Mountain bike classic reincarnated

A mountain biking event in Martinborough has made a comeback and will hopefully be a regular event again, event organisers say.

The Martinborough Skyline Challenge mountain bike ride and walking event was held last Saturday and aimed to raise funds for the Wharekaka Home for the Elderly Transport Vehicle Appeal.

It was last held in 2007 and in response to demand it was decided to reinstate the challenge, which is set on the historic sheep stations of Huangarua, Puruatanga and Oystershell.

The Martinborough Lions ran the event and president Graeme Thomson said next year it could be "bigger, brighter and better".

People from all over the Wellington region took part on different courses with varying levels of difficulty.

"We had 131 participants over four events riding, running and walking around the hills of Martinborough on a glorious Saturday morning," said Lee Quayle, event publicist.

Tobias Maugg from Karori said it was a tough but awesome ride with great views.

"It was harder than I thought, some of the hills were steep."

Mr Quayle said there was lots of positive feedback and many people said they would return for it.

He said it was no easy ride for participants, especially those doing the 22km challenge.

"We had riders taking as long to do this ride as they took to do the Karapoti Classic and that's three times longer."

He said they were happy with the success of the fundraiser.

"While we could have done with more people, we are grateful to those who turned up and supported the ride, and the charity."

All proceeds will be used to pay for the operating costs of the van the resthome residents use to go on outings.

Mr Quayle thanked all the sponsors and supporters.