Big Easy cyclist and her dog ready to pedal for SPCA

Nicky Martin, and little Lacee, get in a spot of riding prep for Saturday's Big Easy cycle event. Photo / Duncan Brown

There was never going to be any doubt about what Napier woman Nicky Martin was going to be doing on Easter Saturday.

It could only be pedalling as part of The Big Easy cycling day— and fundraising.

She'll be fundraising for the SPCA, which she did last year too, emerging with about $1600.

"Never any doubts about that," she said, adding that although it would be her fourth 42km ride on the full Big Easy trail it would only be the second year she had combined the ride with a spot of fundraising.

It will also, sadly, be the first year she will have only one of her two little cycling passenger chums along.

In the past her rough-coated Jack Russell terriers Lacee and Pypa also enjoyed their big cycling day out — from the special baskets she has fitted to the back of her bike.

But last December, a month before she would have made it to 14 years, Pypa became ill and Ms Martin had to have her put down.

The tears flowed every time she put Lacee into her basket for a ride since — the basket beside her empty.

"And poor Lacee was really missing her mate."

Ms Martin said although it was tough she decided to keep the second basket on.

She had been inspired to do something for the SPCA last year because they had helped her with her dogs through the years, and she said that support would continue when she took part in The Big Easy.

She has made signs asking for donations and as well as the doggy baskets will have collection buckets front and rear.

"I'll also make my way around the concert area at the end of the ride as that was really good last year."

There is no fundraising target though.

"I will just be grateful for anything I can get for them ... if it's only $100 it'll be $100 they didn't have before."

And despite past health issues and "my knees" she was always going to do the big ride.

Even if it kills me," she said with a laugh.

"Age and health doesn't matter — I'm not too bad."

And as she said — "it's all pedalling ... no electrics".

Ms Martin's only concern in terms of riding conditions was the wind factor.

"It got up a bit last year so I'm praying for no wind this time."

Her prayers may be answered. WeatherWatch's long-range forecast for Saturday is for generally clear skies, a temperature of 23C and a relatively gentle nor'nor'easter topping out at 14km/h.

The Big Easy has two courses — the 42km/h ride from Black Barn which runs through Clive, Awatoto, Ahuriri and out to Church Rd Winery, which kicks off at 10am, and the Family Big Easy of 28km from Clive through to Church Rd, which gets under way at 10.30am.

The day will conclude with a concert which kicks off at Church Rd at 2pm featuring local artists IRIS and Sweetwater, before The Magnificent Seven take the stage.

The "seven" are Jordan Luck, Peter Urlich, Eddie Raynor, Brett Adams, Dave Gent, Bryan Bell and Patrick Khutze.

Details about the annual event, which attracted about 1700 riders of all ages last year, can be found at thebigeasy.co.nz website.