Lower Hutt Bike The Trail Promises Family Fun

NEWS RELEASE
from Leisure Active

3 February 2009

Avanti Plus Lower Hutt Bike The Trail Promises Family Fun

Avanti Plus Lower Hutt Bike the Trail, Sunday 22 February, 9am

It’s time to pump up the tyres, grease the chain and get out-and-about on two wheels to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views with the Avanti Plus Lower Hutt Bike the Trail bike ride on Sunday 22 February.

The Bike the Trail event is also the Hutt Valley’s entry to the Bike Wise Month Mayoral Challenge. During February cities and towns from all over New Zealand will compete to get the most people riding along with their mayor. Both Mayors Wayne Guppy (Upper Hutt) and David Ogden (Lower Hutt) are raring to go.

Duncan Chisholm, Recreation and Events Manager for Hutt City Council and Maria Roddick, Active Recreation Manager for Upper Hutt City Council say the Bike the Trail event is a great opportunity to have fun and be active while showing support for Hutt Valley.

“We were very proud of second place in last year’s effort with 1820 cyclists taking part, but this year we hope to do even better. We want New Zealand to know that the Hutt Valley is a cycle-mad force to be reckoned with” says Mr Chisholm

“Cycling is a healthy and fun way to get around. And you get extra brownie points for being environmentally friendly! If you don’t usually cycle, this would be a great opportunity to discover its joys! So dig that bike out of the shed, or borrow one, and come along. You’d be cycle to miss out” adds Ms Roddick

This will be the fourth Mayoral Challenge and the competition gets bigger every year.

As with previous years’, there will be two options available for cyclists – 12km or 25km. Both options promise exercise and lots of fun for all ages along the scenic Hutt River Trail.

The 12km route begins at Stokes Valley and the 25km option winds its way from Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt to Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone.

Cyclists can bike the route at their own pace and are encouraged to just enjoy the ride and the atmosphere. Taken at a leisurely pace, the ride should take families with children about two to three hours to complete, dependent on ability and number of stops.

Not only will participants help boost the Hutt Valley’s points tally, they’ll also get to enjoy a free barbecue and entertainment from local Petone based reggae outfit Hikoikoi at the finish, as well as the chance to win some great spot prizes including Avanti bikes.

Free return transport is available for cyclists and their bikes will be available back to the start points from 11am to 1pm.

While the ride itself is free to all, cyclists should register in advance by visiting www.bikethetrail.co.nz.

Bike the Trail is organised by Leisure Active (Hutt City Council) and Activation (Upper Hutt City Council) and supported by the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the New Zealand Community Trust.

For more information on events taking place in the Hutt Valley over summer, pick up a copy of the Summer Scene booklet or the Lively Parks brochure from any Council facility or visit www.summerscene.co.nz.

ENDS

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