It is with immense sadness that Bike Manawatu acknowledges the sudden passing of our much-loved Life Member, Colin Anderson.
A tribute to Colin by Austin Smith
Colin Anderson — “Wal”
Le Patron of the Bike Manawatu peloton.
Colin Anderson — “Wal” to all who rode with him — will be deeply and sadly missed by the cycling community, his friends, and all who had the privilege of riding alongside him.
Colin began riding seriously in his 40s and continued to ride right up until last Sunday, even venturing out in marginal conditions. Cycling became a defining part of his life, and his enthusiasm, determination, and generosity inspired countless others.
A postie by trade, Colin began riding around Taupō in 1988 and went on to complete more than 100 laps of the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, using these rides to raise money for charities including Heart Kids and CanTeen.
His cycling adventures took him far beyond New Zealand. Colin rode throughout the USA, Canada, France, Australia, Wales, and, of course, extensively throughout New Zealand. He was always looking for the next challenge, setting himself increasingly ambitious endurance goals. These included multiple laps of Taupō, the six-hour Manfield Challenge, and 12- and 24-hour endurance rides around the Feilding Velodrome.
Colin was a true stalwart of local cycling. He could be relied upon to turn up for a ride in almost any weather — even if he was sometimes a touch late. His absence was always noticed, and the familiar refrain would be heard: “Not time to go yet — Wal’s not here.”
But perhaps Colin’s greatest contribution was the way he supported those around him. He was the rider who would turn back for someone struggling, take his turn on the front, encourage others along, and give a short but enthusiastic sprint when the opportunity arose. He never seemed to ride simply for himself; he rode as part of a community.
As a Life Member of Bike Manawatu, Colin was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. His contribution to cycling in the region has left a lasting legacy. I am sure many of today’s cyclists have Wal to thank for their introduction to the sport, his encouragement, or simply for showing them what could be achieved on two wheels.
Colin’s achievements are something we can all aspire to, but it is perhaps his friendship, generosity, humour, and willingness to support others that will be remembered most.
Ride on, Wal. You will be greatly missed.
A message from Neil Hughes on behalf of the family
It is with great sadness that we share the sudden and peaceful passing of a much-loved and highly respected member of our cycling community, Colin Anderson — “Wal”.
Wal was a familiar and much-loved face on the cycling scene, known not only for his passion for cycling, but for the kindness, friendship and respect he showed to so many. His presence, his stories, his humour and his love of the bike will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our thoughts are with Christine and Colin’s family, friends and all those in the cycling community who are feeling this tremendous loss.
Rest peacefully, Wal. 🚴♂️💙
You will never be forgotten, and your wheels will forever roll in our memories.
Ride easy, mate. 🕊️
Funeral details
Colin’s funeral will be held at Lychway at 1.30pm on Friday.
The family has requested no flowers. Donations in Colin’s memory to Heart Kids would be appreciated https://www.heartkids.org.nz
Contacts for the cycling community are Austin Smith and Tim Lloyd.
From everyone at Bike Manawatu, our deepest condolences to Christine, Colin’s family and all those who knew and loved Wal. He will be greatly missed.
