The Lions Club mountain bike ride, run and walk was cancelled at the last minute on ANZAC weekend due to heavy rain and flooding.
“We had worked hard in the last few days to make contingency plans and safety improvements so that the event could proceed, but we were just overwhelmed by the huge amount of rain in the preceding 24 hours to the scheduled start time,” says Skyline Challenge spokesperson Lee Quayle. “The course was flooded in many places and severely flooded in some. Other areas of the hillside were simply too wet and slippery for foot or bike traffic,” he added.
It was a disappointment to all concerned, especially for the 170 participants who had entered the annual event. “Before the wet weather of April (and March, and February. . .) we had been on track to have a record number of entrants to the event. As the day got closer and the rain remained persistent, numbers plateaued.” says Lee. “Lots of these people had trained hard and prepared for the day, only to be disappointed at the cancellation.” A large portion of entries are from families and includes children and youngsters entering their first event.
“The Skyline is a major fundraiser for Martinborough Lions each year,” says Lee. This year’s charity is the Martinborough Pump Track Project. Refunds were offered to the entrants but 90% of those entered agreed to donate their entry fee towards the charity project. “We’re absolutely delighted with this response. It means the club is able to meet our commitment to the pump track project. It’s a wonderful reflection on the generosity of the local community.”
Many thanks go to the Lions club members and helpers, and especially Henry Carr, John Taylor and Graeme Thomson.
This event is only made possible by the generosity of the farm owners who allow access to their properties, as without their tremendous support the event would never happen.
Special thanks go to: Charlie Cresswell and Toby Rowland and shepherd Jake of Huangarua. James Bruce of Martinborough Station. Mason Topp of Oystershell Station.
This event also involves many people who gave their time , energy and equipment freely for this charity event.
And also: Grant Langlands of Langlands Motorcycles, Martinborough motorcycle club – Simon Beveridge, Jim Clark and others, David Bray for supplying the walkie talkies, Craig and Rachael Colton for use of motor bike trailer, Kitcheners Dairy – Bruce and Sue Sullivan and Pat Church, Glenys Hansen, Mitre 10 Pain and Kershaw, Masterton Multisport.
