WELCOME to: New Zealand's longest one-day cycle challenge! ...the Gisborne to Wairoa Loop!

Mini-Loop

YOUR Mini-Loop 2010 Entry Form - PDF Available NOW >>>

(The age group for this event is 13 + with those under 16 having parents consent.)

Courtney's Story - (Miniloop 2009 Rider)

Yawn! This morning my day started earlier than usual - 5:30am. Why???? Because it is GWAloop day!

GWAloop is a bike race from Gisborne to Wairoa and back in a loop….. mum and dad are crazy enough to do that one. But me – I go for the Mini Loop. That’s more my size.

We start at the show grounds, and then go down to the big round-a –bout. As I go around the round-a-bout I hear people cheering for me, I look around and there beside me in the middle of the road is Nanie, Grandy, Alicia and Brett cheering their hearts out just for me. I felt special. We turned right at the round-a -bout and carry on towards Ngatapa. It was a cross-head wind (which means that the wind was hitting my right shoulder first).

Our next move was to turn left down Brunton Rd. As we turned I spotted a blue campervan at the end of Brunton Rd. “Yes!! they are going to cheer me on again”. Sure enough as our group drew nearer I heard a ring of voices yelling “Go Courtney!!! Go Courtney!!! Keep up with them!” I smiled sweetly while I cycled past. Now we hang a left onto the straight that heads back to the big round-a-bout. It is now a tail wind (pushing you from behind) “YAY” my inner voice says to the wind. I free wheel for a while but not for long as my group starts to head away from me.

As we near the round-a-bout a voice yells from a passing van “Go Courtney!!!”. It was Nanie yelling , just what I needed, my legs were getting tired! We whizz straight through the round-a-bout. In my little group there is Mary Hope, Georgia Hope and me.

Before I know it I see cones marking out the finish line. I go faster. And faster. And faster. Leaving my group behind! I see a guy in a colorful top; he gets bigger and bigger and closer and closer. I pass him on the finish line. “Yes - I did it, I cycled 26.4k”

By Courtney Hoskin

Mini Gwaloop - story - with thanks from the Shivnan family...

The race on Saturday was very well set out. anyone who wanted to get out and do a nice saturday ride could. if you wanted to race you could, or you could just go at your own pace. the race was organised very well, with marshalls at every turn. I enjoyed the ride very much and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I would HAPPILY do it again!!

Connor Shivnan 13yrs

I really enjoyed the Mini Gwaloop. It was lots of fun, even if you werent the best rider you could still do it. the course was great with lots of marshalls cheering you on. One thing I really liked was that the was a leading car and tail end charlie. It made me feel like I was racing in the Tour de France!. I would recommend to anyone & everyone!!

Josh Shivnan 13yrs

The thing I really liked about the Mini Gwaloop was that I finished it, and they had a practise ride the week before it so you would know where to go. It was really well set up because there was heaps of marshalls. It was a proper race but you could just go out there to have fun.

Oliver Shivnan 12yrs

Enter and Support: Life Education Trust

26.4km Mini-Loop around the flats of Gisborne.

The 2008 Mini-Loop Winner - Janine Gambrill back riding on the circuit and encouraging others to join with her for this years event!

Ages from 13+ ($30 per Entrant) .... Scroll on down for your Entry Form...

Mini-Loop - The 26.4km flat ride caters for those who don't have time to spend all day riding but would like to be part of the day. Race Briefing at 8.30am and will start at 9am. The course follows the same route as the 204km but instead of turning right at the roundabout to head to Wairoa head straight back to the start/finish line.Janine Gambrill Winner 2008 Mini Loop - exiting Waipaoa Roundabout / bridge in background

....Janine has penned the following to encourage others to particpate on 23 October 2010

"What an awesome event for any beginner to enter the wonderful world of cycling!.
The mini loop was very do-able for anyone of any age who wants to give themselves a bit of a challenge.
With the emphasis being on participation rather than competition ( although you can let your inner competitor out if you choose! ), it's a great opportunity to get a group together and have a good time.
I enjoyed the prizegiving and meeting other cyclists both novice and elite. I was truly inspired and hope to be a part of the Gwaloop this year."
Thanks to all who made this such a fantastic event.
Janine Gambrill

Poverty Bay Flats