Like all community events, the Karioi Classic wouldn’t be a happening thing without the mahi of its volunteers.
Lara Sweetman is the perfect example of a Karioi Classic volunteer who is passionate about supporting the event.
“I’ve been there right from the very start, and that’s actually a legacy of Dirk and Lisa; they’re such wonderful people, coordinating it together, and they are so generous in giving themselves,” she says.
“There’s a huge crew of volunteers that have all been there from the beginning and we all enjoy being involved in such an amazing event.”
Lara drives the lead car for the Enduro 85-km race and she has to have her wits about her to keep ahead of cyclists who hit speeds of up to 85-km on the downhills.
“They’re extremely professional bike riders and they’re really fast. There’s a real technique in staying a nice distance in front of them, and then preparing for the downhills and getting well ahead. It’s a bit like rally driving,” she laughs.
Born and bred in Ruapuke, Lara is at home on the gravel roads of Whāingaroa.
“I know all of these roads, so I’m quite comfortable doing the driving, and it’s really fun. Every year it’s like my tour around the whole district, and a reminder of the spectacular scenery in our region.”
The race came to life in 2010 after organisers Lisa Thomson and Dirk De Ruysscher had run a number of sporting events, and were keen on growing mountain biking and hosting more events in winter.
The Karioi Classic team took a break from 2021 to 2024, and when Lara found out it was back on the cards she didn’t hesitate to volunteer again.
“I think all of the volunteers would have put their hands up again, because it’s just a really fun event to be involved in and they’re such a good team to work with,” she says.
Although she’s never jumped into the saddle for the race, Lara reckons she would if they opened it up to e-bikes.
“I keep hassling Lisa about having an e-bike section but she says no way. I keep teasing her but they’re pretty set on keeping it old school.”
While riding a bike around the maunga might not be for Lara, her son Ngakau and husband Ken represented the whānau one year.
“Ngakau trained with Cory Hartgill and they were the two youngest competitors that year. Because Corey was so fit we didn’t want Ngakau to hold him back, so the week before the race Ken had to get off the couch with no training, jump onto our son’s other bike and bike the 43-ks with him,” she laughs. “It was really rainy with gale force winds, and Ken lost his chain six times before he got to Te Toto Gorge and our son was way ahead.”
Register for the Karioi Classic at www.goraglan.com/events/karioi-classic-2025 and keep in the loop on socials: @KarioiClassic
Register and Win!
Congratulations to our May prize winner #168 Hugh Pinfold who won the Groundswell Property $500 accommodation voucher. Groundswell is a local company run by local people who offer a selection of holiday homes to fit every group and every budget.
Bonus offer: Anyone can book a Groundswell Property for the Karioi Classic weekend and receive 15% off.
Email the team at hello@groundswellproperty.co.nz and mention ‘Karioi Classic’ to claim the discount.
