Round Ruapehu roads challenge to cyclists... ...and to runners

Ruapehu Bulletin, 25 August 1992, Page 7

Round Ruapehu roads challenge to cyclists...

...and to runners

Organisers of this year's Round Ruapehu Ride are hoping to attract around 400 cyclists for the 14 November event. "The race will be the same as last year's, except the weather will be , better," said event organiser Warrick Funnell. Last year's inaugural event saw 180 competitors which Mr Funnell said was a pleasing start, especially considering the mid-winter style weather for the day. Harsh unseasonal conditions saw about 40 people fail to finish the race. "Cyclists have very short memory in terms of pain," he said. "They'll be back for another crack at it." He said while they

hope for kinder weather, last year's event had sent out a challenge to many cyclists to take part and complete the event. The Wanganui Cycle Club is organising the event, with help from local groups including Rotary, the Raetihi School PTA, the Ruapehu Information Centre, the local motellier's group and the Ohakune Hotel. Rotarians will provide help as marshals and the PTA will man the drink stops. Main sponsor for the event is Green Bottle, the liquor chain of which the hotel bottle store is a franchise holder. Plans for the ride see the start outside the Ohakune

Hotel, with the drawing of the major spot prizes. To set the mood for a pedalling weekend, the club has organised the 'DB Draught New Zealand Roller Racing Championships' to be held Friday night at the Ohakune Hotel. Four riders at a time will race against the clock, riding on bikes on rollers, attempting to clock up as many kilometres as possible. The aim of the event is fun, and to add to the weekend 's attraction for visiting cyclists as well as for the locals. "Despite what people think this kind of riding is quite safe," said

Warrick. "The worst thing likely to happen if you fall of is to feel embarrassed." "It's a great spectator and participation event that we hope will involve the local people." Prizes will also be up for grabs in this event, worth $500 including sponsors' products.

Prizes for the Round Ruapehu Ride, which starts off at 8am on Saturday 14 November, include a $950 mountain bike and 4 Green Bottle tracksuits. "The Round Ruapehu Ride could be one of the future classic rides of New Zealand," said Mr Funnell.

Waiouru will be host to over 2,000 people taking part in the DB Draught New Zealand Army Around the Mountains Relay (ATMR 92) in November. The relay will start at 3 am on Saturday 7 November and the last runners will be off the road by 6.30pm. The relay has been a part of the Waiouru area for 21 years with the public being involved for 16 years. Each year changes have been made to the rules to hopefully make the ATMR safer and more enjoyable. Entry for teams close in August and up until then over 200 teams usually apply, the first 180 being accepted. Last year the Waimarino area itself entered 25 teams. While there are a number of

competitive running grades the majority of teams enter the social grade, with runners aiming to participate and complete their course. While the competitive atmosphere and rivalry will still be present, organisers hope that everyone will keep in mind that the ATMR is a fun run. To „ this end they have altered some of the race grades,. This year the grades are: Open 10 runners that must each run 16 kilometres. Composite 10 runners that must run at least one 16km or two five km legs. The team must include at least two females. Veterans 10 runners, all 35 years or older who must each run one 16km

or two eight km legs. Social This grade requires a minimum of 10 runners of any age or sex who should each run one 16km or two eight km legs. There are few rules in the social grade and the prizes are awarded at random -