What’s Next “The Manawatu Festival of Cycling”
When:- Saturday January 27th
Where; Start from the square on Palmerston North. Registration packs will be collected from Cyclist Cafe -George street in the morning.
Time; Start times from 1.15pm
Party/Prize Giving; George street. Times to be confirmed.
Registrations; http://www. gravelandtar.com and courses.
Check out all the finer details about the three events on the above online address and register today.
Also check our video interview with last year’s winner Robert Stannard, race organiser Steve Stannard and riders Carne Grouse and Rosie Obrien about what the “Gravel and Tar” means to them.@teamjvlatbaylets
Three “Gravel and Tar” Events for everyone.
Three “Gravel and Tar” events will be on Saturday January 27th 2018 following the New Zealand cycle Classic a week earlier.
The headline event, the “Gravel and Tar Classic” will attract professional riders and teams from all over the world who have travelled to Australia and New Zealand seeking UCI points early in the International season. The world will live streaming the beautiful Manawatu which is a coup for New Zealand and Bike Manawatu. It is expected New Zealand’s best trade teams will participate and will be hard pressed against the Australian and Asian based teams, continental and pro continental teams.
Alongside with the “Gravel and Tar”, and to support our “Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend” a Gran Fondo (sportive)ride will be held over 70km.This is to give riders of all ages, levels and genders the opportunity to ride as part of the course the elite men will be riding. Crossing the international finish line will be exciting.
There is also a 30km fun ride called the River path Challenge for the recreational riders like Mums, Dads, Kids and Grand Parents which is flat with a few easy gravel sections.
Enter online: http://www.gravelandtar.com
1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams. Starts 1.30pm
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities $55 per person: Start 1.15pm
3) The 35 River path Challenge- All ages and abilities.$35 per person: Start 1.30pm
Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The “Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic” has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region.
The “Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend”. The stage is set for us all to build on year after year hoping to create our own “Cycling Festival” for everyone in the region and beyond to enjoy. Often cyclists have to travel away to events and pay for accommodation and entry fees upwards of $100 versus staying and supporting our local events and only pay $55.
Bike Manawatu’s concept on the “Weekend Festival of Cycling” on the 27th and 28th of January is perfect timing for families at the end of the school Holidays before returning to schools. Consider how the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
Happy Xmas and New year message to Members.
2017 has been an extremely busy year for our cycling mad region. Being one of the fastest growing sports on the planet people all ages are buying a bike for many different reasons but mostly to stay fit and healthy.
The Manawatu is a great place to ride a bike and Bike Manawatu are conscious we as members need to help others learn the road safety rules and rider etiquette at the outset. We all started riding a bike nervously in the beginning and people like you now must help others gain confidence in how to ride in a group and stay safe. Being a ride leader is our responsibility.
The club has a proud history across all categories of riding. Recreational riders and the many rides and friendships they make, to racing a bike where club events include a 52 week calendar of events including; Track in Feilding, Road Races in the Manawatu, Criteriums at Manfeild and Time Trials at Karangi that all cater for our amazing schools and masters riders to enjoy.
Our schools, Masters and Elite rides go off and compete locally, nationally and internationally and continue to bring home medals that make us all proud. We congratulate all of those people.
It takes the riders to participate and it takes a band of amazing volunteers and organisers to help during the 12 months of the year for our club to offer these events. Hats what club unity is all about.
People still ask me why they should be a club member of Bike Manawatu for $45 per year. I say to them being part of a club able to do all the things available to them and make friends along the way is why. Without a club what would cycling in the Manawatu look like I ask them.
Congratulations to everyone associated with cycling in the club on what you have achieved on or off the bike for 2017.Success is a beautiful word and everyone has experienced it in one way or another this year. Pat yourself on the back for your own personal achievements. You deserve it.
On behalf of the Bike Manawatu Board of Mike Carine, Tim Lloyd, Alex Denholm, Peter McCarthy along with new club secretary and myself thank you all for being part of this year’s cycling journey with us. Our team have been awesome and we would welcome new blood to join are team for 2018.I would love to hear from anyone who would like to give something back to cycling in any way which is a most satisfying feeling.
We thank all of those riders and special volunteers who gave there valuable time to help out at our club events. To those sponsors who have been there to support our events throughout the year, your support has not gone unnoticed and we as a cycling community really thank and appreciate you. Members are encouraged to support you where they can.
Finally to you all, have a safe and happy Xmas Holiday season. It is a time for family and friends to relax and have a great brake and recharge for another exciting 2018 year ahead.
Merry Xmas
Ps. We are hoping you all join us on the 27th of January to join in the spirit of supporting the club at the three event “Gravel and Tar” 70k Grand Fondo or 35k River path challenge.
We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships
Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put their hand up regularly.
Contact Kerryn our club secretary on secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.