Opportunity to ride, walkand run at historic estate

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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