BOP Coast 'n Country Cycle Challenge preview

The first Bay of Plenty Coast'n Country Cycle Challenge will begin in Whakatane this Sunday.

Described as a ride achievable for all, the 100km cycle challenge travels along a scenic route starting at The Strand in Whakatane and ending at Mount Maunganui College.

It is a mostly flat ride and takes in beaches, kiwifruit orchards and countryside.

Organiser Steve Hall said the cycle challenge was set to be an annual fixture.

"The BOP Coast'n Country Cycle Challenge is an event over mainly flat terrain, and the hill work is only moderate - a ride achievable for all with a bit of training. Accept the challenge and be one of the riders that competed in the inaugural BOP Coast'n Country Cycle Challenge," he said.

Mr Hall said the ride travelled through the Bay of Plenty kiwifruit belt and was held during the kiwifruit harvest time.

The race starts at 9am outside 1XX on The Strand.

Winding out of Whakatane, Mr Hall says it is a mainly flat ride towards Tauranga, travelling on State Highway 2 and passing alongside the sandy coastline of Matata to Otamarakau.

Riders then leave the main highway for the country, taking Old Coach Rd to Paengaroa, where they will then resume riding on the highway and head towards Te Puke.

Continuing from Te Puke and turning into Bell Rd the riders make their way through the edge of Papamoa towards Mount Maunganui. They then continue towards Mount Maunganui along Papamoa Beach to the finish line at Mount Maunganui College.

For cyclists not wanting to make the full 100km journey, there was also a shorter 40km option beginning at Paengaroa and finishing at the college.

Individuals, tandem riders and school teams were all invited to compete in the cycle challenge.

The 100km riders are asked to be ready outside 1XX at 8.45am on Sunday. The 40km riders are to be ready at 10.15am outside Paengaroa School.

To register, visit the website www.coastncountrycyclechallenge.co.nz by 9pm Saturday.

For more details, contact Mr Hall on 027 233 3310.