Sunday 28 September 2014
Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre has opened up its backcountry to a new and very special event. Home to over 50 kiwi, at least 30 Kokako, and more than150 Kaka, the Breadcraft Wild Challenge is a 10km trail run through forest and bush teeming with wildlife, followed by a 23km cycle ride along country roads.
Another great sunny day in the Manawatu but a crisp note in the air with little or no wind. Or at least that is how I would describe the weather in Ashhurst as riders assembled by the Library for the running of the 2014 Essex Cup. This is the race that goes up the west side of the Pohangina River to Totara reserve and back down the East side to the finish line at the outskirts of Ashhurst. With the rain over the last few days and the cool temperature at the start of the day riders were told to take extra care on the gravel section and the slippery down hill that gets no sun on the return journey. John Arbuckle was the marshall at the end of the gravel section and would be able to help any riders in need of assistance. With an assigned tail car for the limit riders driven by Chris Croton and the final sweep car driven by Chris Sanson all riders were told at the race briefing that if assistance was required they would be looked after. Thanks to these people and the marshalls Nigel Doyle and Tom Pirie out on the corners there were no accidents reported.
To be a Masters Age group rider you have to be 35 years old or older. The Championship events were held earlier this year over 3 speararate weekends. To be eligible for the overall championship riders needed to compete in 3 of the 4 events offered. There are 2 track events, an individual time trial and hill climb time trial. A special thanks to Mike Keenan and Ian Gray for organising the events and compiling the results.
In addition to the winners 4 new records were set over the course of the champs. Click here for records for masters
There are cups and trophies that will be awarded at the awards dinner to be held on Friday 29th August at Hotel Coachman.
Held at Linton Army Camp
Sunday 3rd August 2014
Under 13 Girls
1st Henrietta Christie, Levin 10 points GOLD
2nd Zoe Croton Bike Manawatu 6 points SILVER
3rd Rosie O’Brien, Bike Manawatu 4 points
With the disappointing news that the WCNI TTT would be cancelled due to lack of entries the decision was made to continue with the event as a club event. A total of 12 teams registered for the various grades and distances.
Events always need support from volunteers that either help on the start/ finish line and with registration and most importantly out on the course. This event was no exception with a couple of tricky corners that needed marshalls as well as the turn points. With a 16km distance provided for the under 17 and younger riders and a 25km course for the under 19 riders, the course for the 40km open riders was set as the first 16km course followed by the 25km course.