The popular Deans Bank 10 Hour bike race returns to Albert Town this Sunday (October 25) for the ninth consecutive year.

Last minute entrants must sign up by tomorrow evening (Thursday October 22) to ensure a spot in the Bike Wanaka event. 

Competitors can ride the 11km loop track in the 10 or five hour solo race, or 10 hour relay teams. Alternatively they can choose the new family division, with a team made up of juniors (12+) and adults all from the same family. There’s also a kids’ race for five to 12-year-olds (register on race day for the kids’ race).

The competition forms friendships, tests skills and challenges riders to push themselves to achieve as many circuits of the race track as they can. 

Bike Wanaka secretary Jo Goodwin promises a fun day out that also raises funds for a worthy cause.

The annual Labour Weekend event promises fun for all ages and raises money to help build local trails. 

“Come together to celebrate Deans Banks’ 10th birthday, have a good time and all proceeds are going to the build costs of the Kirimoko Trails and the Tūwhakaroria Bike Park,” Jo said. 

Jo said work on the Kirimoko Trails will start in early November: “The aim is to make it appealing to most skill levels, blend with the native plantings and honour the original trails in the old forest.”

The Tūwhakaroria Bike Park (on the corner of Domain Road and Noema Terrace, Lake Hāwea) is complete; it will open on Saturday November 7. Bike Wanaka will advise of more details for the opening when they are confirmed.

See also: Plans released for Hāwea Bike Park

All funds raised at the Deans Bank event - Bike Wanaka’s major fundraising event for the year - will go towards the building costs of the two projects. 

Find more information here.

PHOTOS: Jason Beacham