Riders compete for fun

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 628, 19 March 1996, Page 3

Riders compete for fun

Ohakune Junction reverberated to the sound of highly-tuned 50cc, lOOcc and 125cc motorbikes as they raced around the Thames Street/Tyne Street circuit on Sunday afternoon. Unlike the previous day when weather affected the cycling events, the conditions remained dry but threatening. The so called 'Bucket' series of races started on Thames Street at 12 noon and continued throughout the afternoon watched by spectators from a number of vantage points, including the balconies of the Hot Lava and Powderhom Chateau. See photo page 16. A total of 34 riders competed in the series of races which also included a sidecar race. This was an increase of about 50 per cent over the number of riders who participated last year. They came from as far north as Warkworth -and as far south as Wellington and, according to race steward Y ak Knight, most had come for the fun and excitement of racing rather than the prizes. A total of nearly $900 was donated by sponsors in the way of monetary prizes, trophies and accessories including a helmet valued at $250 and high performance racing oil valued at $100. Race organi ser Phil Abel

said the races went very well and the sponsors had been very generous. He wished to thank the following: Turoa Lodge, Junction Ski Shop, Powderhorn Chateau, Hot lava, Ohakune Tyres & Service, DekkerMachinery, Starline Services, Taura Metal Suppliers, Rimu Park Lodge, Ruapehu Gardens, Horopito Motors, the Frew Family Trust, (for the donation of protective straw bales around the circuit), Peak FM, the Ohakune Fire Brigade (who provided

all the race marshals), St John and all the local transport companies including Barrett and Taura, Carmichaels, Dempseys, Lilbums and Hiscox. In recognition of their contributions many of the above sponsors had parts of the course, mainly corners, named after them for the event. Phil Abel also wishes to thanks the marketing and roading divisions of the Ruapehu District Council for promoting the event and making the road circuit av-ailable.