Graeme Simpson: Team backs ball for park funds

So much of the work on the trails and various mountain bike events is done by people in their own time. It is proof that the spirit of our community is alive and well.

And so is raising money for good causes.

The Mountain Biker's Ball will be on Saturday September 14. The dress code is bow ties and bike shorts and all proceeds will go to the James Dodds Memorial Fund.

"The fund immortalises a hero of this community and will be used to maintain the bike skills park being built in his name," says Gregg Brown, from the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and one of the ball organisers.

The event is the brainchild of local artist and mountain biker, Jamie Pickernell.

"We don't do this sort of stuff, enough," continues Brown. 'We ride together, of course, but this is a chance to have some fun and at the same time celebrate Dodzy's life and raise some money."

The ball is a real team effort. Kim McVicker from South Star Shuttles is co-ordinating ticket sales and finances. Rob Smail and Mike Metz are handling ticket sales from Bike Culture in Pukuatua St. Nzo's Gaz Sullivan is looking after the artwork and marketing.

The Holiday Inn will host the ball with drinks at 5.30pm and dinner at 7pm. Local bands Swamp Thing and LOL will provide music until late.

Tickets will be on sale at Bike Culture at 10am on July 1 first in, first served and cash only. Meanwhile, register for more information: www.facebook.com/RotoruaMountainBikeClub/events. It will be a memorable evening.

"We're also planning an auction and it's not too early to donate items for that," Brown says.

You can email him at gregg.brown@pigandwhistle.co.nz if you have something to donate or for general inquiries about the ball.

"The Yeah Boi Sick race just before Christmas, raised around $9000 for the skills park build and we'd like to match or better that," adds Brown.

"Income from the Ball will go to the Memorial Fund to pay for the ongoing upkeep of the park."

You can also donate to the Memorial Fund at any time, through the Geyser Foundation website - geysercf.org.nz.

The success of the 2013 Pig & Whistle New Zealand Singlespeed Championships hosted by the Singlespeed Society last month resulted in a windfall for the local Cancer Society. More details soon, but it's another example of a community at work and that events that are primarily for fun can have a serious heart and soul.

One of the advantages about living over the road from the forest is we don't have to worry about a bike rack for the car. However, if you do have a tailgate or tow bar mounted rack and it obscures your number plate, you can be fined. Have a think about a supplementary plate from www.licensys.com

Bryan Cohen of L.I. Lighting in Nelson is making plate holders that are perfect for fitting to bike racks. A basic unit costs $65 and one with LED brake indicator and plate lamp is $115. It's a backyard operation but they are well put together units. If you want to avoid a fine and demerit points you can email Bryan at l.i.lighting@xtra.co.nz.