26 November 2004

Three Greens to tackle Taupo bike race

Green MP Mike Ward will take a break from his North Island trike tour tomorrow joining two fellow Green MPs competing in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

The Green Party Spokesperson for Sports, Fitness and Leisure and Associate Transport Spokesperson will meet up with Co-leader Rod Donald and MP Keith Locke for the 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Mr Ward will ride the full 160km solo challenge setting off at 9am with Mr Donald who will ride the first leg of the relay. True to form, Mr Ward will go the extra mile covering legs two and three. Mr Locke will take up the baton on the last leg.

Mr Ward has been averaging 70kms a day since November 18 when he began his 'It's Easy being Green' cycle tour from Kaitaia to Wellington. He is taking time out from Parliament to talk to community groups, Greens, schools, councils and others about waste, community economic development, sustainable transport and physical activity.

He will ride the recumbent tricycle he rode for the first time in last year’s Taupo race. Earlier this year he rode from Bluff to Nelson spreading the green message. Following tomorrow’s race, he will take a well earned day off from cycling to visit family members in Whakatane before getting back on his trike to cycle 85kms to Rotorua.

“It’s great fun,” Mr Ward said. “While the ride itself is a real blast, getting fit is something people of any age would benefit from. Cycling from Kaitaia to Wellington or 160kms around Lake Taupo might seem extreme. Riding to work or school is something that anyone can manage.”

The 62-year-old who has completed 22 Coast-to-Coast races, congratulated the race organisers for promoting fun and physical activity.

“I hope the membership will look favourably upon a candidates who goes the extra distance for his colleagues,” he said.

Keith Locke and Rod Donald are well known for cycling around their home cities of Auckland and Christchurch respectively.

ENDS

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