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Recently we’ve been doing a lot of research into ebiking, the benefits of ebiking, and speaking to our ebiking participants themselves. In this week’s rider stories we’ve been speaking to Heather Lodge who, not only rides an ebike, but also has four members of her family entering this year’s Whaka 100! First up, how awesome is it that Heather has four members from one household all taking part in the Whaka 100?! Here at the Whaka 100 we’re all about getting as many people at all stages, all ages and all abilities to take part. In Heather’s case, her household has Les (100 Miler), Jacob (50km), Heather (25km) and youngest Zach (Kids 5km). Of course, not forgetting Ryan who is coming to the event as the family cheerleader (or will be there to capture the Rosebank Creek excitement)!
So what was it that convinced Heather she wanted an ebike? “I ride an e-bike for many reasons, mainly from injuries from years ago”. After a damaged neck, hips and knees from horse riding accidents were then compounded by a serious car accident, Heather found riding on anything other than the flat impossible. “These injuries mean that while I can ride a ‘normal’ bike on the flat, I would never make it up a hill, even a slight rise can cause a large amount of pain. The ebike means that I can get out and ride the hills and trails and keep up.” Not only can she now keep up with “all the boys (young and old)”, riding an ebike has also allowed Heather to “make a heap of new friends...and the support has been great”. Having an ebike doesn’t mean Heather trains any differently to her partner who has a ‘normal’ bike however. If they’re not out riding in events like the Whaka 100, the Highlander Geyser to Lake or the Winter Forest Festival, they’re both riding similar trails in the forest or using indoor trainers set up with Zwift.
Heather’s advice to others? “The ebike has opened up the world of mountain biking to me, making it possible where before it wouldn’t have been. I am passionate about encouraging people to get an ebike if they enjoy mountain biking but can’t ride a ‘normal’ bike. It is a shame to hear the negativity that can surround ebikes because if it means that more people can enjoy the sport then why not!” Thanks to Heather for sharing her experience with her ebike, we really appreciate the insight and we’re looking forward to seeing Heather and her family at the Whaka 100. If you’ve got an experience you want to share with your ebike, feel free to get in touch and let us know below! The organisers for the mountain bike marathon, the Emerson’s Whaka 100, presented by Isuzu Utes NZ, today confirmed that the Labour Weekend event will be postponed to 29-30 January 2022.
After the Government announcement on 4 October reviewing the New Zealand COVID-19 position, Nduro Events made the call to move the event to it’s backup date as it is unable to take place at anything other than Alert Level 1. |
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