Last Saturday was the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. This iconic event sees 8-10,000 cyclists converge on Taupo and attempt to complete the 160km circuit of New Zealand's largest lake. Both Jeff and I have done it a few times and now we have a new cycling star in the family!
This year there was a new addition to the options offered. Along with the usual solo or relay riders, this year you could be an accumulative rider! This meant one rider would ride the complete 160km and, at specified points around the lake, would pick up their other rider. They would then complete the remainder of the journey, crossing the finish line together.
Olivia decided earlier in the year she would like to attempt this challenge so the entry was made! Finally the day dawned and after seeing Jeff off very early in the morning to start his ride, Olivia and I travelled down to Taupo and then on to Motuoapa where Jeff would stop and pick up Olivia.
We had a bit of a wait as we got there very early-better to be organised and have some time to sit around and (try to) relax! I enjoyed free coffee from the Holden sponsors tent :) and Olivia tried to calm her nerves by the edge of the lake.
She wore a Forestland Wheelers club shirt-this is our local cycling club who do a great job of supporting junior riders. The team number was 10313 and Jeff and Olivia had decided on the name "Cycling Nuts" for their team! All this info is printed on the race number pinned to her back.
Finally, Jeff arrived and it was time to get going. By now the relay changeover was getting quite busy but Olivia was very composed and set of confidently. Suddenly I was the nervous one, hoping all would go well for her. She had 40km ahead of her and a massive hill to conquer - Hatepe hill is the dreaded part of the event. It is a 1.7km climb, which has brought grown men to their knees (well, to their feet after they had to stop and walk up the hill!) Olivia was worried about her ability to get up without stopping but we reassured her she just had to do her best and keep going!
And she made it!! All the way to the top without walking! Yay for you, Olivia. Jeff said the smile on her face was priceless! She was so proud of herself and so was he. I was waiting further along the road and it was fantastic to see them both come flying along. Olivia was still grinning!
Then I drove back to Taupo to wait for them at the finish line. By now the wind was getting stronger and it was looking like rain. Luckily it held off till later.
Then, there they were! Crossing the finish line with very proud smiles! Olivia's 40km took 1:58 and Jeff's total ride was 5:58-an awesome effort by both of them. So very proud of my cyclists :)
Of course, all that effort requires refuelling! Here we are enjoying some well-earned food with friends. The cafes in Taupo do a roaring trade this weekend with all those hungry cyclists and supporters to feed. There's no leftovers on those plates!
Yep, it's a rough job being supporter! No glamour shot here, folks!! :)
I didn't think Olivia would be so keen to get back on a bike so quickly but she couldn't pass up this one. Apparently it is made from a car tyre!! She didn't stay on long though-I think her butt was a little tender!!
Then it was on to prize giving...in the rain :( We stood around with more friends but to no avail-no prizes for us this year. But it really doesn't matter because it was enough to just see the pride in Olivia's face from her awesome effort.
And it was quite some effort!! Couldn't quite keep her eyes open on the drive home :) What a well-deserved rest, darling. Dad and I are SO very proud of you! We thoroughly enjoyed introducing Olivia to the world of cycling events and look forward to seeing what else she attempts in the future.
