Ten laps around Lake Taupo

Nick Dunne, aiming for 10 laps

33 year old Nick Dunne has a wife, a two and a half year old son, a baby daughter just a few weeks old and a wish to honour his Dad - Dan Dunne.

"It has been 10 years since he passed away and the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge was an event that he loved so much and was a goal for him to push for when he was sick," Nick said.

Dan Dunne was a regular participant in the Cycle Challenge from its inception in 1977. After he passed away, 'The Dan Dunne Award' was awarded to a Cycle Challenge participant each year who had faced adversity and hardship along the way.

Dan's son Nick had never been to Taupo to ride alongside his Dad, but when he found his bike in the garage after Dan died in 2001 he thought he would give it a go.

His first ride lasted 12km, but later that year Nick completed his first Cycle Challenge lap around the lake. Since then he has ridden the 2,3,4 and 8 lap Enduro rides.

"Some have been a success and some have not. I especially enjoyed the Extreme Enduro last year as I think the longer distances suit me best. I am now training to compete in the 5000km Race Across America next year. I enjoy training and getting out on the roads alone and pushing hard."

Nick does 80% of his training at night and in the wee hours of the morning.

"I have a very patient family who sacrifice so much to help me train. Most nights I start riding at around 9pm and will be home by 2am. I also ride to and from work and do a long 12 hour+ ride on the weekend.

"I have a mental coach to help with the mental challenges that come with this type of ride. My amazing crew can often be found following me in the early hours of the morning when they should be at home in bed."

Although his ten lap goal makes one lap seem like a coffee ride, Nick has huge respect for everyone involved in the race.

"The thing I like most about the Cycle Challenge is the fact that there is something for everyone – whether 40kms is a challenge for you or four laps is. I admire the people that are out there just giving it a go.

"I like to come to the event because it meant so much to my Dad and I love the Enduro and the people competing in them... and you've got to love the hills!"

Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge - Taupo Saturday 26th November

Cycle Challenge provides 12 different event options catering for cyclists of all levels. All riders who enter in 2011 (excluding Heart riders) will automatically be entered into 'Wheels of Fortune' – a new loyalty scheme for those who 'Face the Challenge' three years in a row (2011, 2012 and 2013). One lucky rider will take home a 'pot of gold' estimated to be around $25,000 which will be drawn at Cycle Challenge prize giving in 2013.