More on the wheels carnival story

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 679, 25 March 1997, Page 8

More on the wheels carnival story

Last week's Bulletin story, "'Blood and guts' cycle race runs smooth", was to have been concluded on Page 2, but the continuation was omitted. Following is the conclusion of the article: The finish of the Ohakune Hotel Lion Ruapehu Classic cycle race around the mountains on Saturday 15 March was a dash to the line involving four riders. It was a dash to the finish for the winner, Shane Bradley, with mere split seconds between the money placings. Mr Bradley said it was a big victory for him after 18 months out of cycling due to "attitude problems" and knee injuries. Second home was Gordon Walker from Auckland and third was Anton Berry from Waihi. First of the B Grade riders was Matthew Yates (a

junior), 2nd Dennis Cooper (veteran) and Jackson Foster (vet). Relay, really? Not successful was the round the mountains cycle relay, with the event cancelled when only two teams turned up. A cycle club official, who did not wish to be named, said the reason cycle clubs had stayed away was because the $25 entry fee per person was too high and the logistics of supporting a team meant it was not attractive to people from out of town. Buckets and bolts While there was a good tumout of competitors for the bucket motorcycle races, organiser Phil Abel said they were disappointed with the numbers of spectators. "I wonder what people do on a fine Saturday

afternoon," he said lamenting that they had provided the entertainment free, and gone to a lot of trouble to make the event work well for spectators. The racing was hotly contested, with no injuries despite a few crashes. Winner of the King of the Junction trophy was Morley Sherriff and second was last year's winner, Jimmy Steadman. Mr Abel thanked the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade for their "fantastic job" of marshalling, as well as the many sponsors. Mud and guts Sunday's four wheel drive fun trial at Mike Punch's farm, Rangataua, provided great entertainment for a large number of people who turned out. Forty five club members competed in the event, where they had to negotiate 1 5 tracks with various hazards, including mud, steep banks and hills, tree stumps and slopes. Points are scored for each fault, with the winner being the driver with the lowest score at the end. Although it is not a high speed event, the antics and predicaments of many teams provided thrilling entertainment. Also at the site was the Clash of the Carnival competition.