With just 11 days to go until entry opens for the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2013, now is the time to make that all-important decision… Are you going to be one of the 10,000 or so cyclists to attempt this one-day, one-lap 160km circumnavigation of Lake Taupo – Australasia’s largest lake?

Well, if the answer is “yes” now is the time to dig out your favourite Lycra shorts, don your super-stylish bicycle helmet, and head out onto the open roads for a spot of Taupo Challenge Training!

Due to take place on 30^th November 2013, the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a UCI Golden Bike Event, it is one of the six best recreational rides in the world, and as there are no age restrictions – the whole family can enter!

The 160km one-lap circuit of Lake Taupo in the north island of New Zealand, also called the ‘Bike Barn Solo’, is long but relatively flat, and as such, it is suitable for riders of all abilities.

If 160km seems a bit too challenging, there are numerous other events you can take part in such as the Lakesider at 16km, the Relay (where 4 team members ‘share’ the route), and there is even something for young bikers with the Kids@Heart Ride – a 5km event for children ages 10 and under.

If, on the other hand, 160km seems like a ‘walk in the park’, you will be pleased to know that there are plenty of events for extreme cyclists at the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2013!  The Barefoot & Thompson Enduro is a 320km race that will take you round the lake twice, the B&T Maxi Enduro is four circuits of Lake Taupo totalling 640km, and the Extreme Enduro is a whopping 8-lap event covering no less that 1280km….phew!

As it took me almost 7-hours to cycle the 109km Cape Argus Cycle Tour in March this year, I estimate the Barefoot & Thompson Extreme Enduro would take me around 83 hours… but only if I don’t take any breaks!

So I think I’ll stick with the standard 160km Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which should see me cross the finish line in a mere 10 and half hours…I hope they have an early start!