In 1977, the avid cyclist, tour guide, litter picker-upper and amateur weatherman pulled together 26 people to circumnavigate Taupō’s iconic lake on their bicycles. By the time Walter passed away 39 years later, the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge was drawing about 3000 riders annually, and a further 6000 or so spectators and supporters. Collectively, this crowd continues to generate more than $7 million in economic benefit to the town each year.
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is a Rotary event, operated by a charitable trust, raising money for good causes. It distributes around $75,000 annually to local community groups, while participants raise tens of thousands of dollars yearly for multiple charities
Unique scenery
Cyclists travel from around New Zealand and overseas to participate, choosing from nine on and off-road events. One of the newest categories is a ‘gravel grind’ that cuts inland, over sealed and unsealed sections of road.
“We have such a diverse mix of really unique scenery here."
Hayden Dickason, event director
“Our mountain bikers ride through steam fields and geothermal areas to Aratiatia dam and past the spectacular Huka Falls."
"Whereas on the Shimano Gravel Grind, you ride through working farmland, regenerating native bush and see Mount Tauhara, then the lake at the very end. A lot of it is on private land, so it takes people into places they would never normally see.”
Hayden says gravel grind riding is one of the fastest-growing cycle disciplines in the world.
A bucket list event
However, the riginal event - the 160km Shimano Round The Lake loop - remains the most iconic.
“We’re recognised as a bucket list event, it’s cemented on people’s cycling calendars. Why is it so popular? It’s an opportunity to experience amazingly scenic views, and to ride around the largest lake in Australasia."
Hayden
"The first half to three quarters has quite spectacular rural views, across farmland and rolling hills. Then, from Tūrangi to Taupō town, you have the lake on your left shoulder and the well-known Hatepe hill in the last stretch.”
Community heroes
“We are really proud to be part of this event, what it does for the community, and the many inspiring people who take part.
“Probably one of our most dedicated participants is Colin Anderson, from Palmerston North. He’s an ex-postie, now retired, who has completed over 100 laps of the lake in the cycle challenge. No other entrant comes close to this achievement. And he has raised thousands of dollars for charity along the way.”
Hayden says Colin has also mentored plenty of other aspiring long-distance riders to achieve their goal.
Each year, up to 400 people front up to help with the event and bring it to life, and in return, receive funding for the sports clubs, schools and service clubs they represent. This system of rewarding community groupsis part of the event ethos, being locally owned and operated. Event organisers spend an additional $500,000 plus a year in the community on local contractors and suppliers.
Every ability
“Benefiting the community is a key priority for us, along with being sustainable, innovative and the best in the market.”
Hayden says the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge aims to cater to riders of every ability. Participants in ‘Length of the Lake’ category, for example start in Tūrangi and ride the most scenic section of the road circuit, while entrants in the Enduro event line up at 1.30am in the morning to complete two laps - 320km - around the lake.
At the other end of the scale, the Kids Pedal Power Ride is a free-to-enter event that gives youngest riders the chance to take part right in the heart of the CBD.
“We’re keen to have as many young riders participate as we can. These are our future round-the-lakers and we want this event to be around for a long, long time.”
Preparing for the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
- Commit early to do the event, to give yourself the goal to work toward.
- Structure and plan your week and training regime – then stick to it.
- Be accountable to yourself and to any mates that you might be training with.
- Keep fatigue under control, if three or more people annoy you in any given day, you’re overtraining.
- Most of all, the journey and the event day should be enjoyable and fun. So make it fun.
