TWO BIKES, ONE GEAR
The Rotorua Singlespeed Society and the Mountain Bikers’ Ball are back and raising funds for a good mate
Words: Graeme Simpson
New Zealand’s smallest mountain bike club, the Rotorua Singlespeed Society (RSSS), is back with their first major event since the Single Speed World Champs in 2017.
The Spring Challenge Relay with Rotorua BMX Club and Nduro Events returns on Saturday October 26. The event will be part of the Whaka100 MTB Marathon weekend and will benefit Parkinson’s New Zealand.
One gear, two bikes (BMX and MTB) and teams of four, the first stage will be a lap of Te Papa o Kauri BMX track at Waipa followed by short mountain bike course in the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Like all the Society’s fundraising events, this one is for a mate.
“Budgie Woods and outdoor safety and emergency care organisation Peak Safety are a major part of our events and many others in Rotorua,” says the Singlespeed Society’s Dave Joy.
“Budgie was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so, we’re really pleased to be able to support him and his partner, Jo Price in getting the word out about the reality and impact of Parkinson’s.”
The Rotorua Mountain Bike Club is also running another Mountain Bikers’ Ball on September 7 to support Budgie and Jo.
Their response to the diagnosis was to stress the positive.
“We’re on a journey making the most of life and the opportunities and privileges we have open to us,” Budgie explains. “The most influential thing I have noticed is how tight, positive and supportive the Rotorua and MTB community is which has really humbled me.”
“We’re on a journey making the most of life and the opportunities and privileges we have open to us.”
His focus is on specific exercise that can help hold the PD symptoms at bay and live his “best life”.
“All the advice I have for others is the same irrespective of a PD diagnosis: live well—exercise, eat well, reduce stress and enjoy every moment. Spend time with friends and family. The support I have from community is immense.”
Another focus is on fund raising for PD research to help others.
“Not for me. Once symptoms are showing it’s too late…the dopamine has left the building… However, we want to help others by backing early detection research and obviously a cure.”
“There’s always been a close relationship between BMX and mountain biking in Rotorua,” says Joy. “BMX is a brilliant place to learn bike skills and confidence. The bikes are singlespeed as well, and we’re pretty sure this BMX and MTB race combo is a world first.
“Do you need a BMX and a singlespeed bike? No, the BMX club will supply bikes for that section of the race, and we can show people how to singlespeed their geared bike.”
At stake? Bragging rights and a unique trophy created by local design company, Fineline Creative.
Since 2008, the RSSS has organised three national championships, an Anzac Championship in 2015, two world championships in 2010 and 2017 and three successful fundraisers.
“More than 2500 people have joined us over the years including a high percentage of international entries,” says RSSS President, Gary Sullivan from Nzo and Ride Rotorua.
“And at the same time the society has raised $75,000 for a variety of charities and community organisations.”
This includes more than $6000 donated to the Rotorua Trails Trust and Rotorua Mountain Bike Club.
“Not bad for a bunch of amateurs,” Sullivan adds with a chuckle.
For the RSSS, it all starts at the local level.
“Without support from Rotorua Lakes Council Events and Tourism over the past 16 years, none of this would’ve been possible,” says Paul Laing, another cog in the RSSS volunteer brains trust.
“A deep bench of local bike, hospitality, and tourism businesses are also fundamental to our success.
“They’re part of a wonderful whānau of local businesses helping making this event a reality for a very good cause, alongside the Pig and Whistle Pub, Nzo, bluedog media, Mountain Bike Rotorua, Secret Spot Hot Tubs, Timber Trail Lodge, Mourea Coffee, The Big Bike Film Night, Tony Hadlow Art, Birchall and Maunder Automotive, Kaimanawa Adventures, Brooke Wood from Arizto Real Estate, and New Zealand Mountain Biking.”
Since 2008, the Singlespeed Society’s events have had a reputation for being loud and colourful.
The mountain bike course will include the notorious stream crossing on the Rosebank Trail that has featured in the RSSS events since the World Champs in 2010.
Colourful costumes are a major feature of any single speed event.
The winner of the best-dressed award at the 2010 Single Speed World Champs will be returning in February.
“Manamana,” says world-famous Muppet, Animal.
He may not be the only celebrity returning.
“We’re hoping Wallace and Gromit, Alien, Aquaman, Astronaut, Julian Dean and more will join us, again,” says Joy.
For more information, entries and tickets, head to the Rotorua Singlespeed Society website and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club website.