Give the perfect bike for Christmas

Media Release 14 December 2016

14 December 2016
Give the perfect bike for Christmas

A bicycle is always near the top of the Christmas wish list, says Cycling Action Network spokesman Patrick Morgan.

This year is no different with TradeMe reporting bikes in the top searches.
“Kids of all ages love cycling,” he says.

"With new cycle trails now open all over New Zealand, it's going to be a biking hot summer."

E-bikes are a hot item, with suppliers struggling to keep up with demand.
For those lucky enough to find a bicycle at the foot of the Christmas tree, Mr Morgan has some tips:

· Cycling is fun. Having fun is more important than going fast.
· Learn about your brakes and how to use them .
· Get started with firm tyre pressure.
· Be courteous when sharing bike paths with walkers.
· Give yourself space - stay out of the car door range.

In 2005 a British poll put the bicycle as the favourite invention since 1800, ahead of electricity and the internet.

Patrick Morgan says if your bike has been sitting in the garage since last summer holidays, take a few minutes to give it some TLC.

"Before each ride check your ABC: air pressure in tyres, brakes working and chain not loose or rusty. Check for loose accessories and worn tyres. Make sure your bike is not too big or too small for you to ride comfortably."

For tips to improve your cycling experience go to Cycling Action Network at www.can.org.nz/faq

It wasn’t until she went to bed that night that the winner remembered about her ticket.

“I was in bed checking social media and all those kinds of things when I thought I might as well see if I’d won anything on my ticket,” said the winner.

“Then I saw ‘You have won $10,166,667’ pop up next to my ticket I instantly jumped out of bed and raced to the lounge to tell Mum and Dad.

“I just stood there shaking in my nightie holding my phone towards them and said, ‘Guys – I’ve won $10,000!’ I was beside myself.

“Dad was pretty sceptical so grabbed my phone to double check what I was seeing – that’s when he said, ‘Honey, that says $10 million, not $10,000’

“We were absolutely stunned and I raced around the house to check my ticket on every phone and computer we could lay our hands on. I must have logged in and checked it a hundred times that night,” the winner laughed.

After visiting Lotto NZ’s Auckland head office to confirm the good news, the winner is now looking forward to a very special Christmas with her family.

“My siblings have been living overseas for years now, working hard to try and save enough to come back home one day, buy a house and be close to our parents again.

“When I found out I’d won, I knew I could help them out, so I video called them to share the good news. I was in tears when they picked up the call, so they immediately thought something bad had happened.

“That’s when I managed to squeak out between sobs ‘I’ve won Lotto – and I’m giving you $1 million’,” said the winner.

“It took a bit of convincing, but when they realised I wasn’t joking they just lost it.

“This win will really bring my family back together – this will be the first Christmas we’ve all spent together in more than 12 years.”

With the winnings now safely in her bank account and her family on their way home, the winner is now looking forward to making the most of her good fortune.

“A little shopping spree and nice dinner with Mum and Dad is definitely on the cards – after all, it’s not every day you win Powerball,” laughed the winner.

“Other than that, I’m not too sure what I’ll do with my winnings. At the moment, I’m just looking forward to everyone coming home. This win is a real gift and I want to make it last.”

The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto.co.nz for the special purpose lottery draw held on Saturday 10 December to help support the people of Kaikoura/Hurunui and Marlborough affected by the recent earthquake.

This is the third Powerball First Division prize won by a MyLotto player so far this year.

ENDS

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