Let's saddle up to support Olympic hopeful Hanlen

The newly constructed Onepu Park will be hosting a fundraising event for Whakatane's Olympic hopeful Karen Hanlen on Sunday.

Onepu Park, situated on State Highway 30 near Braemar Rd, is a new mountain biking park built on a Norske Skog Tasman forestry lot.

The official opening for the park will also be on Sunday, where a blessing will be held before the Karen Hanlen Olympic Dream fundraiser begins.

The day begins at 9.45am with a duathlon through the park's new trails. At 10.30am, a mountain bike fun ride will begin and then at noon, an 8km or 16km mountainbike race will take place. There will also be walking events and children's events on the day and all proceeds from entry costs will go towards the Karen Hanlen Olympic Dream fund.

Around 16km of tracks have been opened to the public and there are plans for more.

Onepu Community Park Care Group member Heidi Wana said the tracks were easier going for learner mountain bikers.

"It is a real family and beginner rider-oriented track. People shouldn't be intimidated going in there - that's what I like about it."

The costs for the fundraiser are $5 for a child under 13, $15 for an adult and $30 for a family.

A Fun Cycle Ride will also be taking place as a fundraiser for Hanlen just down the road at a cost of $20 per rider.

For more information on the fundraiser, contact Bill Clark on (07) 322 8401.

For information about the Fun Cycle Ride, contact Kevin McComb on (07) 308 7112.