Forrest Graperide 2018 – brought to you by the letter ‘E’

The largest cycle event in the South Island, the Forrest Graperide delivers for the fourteenth time on April 7th this year. Offering options from 42km to 202km for everyone from recreational cyclists to the best the country has to offer, the Graperide is firmly entrenched as a rider favourite in the cycling community.

The changing shape of cycling in 2018 sees a huge number of recreational cyclists moving to E-bikes. Event spokesperson Duncan Mackenzie say this is something they’ve been moving towards for several years. “2018 will be the third year we’ve offered an E-bike option to riders. As the first major cycle event to allow E-bikes we’ve solved any issues surrounding the mixing of technologies and look forward to welcoming E-bikers on the day. The Taster route of 42km around the picturesque Kaituna-Tuamarina track is particularly suited to E-bike riders”.

Following the devastation of State Highway One by the Kaikoura quakes, the event saw a decline in rider numbers from Canterbury and further south in 2017. The reopening of the road is one of many factors which sees entries 40% up on last year. Another pleasing factor Mackenzie cites is the increasing number of women entering the event. “We’re around 20% up on the number of women entering as compared to historical figures, that’s great for everyone”.

To make the event more accessible to riders from the North Island, organisers have negotiated discount ferry packages with Bluebridge. “A great day out on the bike followed by a relaxing afternoon on the grounds of Forrest Estate enjoying a range of food offerings, what could be more enjoyable” Mackenzie says.

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