Spinstars cycling up storm to help charity

Dunedin businesswomen (from left) Samantha Cross, Lynne Harrison, Gabby Morris and Bronwyn Shute...
Dunedin businesswomen (from left) Samantha Cross, Lynne Harrison, Gabby Morris and Bronwyn Shute are training to ride in the Tour of New Zealand to raise funds for Bikes in Schools. Photo by Linda Robertson.
By day, they are just like most other Dunedin businesswomen - in heels and work apparel.

But come early evening, you will hardly recognise Cutler's Real Estate sales consultant Gabby Morris, Digiart and Design Ltd shop manager Samantha Cross, family law barrister Lynne Harrison and Crowe Horwath personal assistant Bronwyn Shute.

You are more likely to find them wearing Lycra and riding bicycles.

The quartet - otherwise known as Team Spinstars - are gearing up to compete in the Tour of New Zealand road cycling race, and at the same time they aim to raise $50,000 for the charity Bikes in Schools.

In particular, they plan to purchase a fleet of bikes, bike helmets, a bike storage shed and a purpose-built track for Carisbrook School in South Dunedin.

The women want the children to experience the independence and skill development of regular bike riding. Carisbrook School pupils are learning cycling skills through the Dunedin City Council's South Dunedin Cycling Project, which is being introduced in conjunction with the South Dunedin Cycle Network, and makes use of the new dedicated cycleways in the area.

However, the women were concerned many pupils at the school did not have access to their own bikes or helmets, which meant they were less likely to retain the skills taught in the programme.

Carisbrook School principal Ben Sincock said having a fleet of bikes and a purpose-built track at the school would mean his pupils could continue to build their competence and confidence on bikes, and enjoy increased health, fitness, self-esteem and independence.

Team Spinstars will meet Carisbrook School pupils tomorrow, and take those who have participated in the Cycle Skills Training Programme on a ride to the Family Bike Wise event at Hancock Park.

Ms Morris said Team Spinstars was ''full-on'' with training, but they were looking forward to sharing the joy of cycling with the children.

''We love cycling and we want to see kids confident and biking at an early age,'' she said.

The Tour of New Zealand starts on April 11.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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