A new generation for The Maunga Challenge

Rotarians Elizabeth Wright and Chris Kay present the bikes to the cycling club

After nine great years based in Te Awamutu, 2015 sees the Maunga Cycle Challenge operating from a new home and under new management for the 10^th anniversary event on November 15.

Previously the event has been organised by the Rotary Club of Te Awamutu, NZ with the assistance of Te Awamutu Sports Cycling Club and Sport Waikato Energizers from 2006 to 2014, bringing hundreds of local, national and international riders to the district each year, with events off and on road, catering for all ages and abilities. 

Instigator of the event Rotarian Vic Richards says, “The event brought the community together, with great support from local businesses, volunteers, Rotarians from neighbouring clubs, schools, Waipa Council and Waikato businesses”. Over the years, the community profited in the form of scholarships, purchase of road bikes and $15,000 to the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust’s education facility.

Increased event management demands and the retirement of several key members of the organising group have resulted in exciting changes for the event.

Relocating to the magnificent venue and facilities at Karapiro, a new chapter in the history of this iconic event will begin.

New management team Red Events operate many of their existing cycling and triathlon events from Mighty River Domain which has become one of the best event locations in NZ.

Vic added, “It’s clear that The Maunga Cycle Challenge has a great future and thanks to everyone for their past involvement”.

Rotary are thrilled to see the event continue evolve and grow and also look forward to continuing to support its future development.

New information about the event is easily accessed at www.themaungachallenge.co.nz or www.redevents.co.nz or email Errol Newlands errol@onyabike.co.nz for more information.

The 10^th Maunga Cycle Challenge will be on November 15.  Online registrations will open on September 14 to save your slot. 

Pedal pushers

100km peloton around Maungatautari Mountain

The Rotary Club of Te Awamutu, NZ,  is proud to present the Maunga Cycle Challenge, an event for the community, which promotes the Waipa District and the wider Waikato, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and provides a challenge of riding around the majestic Maungatautari Mountain. The event start and finish on the second Sunday in November is at Albert Park in Te Awamutu and it has attracted over 500 riders.

Rotarian organizer Elizabeth Wright says the Maunga Cycle Challenge is open to a diverse range of riders, attracting everyone from families keen for a bit of fun and family time, to professionals looking to stretch their legs in the 100km ride around Maungatautari Mountain.

Other distances are the Livingston 3 person relay, 30km or 12km family ride. Other popular events have been the Battle of Champions between elite rowers and cyclists, a school team competition and the Sport Waikato Energizes running a programme for children on the park.

The charity of choice is the Trusts Education Facility. Five dollars from the 30km and 100km entries assists with purchase of resources for visiting school groups of children and visitors to learn about the flora and fauna of the mountain. All further profits are directed straight back into the community. 

The Maunga is a growing community event and draws volunteers from local clubs and businesses, with the latter providing product and cash prizes. Waikato businesses also assist with advertising, web design and the Waipa Council with advice and financial support.

On the day, the local cycle club helps with registrations and other Rotarians from Kihikihi and Otorohanga assist the committee with the many jobs to ensure the smooth running of the event. Up to 60 volunteers assist annually with the Maunga.

A short video on the website themaungachallenge.co.nz showcases the beautiful surrounds of the mountain and river.

The tenth Maunga Cycle Challenge will be on November 8 [2015]. Online registrations will open in September to save your slot.