Annual bike event dedicated to the memory of Fred Ogle

Paul Fancy had been planning to start a new annual bike race for a while _ but the death of Whangarei cyclist Fred Ogle in a hit-and-run gave him a whole new motivation.
The Avantiplus Fred Ogle Memorial Ride will take in the same roads Mr Ogle was riding when he was killed in August, with signs and markings provided by Integrated Traffic Solutions, Fred Ogle's former employers.
Since then, on September 23, another Whangarei cyclist, Lynley McDonald, died after she was hit by a stock truck on Pipiwai Rd.
Mr Fancy said the November 9 race, with 25km, 50km or 110km options, was an ideal prelude to the popular 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge later in November, and also a chance to support and promote cycle safety.
Mr Fancy said many riders rode the Hell of the North race - held last weekend - as a pre-Taupo hit-out, but it was a hard ride with lots of hills, which "puts a lot of people off".
"This ride is 110km but it's pretty flat."
Entrants receive a bike light as part of their race pack and any proceeds from the race would go towards more lights.
Mr Fancy recommends lights to all cyclists who visit his Whangarei bike shop and will use the race proceeds to give free lights to anyone who brings their bike in for a service, buys a new bike or comes in and asks.
"It's about being more safety-conscious. I ride with three flashing lights, even during the day."
But he believed the responsibility for cycle safety lay equally with riders and motorists.
"It's a two-way thing. Cyclists need to ensure they ride close as possible to the edge of the road, wear bright clothing and lights so they're seen, and motorists need to give cyclists space."
Mr Fancy said the Ogle family had approved the use of Fred's name in association with the ride.
The winner receives the Fred Ogle Memorial Trophy, a rimu creation by a Whangarei artist.
• For information and entry forms, ring Paul at Avantiplus Cycles on (09) 438 1168 or visit the shop on the corner of Cameron and Walton St, Whangarei. Entry forms also available from LJ Hooker, James St, (09) 438 1332.