Cyclists tackle Gentle Annie

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 617, 19 December 1995, Page 14

Cyclists tackle Gentle Annie

A handful of hardy mountain bike enthusiasts once again competed in the annual 'Gentle Annie' bike ride from just out of Moawhango to Hastings over the weekend. Organised by Nite Life Security, Steve Gordon and Ruapehu Health and Fitness Centre, this fun ride slill attracts new recruits every year, to join the hard-core enthusiasts who make the journey religiously every year. Seven year old Amco-Joy Mareikura and^nine year old Stevie Gordon did extremely well to make the long journey. Elle Hamlin, the only other female in the group, found the cooler temperatures more comfortable to cycle in. "It may be certainly a hard area to train our little ones," said Charles Mareikura, "but the event is a great breeding ground to instil attitude and stamina". The idea of biking to Hastings enables those who may not be proficient at cyclingto 'guts-it-out' with the support and encouragement of everyone on the journey with the faster riders always there for the slower ones. "We all anticipated extremely hot weather over the ranges but were greeted with mild conditions which made our 'fun' ride more enjayable," said Charles. Camping at the Kaweka Forest campsite and freshening up in the crystal waters of the Ngaruroro River certainly washed away the dampened spirits the long uphills seemed to administer - and the many downhills all made it worthwhile. "Having a brilliant road-crew headed by Rhonda Gordon caring for our every need, who has been there since the first bike ride four years ago, made life much easier," said Charles, "and the other '3 Amigos' whose fourth time it was on the so called "fun ride". Steve Gordon, Tom Mareikura and Charles Mareikura have organised other events for anyone who wants to come along: 20-21 January Canoe Kayak Camp, Lake T aupo/W estern Access; 1 7 February One day cycle, Gentle Annie/Hastings; 24 February Trianman Triathlon; 16 March Te Ihato Peak/Wairarama Beach, Hastings. Walk/ cycle/run in any order, fun day.