Full Speed Ahead
A huge sigh of relief that we are new seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with Covid-19. We will all have our memories, good and bad, of the enforced time away from work, riding, life in general.
What we have seen is many people and families picking up their bikes and getting active again. Cycling, as we know, is many different things to many people. Over the lockdown period the cycle ways were significantly busier than normal, and that is a big plus across all spectrums.
Thanks to the BM board and local councils we were able to ease into competitive cycling under level 2 with ITT’s and a Hill Climb. Entering and payment online, allocated permanent race numbers, written briefings with the start list when published have been the corner stone of efficient race start processes.
Our Webscorer System is now in full swing and we will continue taking registrations this way. The closing time of entering will more than likely be pulled back to Friday afternoon to allow more time to produce start lists etc.
We are gathering a group of enthusiastic volunteers to be timing teams, and we are always looking for marshals to undertake start line duties and corner marshals on course.
If you are heading out to race and there is a family member who is able to assist please message Keryn or Tim.
Our three Sunday events so far under Level 2 have been Kairanga 12km ITT with 46 riders entering. The following weekend 50 riders tackled Forest Road Hill climb. Last weekend 61 riders rocked up to Rongotea for an 17.5km ITT and a 2up.
The 2up is an event that hasn’t been run for many years, and we just thought we would see how our members responded to it…and it was a hit. Time trialing is one of the keys to road racing. You have to have the skill to be able break away, or to chase down a group.
Obviously if there’s two of you it makes life easier, and teaches you the ability to dig deep. We will certainly be running a 2up again in our TT events.
With the first of our Road Racing allowed to take place this weekend we head to the Taonui loop course (A1 Loops) on Sunday. This is graded and multi lap Flat track. It’s a course that our riders love and is extremely popular. Pre Register Here
After 4 weeks in a row, we have a week off then head to Akers Road on Sunday 21st . Once again a favourite across all abilities and run as a graded event. Akers Road Pre register here
We have another week off then, with the support of other WCNI centre clubs, BM will host the WCNI ITT champs at Rongotea on Saturday afternoon July 4th. This will also double up as the Bike Manawatu ITT championship which was postponed in March due to Covid-19.
Just because we can, there will also be a 2up section in the afternoon following on from the success late last month.
The day after, Sunday 5th July, BM will host the WCNI Road Race championship. This will be race around the Halcombe/Mangaone area with details to come.
Historically area champs have been Age Group based and with the CNZ Age Group Road Nationals almost certainly going ahead 2 weeks after this event it’s a perfect build up.
Lots of details to be finalised, but in the meantime….mark your calendars and get on your bikes.
See you Sunday…remember to pre-register
Thank you to all of our Bike Manawatu Sponsors, Grant Funders and Volunteers – We appreciate you all
Together Everyone Achieves More