Rodney wins Mayoral cycle challenge

It is official – Rodney District is cycle-mad having won this year’s Mayoral cycle challenge ahead of 39 other cities and districts.

Held in the rain on 2 March, 1500 Rodney residents including Mayor Penny Webster, MP Lockwood Smith, staff from the emergency services, local celebrities and sports stars got on their bikes to take the title of New Zealand’s most cycle-mad city ahead of Hutt Valley and Wellington City Councils.

Rodney District Council’s travel planner, Belinda Matheson, says the support of the community and sponsors made the event the success it was.

“It was due to the tireless support of the volunteers on the day and our numerous sponsors that the event surpassed our expectations,” says Ms Matheson.

“This year’s focus was on children and family, and despite the weather the cycle challenge gave Rodney families the opportunity to experience something new and exciting,” she says.

One seven year old boy from Red Beach, Nevada Dennison, summed it all up when he said ‘we got our faces painted in the rain and the big race was real fun’.

“I got a little tired in the race, but I still kept on going,” he said.

Ms Matheson would like to extend a huge thank you to all the riders and the sponsors including Fulton Hogan, New World Orewa and Downer EDI Works who supported the event.

“Without the community's support, it would be impossible for the council to hold such a successful event – we really appreciate it,” says Ms Matheson.

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