Giant bike will soon be back

Marcel Zwezerijnen with Taupo's damaged giant bike. Photo / File

Repair work on Taupo's giant bike is under way, with giant bike organisers sending the halfway payment to artist Marcel Zwezerijnen for the bike's restoration.

Zwezerijnen originally built the Taupo giant bike in 2012 and is now undertaking the extensive repairs needed after the bike was badly vandalised in February 2014.

Giant bike organiser Rose Blackley said fundraising for the giant bike repair had gone well to date, and this payment confirmed the commencement of the project.

The final payment will be processed upon the bike's reinstalment back in Taupo in November, when it will also be signed over to the owners, the Taupo District Council.

Much of the fundraising has come from named sponsors who have made a contribution and, in return, will have their name listed on the bike's second drink bottle. Transpower remains the principal sponsor.

There have been many smaller donations which have been appreciated. Ms Blackley is hoping for another six named sponsors to finish the project.

The bike's repair is estimated at $15,000, with most of its frame having to be rebuilt. The site and installation of a security camera has brought the repair bill total to $19,000.

The giant bike is to be re-installed before the 2015 Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge on November 28.