The CycleZone Rotorua - Ohope 100k Fun Ride review

This last weekend's CycleZone Rotorua to Ohope fun ride was a great success not only for Cycling Rotorua but also for those who participated.

Race report:  Rotorua-Ohope 100km Fun ride

 The 20^th annual Rotorua-Ohope 100km fun ride was held on Sunday 13^th November 2011.  As always it was another fantastic event put on by Rotorua Cycling Inc. and featured a great selection of Rotorua's cycling talent.  Approximately 140 riders were greeted to good riding conditions with mostly tail winds and warm weather throughout the journey to Ohope.  For many it was a great chance to experience some of the regions stunning scenery and enjoy a fantastic day in the saddle but for others the only objective was to make it across the Ohope hill ahead of the rest or in a new best time.

The race was neutralised along Te Ngae road until the end of Owhata.  The large group of riders then enjoyed a steady pace until the Whakatane turn off.  As expected the first big moves of the ride came up the Tikitere hill where the lead bunch was whittled down to a group of approximately 15 at the top.  This group of riders managed to stay in reasonably close contact for the remainder of the race.

The pace remained firm past the beautiful sights of lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Rotoma.  In previous years, decisive attacks are often made up and down the Rotoma ranges, however due to the loose surface the race was essentially neutralised through this area in order to prevent any nasty unnecessary crashes.  Once on the false flats leading past the Kawerau intersection the pace began to really heat up with averages in certain areas well in excess of 65kph. 

So far the leading group had worked well together to establish a decent lead over the chasing riders.  However the tactics soon changed leading into Te Teko with a number of attacks by certain riders.  Obviously the biggest threat in the font bunch was local international pro rider Clinton Avery and many either tried to get a break or lure him and other big threats off the front.  But all initial attacks were in vain and the group responded well by covering all moves with apparent ease.  It was looking like a much anticipated battle up the infamous Ohope Hill.  With less than 3km from Whakatane a final attack was made.  A group of about 5 riders responded, including Clinton, which gave this group a small buffer leading into the dreaded Ohope Hill.  Intentions were made clear by a number of riders at the bottom, especially young Brad Jones, and after an agonising slog up the hill a group of Dirk Peters, Ben McHale, Brad Jones and Clinton Avery had a small yet significant advantage over the remainder of the group.  The pace remained fast across the top undulating sections with a number of desperate attacks made in order to secure  that winning move.  On the final small climb leading to the Ohope lookout Dirk dug deep with one final effort.  With energy running low, Clinton was the only one able to find the strength to answer and even managed to pull away from all 3 riders.  On the fast descent into Ohope, Clinton was able to gather enough momentum to open up a substantial gap and then time trial the final 2km stretch to win in a time of 2hours 15mins 4 secs.  The remaining 3 riders tried hard to cover each others wheels but Brad Jones had the speed to claim 2^nd followed by Ben McHale in 3^rd and Dirk Peters in 4^th.  Kevin Strongman rounded out the top 5 leading in a group of riders 1 minute back.

In the women's division, there was another close race with Corrinne Smit claiming line honours in 2 hours 28mins and 31 seconds closely followed by Sarah Pitcher-Campbell just under 1 minute behind.  Maryann Avery made it a good day for the Avery family by rounding out the top 3.

Overall, it was once again a great ride and hopefully the event will continue to grow and be well supported in 2012. I would personally like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers and club members that made it such as successful event.

 Ben McHale

Race Results

Clinton leads over the top of the Tikitere hill                   Sarah not far behind