Cycling the coastline

Cyclists have their fingers crossed the rain stays away ahead of pedalling their way along the picturesque east coast in the 2015 BOP Coast ‘n' Country Cycle Challenge.

Sunday's fourth annual event will see about 500 riders take on the largely flat cycle ride between Mount Maunganui and Whakatane – starting at Mount Maunganui College this year at 9.15am.


Cycling legend Gordon McCauley riding during the BOP Coast ‘n' Country Cycle Challenge. Photos: Supplied.


A group of cyclists working together on Old Coach Rd in 2014.

With the choice of either a 100 kilometre slog from Mount Maunganui to Whakatane or 50 kilometre from Pukehina Primary School, the ride alternates directions each year.

Four years on, the event continues to ride high in popularity across all ages, the first time the 500 mark has been reached in its short history.

'We are looking at having the best result we have had with about 500 riders across all ages,” says event organiser Steve Hall.

'I have spied someone in their mid-70s that's doing the 100km ride on a tandem, one of four tandems doing the 100km this year.”

The race takes on a scenic route from Mount Maunganui to Whakatane encompassing Te Puke and Paengaroa before tackling the winding terrain of Old Coach Rd to Pukehina Primary School.

Riders then cycle back along the coast on State Highway 2 passing the pristine sandy beach line to Matata and on to Whakatane before emptying the tank in a sprint finish outside Morpeth Park.

The 50 km race from Pukehina School begins 10am.

Along with the individual riders, three colleges will battle it out for the Secondary Schools 50 km Challenge title – Cambridge High School, Tauranga Boys' College and Whakatane High School.

Defending champions Napier Boys' High School have relinquished the title after opting not to return this year.

With a slim chance of rain forecast, Steve says the event will only be called off if persistent rain and wind greet riders on Sunday.

MetService currently forecasts long fine spell with the chance of a shower on Sunday.

But no matter what the event, with a mainly flat terrain, and the odd hill thrown in, is great for riders to get out enjoy the scenery and coastline as well as exercise.

Each year a portion of the race entry fee is donated to Waipuna Hospice – between $3000 and $4000.

The 100 km race starts 9.15am from Mount Maunganui College, and the 50 km race from Pukehina School begins 10am. Both rides finish at Rex Morpeth Park, Whakatane.

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