The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge provides an event for everyone, including those that like to push themselves to the extreme.
The Enduro event was introduced to Cycle Challenge back in 1995 at the suggestion of long-time cyclist and Cycle Challenge participant Peter Barney. The first year 16 riders took up the Enduro challenge - in 2010 a record number of riders took part in the Enduro with 111 in total across the three events. One Enduro rider – Mr Maurice Brown – hasn’t missed one since 1995.
The Extreme Track Enduro Cycle Challenge options include:
Extreme Track Enduro: 2 x round Lake Taupo (320km), starts 1.30am Sat 26 November 2011
Extreme Track Maxi Enduro: 4 x round Lake Taupo (640km), starts 10.30am Fri 25 November 2011
Extreme Track Extreme Enduro: 8 x round Lake Taupo (1280km), Starts 12 noon Wed 23 November 2011
Keith Crate, Enduro Coordinator says the extreme event has been an excellent addition to the Cycle Challenge. “The Enduro has generated great exposure for the event as it is such a massive feat. The extreme cycling options provide our riders with an ‘ultra challenge’ and a great training opportunity for those that aspire to doing such events as the Ride Across America and Audax: Paris-Brest-Paris, the world's oldest Enduro event.”
Mr Crate emphasised that safety has always been the number one consideration with the Enduro. “To stay on your bike for the amount of time our riders do is a significant challenge – both mentally and physically. We are very aware of our participant’s safety and make sure we are taking every precaution.”
In 2011, Endurance Rider Nick Dunne will be attempting a unique 10 lap Enduro to mark the 10 year anniversary of his father’s death. Nick’s father Dan Dunne was a legend and a Cycle Challenge regular since its inception in 1977. When he sadly passed away 10 years ago an award for those participating in Cycle Challenge (any category), who have faced adversity and hardship along the way, was created in his memory and named ‘The Dan Dunne Award’.
Cycle Challenge provides 12 different event options catering for cyclists of all levels. There is still plenty of time to enter the 2011 event, being held on Saturday 26 November 2011. All riders that enter in 2011 (excluding @Heart riders) will automatically be entered into ‘Wheels of Fortune’ – a new loyalty scheme for those who ‘Face the Challenge’ three years in a row (2011, 2012 and 2013). One lucky rider will take home a ‘pot of gold’ estimated to be around $25,000 which will be drawn at Cycle Challenge prize giving in 2013.
To enter the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2011 or find out more about ‘Wheels of Fortune’ go to
www.cyclechallenge.com
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Profile of Nick Dunne who is attempting a ‘unique’ Enduro event in 2011 - 10 laps around Lake Taupo
Age: 33
Occupation: Motor Trimmer at Allcar and Marine Upholstery
Family: Married to Julia, kids Finn 2 ½ and Willow 7 weeks
How many years have you and your family been involved with Cycle Challenge:
I have been involved in the Cycle Challenge since 2001. My dad first entered in 1990 and did every ride until 1998 when he got too sick to ride.
What is your cycling background?
In 2001 Dad died and his bike was sitting in the garage. I had never been to Taupo to ride with him but thought I'd give it a go. I did a 12km ride that day and nearly died! I did a little more training but not enough and chugged around my first lap. While I was on the start line I heard about the 2 lap Enduro. The next year I had a go at that and caught the bug! I have since entered the 2,3,4 and 8 lap rides - some have been a success and some have not. I especially enjoyed the Extreme Enduro last year as I think the longer distances suit me best. I am now training to compete in the 5000km Race Across America next year. I enjoy training and getting out on the roads alone and pushing hard.
What made you decide to do a 10 lap Enduro?
I wanted to do something to honour my dad. It has been 10 years since he passed away and the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge was an event that he loved so much and was a goal for him to push for when he was sick. It is also good training for the crew that will follow me in the Race Across America, and probably the only way I will ever catch up to Colin Anderson!
How do you fit in the training?
I have a very patient family who sacrifice so much to help me train. I do 80% of my training at night and in the early mornings - most nights I start riding at around 9pm and will be home by 2am. I also ride to and from work and do a long 12 hour+ ride on the weekend. I have a mental coach to help with the mental challenges that come with this type of ride. My amazing crew can often be found following me in the early hours of the morning when they should be at home in bed.
What do you love about Cycle Challenge and what makes you come back every year?
The thing I like most about the Cycle Challenge is the fact that there is something for everyone – whether 40kms is a challenge for you or four laps is. I admire the people that are out there just giving it a go. I like to come to the event because it meant so much to my Dad and I love the Enduro and the people competing in them... and you've got to love the hills!
This 10 lap ride is an expensive exercise and I would like to thank Ultimo Custom Clothing for their support.
About the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which attracts over 10,000 cyclists from around New Zealand and overseas, is being held on Saturday 26 November. Cycle Challenge 2011 will be the 35th year the event has been held. There are 12 different cycling events available, catering for cyclists all fitness and ability levels. Cyclists can enter online at www.cyclechallenge.com
The Cycle Challenge is a community event, operated by a charitable trust on behalf of the Taupo Moana Rotary Club. Over 1,000 local volunteers contribute to the event with the proceeds going back into the Taupo community. Contact Energy is the event’s Principal Partner.
@Heart is the official charity of the Cycle Challenge and will be asking riders to support their fundraising page when they enter the event. This year, all monies raised will go towards helping little hearts have a big adventure – at Camp Brave Hearts – a national camp where heart kids aged 8–12 years can participate in a range of outdoor activities in a fun, safe environment under the supervision of a medical team.
For more information contact:
Kay Brake, Event Director
Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Phone 0274 848 219 or email
kay@cyclechallenge.com
Or
Samantha Farr, Media Director
Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Phone 021 625 429 or email
sam@cyclechallenge.com
Visit our website
www.cyclechallenge.com or Facebook page
www.facebook.com/cyclechallenge