Big Easy gets green light after trial run

Wearing this year's bright green T-shirts, Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas (left) and Napier City Council events manager Kevin Murphy tried out a section of the Big Easy trail yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

With the Big Easy ride only four days away, organisers tested out a section of the 43km route with a cycle along the Ahuriri waterfront yesterday.

Tourism Hawke's Bay's general manager Annie Dundas and Napier City Council events manager Kevin Murphy rode along the small section of the track which thousands of locals, and visitors alike will ride on Saturday.

Ms Dundas said she was very keen to see people out there for the bike ride.

"We're gearing up and the weather is looking good.

"There are lots of people registering last minute, and they have until tomorrow to register. Or they can get involved when they arrive at Church Road Winery for 10am on Saturday."

Yesterday Ms Dundas and Mr Murphy were able to take a pit stop at Milk and Honey for a well-earned beer, like Saturday's race participants can.

Ms Dundas said the Ahuriri cafe was "going to be so, so busy" come the big day, as will multiple other Big Easy Pit Stop venues along the route from Napier to Havelock North.

By showing their Big Easy wristbands, participants can get a discounted meal to boost their energy, a free wine or beer with a meal, and even some care for their bikes.

As well as pit stops, there will be plenty to see en route.

Mr Murphy said: "Along the way we've got heaps of entertainers. We've got buskers, Elvis, we've even brought Austin Powers down to entertain the Hawke's Bay people."

Yesterday the chosen colour for the event's bespoke T-shirts was also announced.

This year the T-shirts are green, giving their wearers a much brighter presence than in previous years where shirts have been coloured blue, white, and grey.

- Tickets for the Big Easy are $30 for adults and $10 for kids aged 12 and under; for the Little Easy, tickets are $15 for adults or $10 for kids on Eventfinda. Find more information at thebigeasy.co.nz