Plans for fun ride

Press, 4 February 1984, Page 8

Plans for fun ride

Hundreds of cyclists are expected to take part in “The Press” and Canterbury Cyclists’ Association fun ride j>n Sunday, February 12.

The recreational, cycle ride is in its fifth year, and true to style will offer three routes of differing lengths to suit all levels of fitness. All routes will start from The Princess Margaret Hospital car-park at 9 a.m. and traverse the flat countryside round Tai Tapu and Lincoln. The 40km route, suitable for family groups including those with young children, will return via Ladbrooks to the starting point. The 60km route deviates through Springston South, while the 100 km route (for the more adventurous and fit) passes through Motukarara, Gebbies Pass, and round the harbour bays to Lyttelton. This route will return to the start via Evans Pass and Sumner.

Cyclists will be divided into three groups, each starting at a different time. This, should prevent the congestion of cyclists that marred the start of last year’s ride, according to a Canterbury Cyclists’ Association organiser, Mr Andrew Macbeth. It should also make for safer road riding, he said, with cyclists forming a long string rather than staying in a big bunch on the road. The fun ride attracted more cyclists of all agegroups each year, said Mr Macbeth. This was perhaps indicative of the growing popularity of cycling within Canterbury.

The number of people cycling to work increased 10 per cent each year between 1976 and 1981, according to the latest census figures (1981), and the trend seems to be continuing. On any workday 13,000 people cycle to work within the greater

Christchurch area. The entry fee is $1 a person or $2 a family. Entrants can register this week at “The Press,” office in Cathedral Square, or from 8 a.m. on the day at the starting point. Entrants will be able to start any time from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Should the weather prove inclement postponement of the event will be announced on the morning of the ride by local radio stations. All riders who complete a course by 4 p.m. will receive a certificate and stand a chance of winning prizes offered by various sponsors. “But there is no first prize — it is a fun ride, not a race,” said Mr Macbeth.

Proceeds from the fun ride will go towards association projects such as the publishing of publicity and educational material for cyclists.