Cycle challenge is popular

The increasingly popular Tour de Manawatu Charity Cycle Challenge was held in and around Palmerston North on Sunday in near perfect conditions.

The strong field was made up of riders from throughout the lower North Island, including a strong contingent from Wanganui.

Run by the Fitzherbert Lions Club, the event is now in its 15th year and saw all riders set off from the Square and compete over three different distance events.

There is no doubt that cycling is rapidly becoming New Zealand's number one recreational pursuit and the New Zealand Cycle Trail - or Nga Haeranga - has certainly boosted its profile and made it a more visible and accessible sport that is suitable for all ages.

Last year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment won an international award for the New Zealand Cycle Trail and it is great that New Zealand is being recognised as the home of one of the best cycle trails in the world.

Mountains to the Sea or Nga Ara Tuhono cycleway - which runs from Ruiapehu to Wanganui - is a stunning part of the trail and is becoming an increasingly popular destination ride for overseas tourists and Kiwis.

The trail, which starts in National Park, passes through the Whanganui National Park, includes a 76km jetboat ride down the majestic Whanganui River and ends at the North Mole in Castlecliff.

It uses a combination of local mountain biking tracks, public roads and a jetboat to take riders from the mountains of the Central Volcanic Plateau to the sea in Wanganui. It is a spectacular journey that is rich in natural and cultural heritage with breath-taking scenery all along the way.

The trail is a joint initiative involving the Ruapehu District Council, Whanganui Iwi, Wanganui District Council, Waitomo District Council, Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and it's already making an impact in terms of economic development in the region with boat operators and accommodation providers on the trail reporting a boost in business.

I cycled the Raetihi to Pipiriki section earlier this year - it was a great experience, and I'm very keen to follow the trail all the way to the sea one day.

The New Zealand Cycle Way is certainly a fantastic initiative - great for our regions, for economic development and for tourism. It's a win-win all round.

One last thing:

The Shepherds' Shemozzle was held in Hunterville on Saturday and proved another shining example of a small rural community making the most of their unique environment and capitalising on a great idea.

Hundreds of people converged on "the huntaway capital of New Zealand" for the annual Shemozzle and more than 80 shepherds and their dogs took part in the main event, which was won convincingly by Troy MacDonald of Otairi Station from a pretty strong field.

The children's and teens' events were also full to capacity and keenly contested by a lively bunch of young people.