Locals turn out in force for Mayoral Challenge

Last night’s Franklin Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge saw 737 participants jump on their bikes, trikes, tandems and unicycles to show their support for Franklin and compete against the big cities.

The Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge is a national community event where Mayors from around New Zealand are challenged to see who can get the most people cycling behind them.

The event at Pukekohe Park Raceway saw families, friends, the old and the young join together to compete for the title of ‘Cycle Mad District’ and enjoy a night of fun cycling and entertainment on the iconic track.

Franklin District Mayor Mark Ball says, “The Mayoral Challenge was a fantastic family night, with the community really supporting us as we competed against the ‘big guys’ – the largest cities in New Zealand, and showcased how fun and easy it is to cycle. We had a great turn out of participants, beating the 600 odd who took part last year. It’s events such as these where you can sense the community spirit here in Franklin, and it really makes me proud to represent this community. Thank you Franklin for getting behind this great event.”

A highlight of the event was the Drivers Drag Sprint, where Franklin’s motorsport drivers tackled an 800m cycle sprint. Paul Manuell (V8) was the winner on the night, with other participants including Mack Peach (V8), Michael Bristow (V8), Nick Speedy (Rally), Miles Pope (V8), Gary Bogaart (Drag) and Ross Taylor (Drag), with Stumpy Holmes (Rally) and his co-driver and brother Paul (Noddy) Holmes on a tandem cycle. Full credit goes to those who wore their full racing suits for the event.

Driver Ross Taylor says, “The Drivers Drag Sprint was lots of fun, for those of us participating and those watching. It’s great to get involved in a community event such as this, and motorsport drivers are always up for a bit of friendly rivalry! I’d have to say though – it’s pretty hot cycling in my fire protection five layer suit and boots!”

The festival-like event featured the sounds of DJ Lenny, a sausage sizzle, free healthy snacks and spot prizes. New Zealand’s fastest cyclist, local Justin Grace, showed the crowd just how fast he can go in a special demonstration, clocking 90kph on the Police radar.

The main prize, an Avanti bike, was won by Oscar Harvey-Hayward (8) from Tuakau, with twelve Bell cycle helmets also given away.

Mark says, “This is a true community event, which has seen great support not only from Council, but Counties Manukau Sport, Pukekohe Police, Pukekohe Park Raceway, Full Throttle Motorcycles, Bike Barn, Counties Cycles, Pak ‘N Save, Franklin County News, Transfield, Franklin Pakeke Lions, Franklin Sport Swim and Fitness, Counties Fitness and Health, Sunset Coast Franklin BMX Club, Café Berne and McDonalds.”

The Mayoral Challenge is a highlight of Bike Wise month, which aims to raise the profile of cycling and active transportation, to get more people onto their bicycles.

“Bike Wise is a great initiative for Councils to promote healthy communities through active transport,” says Diana Shand, National Manager of the Communities for Climate Protection – New Zealand (CCP-NZ) Programme. “Cycling is an activity that reduces fuel costs and emission outputs and has environmental, economic and health benefits.”

Franklin District Council joined up to the CCP-NZ Programme in 2007 and is steadily working towards reducing emissions. Supporting Bike Wise month is an activity that encourages residents to choose cycling as a regular mode of transport. Cycling is one of the many activities that individuals can do to reduce their own carbon footprint and fuel costs while enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.