Challenge numbers down Organisers still pleased with day

LAST CHALLENGE: Saturday’s Mayoral Cycle Challenge looks like the last for Rodney, because it will no longer have a mayor. Mayor Penny Webster leads Rodney District Council chief executive Roger Kerr-Newell through the starting gate.

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About 500 people rode in Saturday's Mayoral Cycle Challenge in Orewa - the lower numbers attributed to postponement of the event on Sunday, February 28, because of Chilean earthquake tsunami warnings.

This was the final challenge in Rodney, because there will be only one Auckland mayor next year.

The moving of the ride, from the Orewa Beach Reserve and Orewa Boulevard, along with the date change, had an impact on numbers.

Rodney District Council sustainable transport co-ordinator Claire Flattery says that, although the numbers riding fell from the thousands who attended last year, the result was still pleasing, considering Saturday sports were on.

The two-kilometre ride started next to the Rodney District Council buildings on the Centreway Reserve and followed the Millennium Walkway to the Western Reserve.

Riders weathered a few showers, but generally the sun shone. Coast Day Out welcomed riders through the finish line at the Western Reserve.

They were entertained there by musicians, rides and activities for children, volleyball hosted by the Coast Youth Community Trust, and could check out stalls and food outlets.

"We had some comments the path was narrow, but we had to work with what we had," Ms Flattery says.

"We couldn't do another road closure application in time.

"It was a great day, though.

"We'd like to thank those people who came along to participate. We hope to continue the cycling tradition with another family-friendly event next year, subject to the new Auckland Council."

- © Fairfax NZ News