Skyline Challenge “roaring” success for Lions

Peace, space and views of Martinborough’s countryside that are quintessential Skyline Challenge.

After last year’s cyclonic washout, this year’s Lions’ Club Skyline Challenge was a “roaring” success, with around 250 participants turning up to mountain bike ride, run and walk over the challenging hills north of town to enjoy the fabulous views and perfect weather conditions.

“It was such a disappointment last year when, in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, we had to cancel at the last minute due to flooding,” said Skyline spokesperson, Lee Quayle. 

“This year though, we had a flood of a different kind with around two thirds of the entries coming in the last couple of weeks,” he added.

A large portion of entries are from families and included children and youngsters entering their first event. Entries came from as far afield as Hawkes Bay, Palmertson North and Wellington. “Most of them came from our totally supportive local community,” Lee said.

The Skyline Challenge is a major fundraiser for Martinborough Lions each year. This year’s charity is again the Martinborough Pump Track Project, due to get started later in 2024. 

Proceeds from this year’s event means the Club is able to meet their commitment to the pump track project.

Many thanks go to Lions’ Club members and helpers, and especially John Taylor, Graeme Thomson and Henry Carr.

This event is only made possible by the generosity of the farm owners who allow access to their properties, as without their tremendous support the event would never happen. 

Special thanks go to: Charlie and Angie Cresswell and shepherd Jake of Huangarua, James Bruce of Martinborough Station and Mason Topp of Oystershell Station.

The event also involved many people who gave their time, energy and equipment freely for this charity event, including: James Kenny, Joelle Thomson, Tony McIssac, Carolyn Thompson,

Barbara Cox, Mary Quayle, Heather Gibbs, John Douglas, Jane Owers; Penny Bargh, Glenys Hansen, Siobhan Haley and Shayne Cater.

Then there’s groups and individuals like: 

– Langlands Motorcycles

– Martinborough motorcycle club – Simon Beveridge and Jim Clarke

– David Bray – the walkie/talkies

– Craig and Rachael Colton – bike trailer usage

– Kitchener’s Dairy, especially Bruce and Sue Sullivan and Pat Church

– Pain and Kershaw

– Mitre 10

– Callum Lord

“While we’re on the thank you trail,” says Lee, “special mention needs to be made of Green Jersey. “Right up front they backed the marketing and administration of the event. That meant the Club could commit to staging the event knowing they had our backs.”