Six Out From SSWC17
What will Wayne Gedye (aka Aquaman) wear? Photo: Mead Norton
Six months until the Singlespeed World Champs 2017, in Rotorua, NZ.
The first rule of Singlespeed Race Club? If you don’t want the tattoo, don’t win. Rule 2: If you’re not first woman or man, you will be 2nd equal (so don’t ask for your time or placing).
“One other thing,” says Paul Laing from the Rotorua Singlespeed Society. “You don’t need to be a singlespeeder to enter the Singlespeed World Championships on November 18. One-gear your bike, on the day, so you can enjoy the event of the year.”
Rotorua hosted in 2010 and a surprisingly high percentage of the 600 Kiwis who entered did just that. In 2017, this will be the second and last time a Singlespeed World Championship will be held in Rotorua (or New Zealand, very possibly).
Current NZ and World champ Tadeas Medr
The Rotorua Singlespeed Society want everyone to have a crack and enjoy the simplicity, elegance, adrenalin rush – and sheer joy – of one-speed mountain biking. There’s no need to qualify. It’s first in, first served.
“It’s good value, too,” adds Laing “For $111, you’ll get a race on the impeccable trails of the world-celebrated Whakarewarewa Forest, a stylish t-shirt designed by Gary Sullivan from Nzo, beers (some on-course), a post-race party and Big Kiwi Brekkie at the Pig and Whistle – and a very good time.”
Can Brenda ‘Bob’ Clapp add a World’s tattoo to her three NZ ones?
Singlespeed events in Rotorua are very well supported by local businesses. Nduro Events is the race director. Two bike frames are up for grabs – steel by Jeffson Bikes and bamboo by Freddy Salgado. “He’s from Gisborne, but an honorary Rotoruan,” Laing continues. There’s swag from Agroventures, Dancing Moose Cycling Adventure Supplies, Helibike Rotorua, Off-Road New Zealand, QE Health Wellness and Spa, Rotorua Canopy Tours and YHA Rotorua. Rotorua Lakes Council is a supporter and the Rotorua Trails Trust will be the main beneficiary.
The result in 2010 could not have been scripted with local and New Zealand singlespeed legend, Garth Weinberg winning men’s and Australian Heather Logie the women’s. New Zealand has a rich history in the event. Clint Jackson won in 2003 in Castlemaine in Australia, Garth in 2010, Denmark-based Angus Edmond in Italy in 2014 and Japan in 2015, and Tadeas Medr last year in Melbourne.
Numbers will be limited in 2017, so enter at www.sswc2017Rotorua.nz
“Be part of history,” says Laing.
