Recently council candidates were asked by HB Today if we support the $120,000 financial contribution Hastings makes to Horse of the Year annually.
We've been told that the event brings about $12m into the district, a figure that some question since many of those participating stay within the confines of the showgrounds for a week.
The gift horse to me for sustainable economic benefit isn't HOY but instead the national and international cycle tourism market.
As other regions invest heavily into cycling trails, Hawke's Bay's effort is disjointed, yet probably offers the most in untapped potential.
For three years a small group of us have been trying to get a network of cycle trails to connect Havelock North village with the Rotary pathway trails, the i-way network, the road cycling nirvana of the Tukituki Loop, the BMX track in Havelock and the jewel in our tourism crown, Te Mata Peak.
If you think about it, Havelock North provides a mecca for all types of cycling - road, trail, mountain bike, BMX as well as a commuting network.
If we package it all up well we are on our way to having a tourism activity that operates 365 days a year, rather than relying on events such as HOY.
In cycling terms we have a lot of competitive advantages over other regions. We have good weather year round, a vibrant village with a wide range of hospitality and retail options, nearby wineries, accommodation galore (including a 5-star hotel), as well as other recreational activities at our beaches and rivers.
I believe we need to capture this market. It is estimated that 2.5million cycle tourists visit New Zealand annually. We need to market Hastings & Havelock North as the cycling capital of New Zealand for all ages and fitness levels.
A family can spend a full weekend exploring the cycling options - Dad can go for a MTB ride, Mum can explore the pathways and the kids can go the BMX track. The following day they can all go for a ride together. Mature adults have all the same options and can tag on a couple more days and head across to Napier, Esk Valley and beyond.
To do so we need better marketing of the trail network and a vibrant village environment that is open to visitors seven days a week.
The Havelock North domain is currently being redeveloped and it will be a fantastic asset.
To enhance its new look it needs additional facilities that will create a hub - a start and end point for cyclists and walkers alike.
The domain needs a large trail map to help riders select the route they are going to ride; provision for a bike wash-down bay and a bike tool station similar to what's on Napier's Marine Parade.
I see a huge opportunity for new bike and walk tour operators setting up in the village providing tours from one hour to many hours. Some tours will be more leisurely with a winery tour while others will be lung-bursting adrenaline rides on Te Mata Peak.
There are many international economic impact studies on cycle tourism and proof of the growth is a $20 million MTB park in Christchurch that sought private investment and which was fully subscribed. The park opens later this year and will provide over 125 fulltime jobs.
Lastly - the other benefit of the track network is for us - the entire community. Unlike HOY, we can all participate and explore the trails, which in turn improves our health and wellbeing.
Events are great and important but but they only happen for a short time. Investment in our cycling network is bolder yet less risky and will attract visitors throughout the year.
It's a win-win.
■Damon Harvey is director of ATTN! Marketing PR and is running for a seat on the Hastings District Council in the upcoming local government elections.