Gutbuster adds new return transport option

Raetihi's annual Gutbuster bike ride has become even more family-friendly.

Founding organiser Lucy Conway said adding a 25km option with return transport meant the more "recreational cyclist" had the opportunity to enjoy the downhill leg without struggling on the return trip back to town.

"I was talking to a couple of parents after the Gutbuster last year and they said they would have loved to have made the longer ride down to Pipiriki but, really didn't think their kids were going to be able to make the trip back. Fifty kilometres is a little on the long side for most kids.

"The solution seemed obvious. I had a chat to local company Dempsey Buses and this year we are going to have a bus that will bring people back from the river if they want."

Lucy said she and her husband Mike Conway had decided to start the event three years ago as a way to celebrate the completion of the project to fully seal the road to Pipiriki.

"Many locals have taken the opportunity to make the journey down to the river but we often found that out-of-towners had been put off by the unsealed sections. Now it's an easy drive and taking the time to cycle it is a great way to enjoy the mountain views, rolling farm land and stunning native bush.

"Whether you are the fittest road-racer or a family who likes to get out in the weekends on the mountain bikes for a tiki-tour, it's a chance to celebrate the amazing scenery we are lucky enough to have right on our back doorstep in Raetihi."

The 18km ride costs $10, 50km $25 and 25km (including return by bus) $37. Entries taken after Friday cost an additional $10 and the return bus needs to be booked by March 24.

Every entrant will receive a goodie bag and there are spot prizes up for grabs. More information about the event and entry forms are available online at: www.rideruapehu.com