Riders keen to enjoy many delights of course in 'Hell'

The Hell of the North cycle race is based at one of Northland's most stunning spots, Tutukaka Coast and its surrounds, and while there are areas where the legs and lungs will be screaming on Sunday, organiser Murray Healy said the event was named after the first big classic in Europe - not because it was a hellish ride.
"It is a tough race but it's not a hell ride - it was named after the Paris to Roubaix race in France which was the original Hell of the North because there were large areas of cobblestones to ride over," he said. "The first year we had the race it was at Pataua North and Pataua South and riders had to cross gravel patches, so it was New Zealand's version of the Hell of the North."
Six years later, the race now starts and finishes at Tutukaka, travels along the coastal highway, then inland towards Hikurangi, south towards Whangarei and back out to Tutukaka.
There are three distances, a 35km loop for beginners, a more challenging 70km ride and the gruelling 105km of undulating gradients, which has attracted  class competitors such as top local talents Darren Johnson and Bryce Lambert along with several Auckland riders.
Last year's men's winner Ben Evans is unavailable to defend his title, while Northland's Lee Johnson skipped the race in favour of the Auckland Road Championships.
"Even if Evans had been here I think he would have had a few challengers - it's a strong field this year,"  said Healy .
Arwen Page of Whangarei, the 2008 women's champion, will be back to defend her title, while talented Kim Reyburn will be hot on her wheels.
Promising  Marsden Wheeler's rider Tim Riddell is contesting the 70km race and was the likely favourite,  Healy said.
Around 150 competitors have entered Sunday's event, suited for a range of abilities.
Sponsor Noeline Dean decided to give the 70km a crack after following Healy's tough training regime of spin classes, sprint sessions, hill climbs and distance work after only learning how to ride a bike two years ago.
A marathon runner, Dean  gave up  running to concentrate on  cycling as it was gentler on the body - but never having learned how to ride as a youngster, it proved to be a horrific experience for
all those around her, she
joked.
But now she is a convert - she loves to cycle and loves the camaraderie of the sport and is looking forward to finishing the Hell of the North.
Two major prizes are up for grabs, including an accommodation package and tickets on board the internationally-rated Dive Tutukaka charter Perfect Day to dive or snorkel at the Poor Knights Islands.
Contact Fat Dog Cycles on 09 430 6401 for entry details to Sunday's event.