- This event has passed.
Illuminati Night Ride
May 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Party on wheels rolls into Hastings
“A whanau-friendly party on wheels” is how the organiser of a night bicycle ride in Hastings describes the event in the city centre on Saturday May 11.
The Illuminati Night Ride will see light sculptures, bikes and riders lit up like Christmas trees on a short spin around Hastings, says Neill Gordon of Bike Hawke’s Bay.
Anyone with a bike can take part and someone will win a $200 cash prize for the best decorated machine. Other spot prizes are being provided by supporters including Evo Cycles Napier.
“It’s all about promoting safe cycling and having fun,” Neill says.
Riders will gather in The Atrium next to Brave Brewing from 5pm and set off at 6pm on a short route that will take in the Clocktower fountain and Civic Square.
Between 20 and 50 riders are expected, including four towing light sculptures made by Hawke’s Bay creatives.
“We’ll have to see what the artists turn up with but I’m expecting a chicken bike, a large bunch of glowing flowers, something involving the moon and some kind of large wriggling worm. All these sculptures will be built on to bikes or towed on specially made trailers.
“Entry is free and anyone can join in with their standard bike lights but if you can add a bit of sparkle with some solar or battery-powered lights that would be great – the more bling the better.”
Spectacular night bike rides are held regularly, even weekly, in some cities around the world.
The early evening timing of the Hastings event and short route are designed to make it accessible for families, users of trikes and recumbent bikes or anyone who enjoys a ride.
“Bikes are great for health, for air quality, for reducing traffic and great transport whether it’s summer or winter, night or day. In low light though, cyclists have to light their bikes up for everyone’s safety,” Neill says.
“Because bikes are such blindingly fabulous things, people sometimes suspect that cyclists will take over the world.
“That’s why this event is called the Illuminati Night Ride. Basically, we cyclists are fessing up to being part of an all-powerful global elite whose goal is nothing short of transforming the planet. Resistance is futile. We are fit and funky and there’s no stopping our perpetual motion machines.”
The Illuminati Night Ride is organised by Bike Hawke’s Bay to promote safe cycling and having fun. It is supported by the Hastings District Council, Evo Cycles Napier and The Atrium.
Register your interest by emailing: nightridehb@gmail.com
Bike Hawke’s Bay is a group of like-minded people working to make biking in our region safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
We believe that biking is a great way to get around – whether it’s to work, school, the shops, or just for fun. And thanks to a moderate climate, flat topography, and a network of pathways and on-road bike facilities, Hawke’s Bay is an ideal place to ride a bike. But there is still room for improvement, and we want to make our region one of the best in the world for biking. We work with local authorities, the transport agency, other organisations, and the community to further this vision.
Websites:
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/illuminati-night-bike-ride/hastings
