People will have a rare opportunity to walk and cycle the
historic Kuriheka Estate, near Maheno, during Waitangi
weekend.
Scott's Own Sea Scouts is organising a walk-run and mountain
bike trek at Kuriheka after the success of the inaugural
fund-raising event in May last year.
But this year it will be held over two days instead of one,
and it will be earlier in the year to take advantage of
daylight saving.
One of the organisers, Zelie Allan, said it was hoped this
year's event would raise enough money to buy an outboard
motor for a rescue boat bought with last year's proceeds.
This year's event starts on February 6 with a "runners and
walkers" afternoon over a 20km track that takes in scenic
views of the estate and North Otago.
The following day, a mountain bike challenge offering a 20km
ride or a 12km downhill run will be held.
The 20km track consists of an 8km climb from 120m above sea
level climbing to 450m, followed by the 12km downhill ride.
Vehicles will transport bikes and riders who want to do only
the downhill run.
The Windsor "rail trail" will open again for one day in April
for a fundraising "Over the Tunnels" by Waitaki Girls High
School.
Last year's inaugural event exceeded organisers' expectations
when more than 400 people turned up for the mountain bike
ride and walk. This year's event, on April 5, could be
bigger, with the inclusion of a half marathon over the 21km
route from the Windsor to Tokarahi Halls.
It will start about an hour before the bike riders.
The event uses the old Windsor to Tokarahi railway line,
which opened in July 1887 after eight years of construction
and closed in 1926, being incorporated into local farms.
Co-organiser Anne-Marie Elliott said last year's event raised
about $5000 for the school's Parent-Teachers Association and
its Futures Trust.
Registration forms for the event will be distributed to the
school and Oamaru cycle shops in the middle of next month.
People are advised to register before the event, but they can
also do so on the day at the Windsor Hall.
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