Successful second outing for Bike the Bason in Whanganui

On your marks, get set...

Whanganui residents united on Tuesday, racing around the Bason Botanical Gardens to raise almost $600 and counting for Parkinsons New Zealand.

They were at Bike the Bason, an event in its second year, sponsored by Downer and created by two of their employees, Scott Francis and Jason Sturzaker.

Mr Francis said that the event was awesome.

"We had a massive turnout which was cool and we just managed to sneak all the riding in before the rain came.

"We're very keen to do it again, it's good to have kids come out on bikes, have a good time and raise some funds and awareness for these groups."

The event was open to all ages, small kids raced on balance bikes, big kids did two laps of the track, there was an open category and a serious 20 minute race.

In year one, Mr Francis estimated over 40 took part. However, this time around he said there were 70 riders alone, without factoring in supporter numbers.

"Everyone really got behind it this year which was great to see and we had some really cool spot prizes that I think lured a few people down too."

The prizes included two learn to fly experiences provided by Wanganui Aero Club and five gift vouchers given by Doug Rennie of The Bike Shed.

Mr Francis said that they are choosing charities that relate to Kiwis and that are established, and he was looking forward to the event growing even bigger next year.