A cycling adventure fundraiser gave riders a chance to discover the Baton Valley via the Great Taste Cycle Trail in February, including checking out the newest bridge on the route known as 'Lublows Leap', and also a chance to reflect on those who are unable to do such things, due to chronic illness.

The 'Baton Bikes' Banquet' involved cyclists pedaling to the Baton House, a Victorian villa which is a replica of the Baton Hotel which stood on the site from the 1860s to the early 1900s servicing a relatively short gold rush. The house is 16km from the Motueka River up a winding gravel road and guests were treated to a three-course lunch on the homestead lawn with musicians and a coffee cart on hand, and many took a dip in the pristine Baton River swimming holes.

Organiser Ange Palmer was thrilled that about 80 cyclists took part and around $8,000 was raised. “It was a great spectacle seeing this stream of bikes coming across the paddock on a gorgeous summer day. Everyone was buzzing and we had a dream team of volunteers who pulled the whole event together seamlessly. We all had a ball.”

The Zest for Life Trust was started in recognition of Zascha Mann after his death following struggles with ME/CFS (formerly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). ME/CFS is a complex and disabling illness. Many people with severe ME/CFS are often very low functioning and unable to enjoy activities such as this bike ride. The event was supported by the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust and the Baton Valley Trust.

A bonus to the day was the launch of a newly published book, ‘Belonging in the Baton’, by local writer Kerry Sunderland. The book shares both the history and insights into contemporary life of the Baton Valley community with photos by award winning photographer Neil Silverwood. For enquiries about the Baton House or the book email [email protected], to make a donation to the Zest for Life Trust click here.