Mountain biking: Rotorua Singlespeed Society donates $20,000 to Lifeline

Gary Hall in action at the 2017 Singlespeed Mountain Bike World Championships in Rotorua. Photo / File

An eccentric and flamboyant mountain bike event has resulted in a windfall for suicide prevention.

The Rotorua Singlespeed Society has made a donation of $20,000 to Lifeline Aotearoa after the success of the 2017 Singlespeed World Championships in the city in November, with 499 entries from around New Zealand and the world.

"Singlespeed events are mainly about having a laugh and dressing up to race around the forest on one-geared bikes," said society president Gaz Sullivan.

"To be able to make a contribution to something as serious as suicide prevention is a considerable bonus."

Lifeline executive director Glenda Schnell said she was "thrilled" by the contribution.

"The society's donation will help 800 people needing support. Our helplines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and with no government funding we rely solely on fundraising and community support to respond to every caller, reduce distress and save lives," Schnell said.

Lifeline receives more than 10,000 calls per month.

"We help an average of six people who are imminently at risk every day. A caller recently told us 'I just wanted to thank your team for helping me out during a very tough time over Christmas, I have you to thank for my continued safety and wellbeing'," she said.

The Rotorua Singlespeed Society is also donating $3000 in signage and equipment to the volunteer working bee crews who help maintain the Rotorua mountain bike trail network.

"They're the people on the ground, literally, giving up their own time to make our trails some of the very best in the world," Sullivan said.

The society committee has a final $6000 to donate which is under discussion.

Committee member Paul Laing said it was looking at other options in the mental health area.

Long-term sponsors are a big part of the society's success.

'Local businesses, charitable trusts and Rotorua Lakes Council all help make this possible. The donations we're making are in their names and on behalf of all the riders and volunteers who make it happen," Laing said.

Since 2008 the society has run three New Zealand and one Anzac Singlespeed Championships, as well as the World Championships for the first time in 2010. Including this year's donations, it has given more than $60,000 to various charities.

"We're a part of the community and they support us. So, we support them right back," Laing said.

The society is also backing the 2018 New Zealand Singlespeed Champs in Waihi on April 21.

Where to get help
Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354.
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757.
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116.
Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666.
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633.