#NEWS: SCOTT’S ALPS2OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL CHARITY RIDE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Scott’s Charity Ride of Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail has opened for registration. The second Scott’s Charity Ride will take place from November 15th to 18th 2016.

The 4 day ride covers the entire Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean (301 kilometres). There will be two starting points on the morning of November 15th: Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. The ride finishes at Friendly Bay in Oamaru.
The ride is not a race, rather a fun experience to raise money for charity and the A20 (proceeds are split 50/50). Last year 7 teams of over 30 people participated, with over $4,000 raised. It’s also a great opportunity to get fit while experiencing the stunning scenery of the trail, as well as staying in local communities and enjoying the numerous attractions along the way.
Alps2Ocean‘s Jason Menard  said “We’re looking to build on the success of the 2015 Scott’s ride, and make this an annual event as well as being a charity for a good cause. The trail needs funding and this is an excellent way to contribute to its future success. It’s a fun experience with lots of laughter, and lasting friendships are formed along the way.”
Former Olympic Cyclist Sarah Ulmer recently rode the Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail, along with husband Brendon Cameron, and their two children.
Sarah is the first New Zealander to win an Olympic cycling gold medal, which she won in the 3km individual pursuit at the 2004 Athens Olympics, setting a world record. Her husband Brendon is a two-time Olympian having won bronze medals in the Men’s Team Pursuit at the 1994 and 1998 Commonwealth Games. He also coached Sarah for her win at the Olympics in 2004. Brendon is now the coach for the Cycling New Zealand’s women’s endurance track cycling team.
Sarah had this to say about the trail: “The Alps to Ocean was an INCREDIBLE way to spend a few days! It completely blew my (already high) expectations of scenery and general experience to be honest – the variety in landscape just blew us all away. Absolutely downright stunning….!! And such hidden gems along the way – Clay Cliffs and Elephant Rocks were just ridiculous – and so unexpected! Our kids LOVED it! (ie: not one fight in 5 days. Not ONE! Which says it all!!).
“They are still talking about seeing glaciers, mountain goats, filling their bottles up in the waterfall in the Beech forest on Tarn Brae, the downhill and the puddles on the other side, climbing rocks as BIG as Elephants, swimming in freeeeeeeeeeeezing Lake Benmore and the untold picnics along the way!” she said. “Not to mention the jail at Duntroon and the bunk beds at the Farm stay! Honestly, we were all blown away with how much there was for them (and us!) to see, and so often along the trail. The accommodation was just great for kids – really lovely people on the way with totally welcoming and understanding hosts. I think the whole New Zealand Cycle Trails network is just awesome. But the gem of the Alps 2 Ocean is that you actually have such varied and stunning landscapes in one trail. That was what blew us away the most – it’s like very day was a completely different experience. Too many Wow’s for words!!!” “We had an awesome time but I got pretty tired racing ahead to get photos – then again, it’s not every day that you’re trying to go faster than an Olympic cyclist!”
Scott’s Charity Ride of Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail is open for registration now, for more information, including the itinerary for the ride, go to: http://www.alps2ocean.com/scotts-alps-2-ocean-charity-ride
The event is sponsored by Scott’s Brewing Co. Oamaru. www.scottsbrewing.co.nz