Take a mountain bike, some of the best scenery in New Zealand and a group of passionate Rotarians and what do you get? The revitalisation of the Ohope Ordeal, a mountain bike race over the hills of Ohope Beach that had gained momentum over a four year period, but it was cancelled in 2010 due to burnout of the original committee.
Rotary Club of Whakatane West believed in the Ohope Ordeal and the benefits that this event gives the wider community. Led by a group of enthusiastic Rotarians, Whakatane West saw an opportunity to bring to the table the expertise and manpower to run such an event - an event which would give the Club a higher profile in the Bay of Plenty and add a major annual fundraiser fixture to their calendar.
On June 4, 2011 Whakatane West Rotary relaunched the Ohope Ordeal and it was a resounding success. Exhausted riders, buzzing from the challenge and the fact they had completed the Ordeal, were exhilarated:
“Wow awesome ride!!”
“I’m going to be sore for weeks”
“Done it! Fantastic! Who said I was too old?”
With nearly100 bikers ranging in age from early teens to those in their mid seventies, and Ordeal virgins to World Cup racers, all turned up for the two course ordeal of 30km or 15km (for the more relaxed participant). They battled the elements of rain, wind and cold at the reinvented Ohope Ordeal. Top New Zealand rider Karen Hanlen was the overall winner. She was excited to be racing on home turf. Participant Helen Dobbin said the short course was “fantastic, especially the last section flying through the fields above Ohope Beach”. Long course third place getter Donovan Jackson described the course “varied and very challenging, well organised and looking forward to the next one”.
Whakatane West Rotary is already underway organising the next Ohope Ordeal for 2012. Register for March now. Go to www.whakatane.com under events then sport for further information, and dates will be confirmed on the website. The Rotarian contact is Alistair Hamilton email alistair.hamilton27@yahoo.co.nz.
Submitted by: Alistair Hamilton, Rotary Club of Whakatane West, District 9930
Submitted by: Alistair Hamilton, Rotary Club of Whakatane West, District 9930
