Attention Women Cyclists 35+

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety.

Although funding external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race.

Are you looking for a new, fast paced dynamic sport?

track Sharon Hollenstein Track cycling may be the buzz you are looking for.

In March 2013, master’s women will have four National Track Cycling Championship events to contest on the indoor velodrome in Invercargill.

This year we had no master’s women riders from Bike Manawatu or the West Coast North Island centre (which we represent) competing at the championships.

Let’s change that in 2013!

Whether a current road cyclist or you compete in another sport, there are no barriers to getting started and progress is fast.

Bike Manawatu offers track bike hire, and the local Feilding track has no steep banking and free coaching is available (see below for details).

The benefits of track cycling are:

General fitness-An excellent workout where you can avoid traffic and continuous head winds.
Mastering a new skill-Rewarding and you will be surprised how easy it is.
Improved bike handling-Excellent cross training for road cyclists, triathletes, and mountain bikers to fine tune skills, improve speed and power.
A competitive challenge-WCNI centre and national championship events to contest plus the NZ Masters Games in Wanganui in February 2013.

Getting Started

Bike Manawatu have “try a track bike and hire days” around October, keep an eye on the website or subscribe to the newsletter.

Alternatively you can purchase reasonably priced bikes on TradeMe or purchase new, starting around $1000.

Free Coaching

Megan is offering coaching and introductory track sessions to any women new to the track or those wanting to build their track riding confidence and competitive ability.

Make contact anytime between now and November if you are interested, ph 06 358 5999 or blatchford@xtra.co.nz.

And don’t forget to watch the Olympic track cycling events to see the excitement of competing on a velodrome!