Women on Wheels fills fitness void

Mid Canterbury women looking for their first fitness challenge in 2013 don’t need to leave the district - as a new cycling event has been designed especially for them. 

‘Women on Wheels’ in Methven on Saturday 16 February is a replacement event for ‘Girls on Bikes’ (GOB) which heads north this year after debuting in the town three years ago.
Methven farmer, Simon Hampton, who runs multi sport events on the side, says locals were disappointed to lose GOB and asked him to come up with an event to take its place. 

‘Women on Wheels’ will cater for all cycling abilities with three courses ranging from a non-competitive 29km option alongside 46km and 75km competitive routes.

“The 75 km course is the same as the ‘Girls On Bikes’ course and we have added a 46 km course which is achievable for most riders. The 29 km course is for anyone who wants to be part of the event without the stress of a race event. You can use any roadworthy cycle and really take as long as you like. For first timers it gives you something to train for without too much pressure,” says Simon.

Methven cyclist, Anna Johnson, says local women are thrilled Simon is offering a replacement event as they are now used to having a cycling challenge to train for in February.

“Girls on Bikes did a great job but it’s nice to see a local step up,” says Anna.

Keeping to similar routes as GOB means previous participants already know the course and the straight, fairly flat roads should be trouble-free for new cyclists. Providing a 29 km option also improves safety as beginner cyclists have an easier course to cut their teeth on, she says.

Anna will enter the 75 km option and encourages other locals to have a go and try one of the three ‘Women on Wheels’ courses on offer. The event will start and finish from Methven Resort with a prize giving at the resort at 4pm.

For more information please contact:
Simon Hampton, Phone (03) 302 1822 or look at www.multisportevents.co.nz