, Keith Smith. "They were all pretty positive that they'd be back next time." Apart from a few teething problems with timing, the event ran like clockwork, though organisers were discussing holding the event at a different time of year next time, possibly in January or February. Turnpage4

Ruapehu ride

From page 1 The organisers, Wanganui Amateur Road Cycling Club, praised the local helpers, and made special mention of the Raetihi School PTA volunteers who manned the drink stops. The bicycles were as varied as the the weather ranging from racing bikes, 10 speed recreational machines, mountain bikes and mountain bike tandems. The 100 mile (160km) event was run in anticlockwise direction from Ohakune to Waiouru, Rangipo, National Park and back to Ohakune. 186 cyclists comp eted with the first competitor, Leigh Gibson from Pukekohe, across the line in 4 hrs 42 mins. The third rider and first woman was Madonna Harris in 4hrs 43mins. Local riders to complete the course were: Bill Unsworths, Waiouru (5:29) 54th; Ross Bateup, Chateau (5.32) 60th; Graham Anker, Waiouru (5.35) 67th;Stephen Rate, Nat.Pk (5.57) 80th; Mark Coupon, Owhango (6.09) 89th; Tony Henry, Nat Pk (6.25) 97th. The last two cyclists to cross the finish line were a Scotsman and a Mexican. They deadheated in 8:59. "They were probably swapping jokes," commented one spectator!