Lake Taupo 2005
Team Jabbers Conquer Lake Taupo
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge attracts riders from all over the world to complete a simple loop of stunning Lake Taupo and the surrounding rolling countryside in middle of the country's North Island. The loop is no walkover - it takes 160km to complete and includes a number of leg sapping climbs. For the second year, a diabetic team entered the Lake Taupo carnival to attempt the epic endurance challenge.
This years NZ type 1 diabetic team, Team Jabbers, was made up of 6 participants, two support crew but minus its token Aussie. Of course we managed but only just: it was only because we are kiwi's who are "powered by insulin" (our team motto). This year the team had a new major sponsor Novo Nordisk but mostly we were made up of the same faces with new individual challenges. Three team members made up a relay team to master the 160km and the remaining three completed the whole 160km as solo efforts.
This year the number of entrants for the race was capped for the first time to around 11,500. The weather was rather cold, bit windy & even some rain but that didn't stop us. They say it was the coldest it's ever been for this event. And boy was glad I was wearing my thermals!!
It's an amazing race, very scenic of farm land, the lake itself and the mountains at the southern end. And lets not forget the spectators as they are so supportive of everyone. You'd have strangers who would cheer for you as you're climbing yet another hill. You just gotta love those hills!!
I've got to say I almost felt sorry for some supporters because I knew how cold I was and yet I was lucky as I was riding my bike. Around the course are signs of encouragement like "only 149.9km to go", or "remember, you paid to do this" - gotta love 'em!
Lorisa Perebooms
Team Jabbers
