I caught up with Colin (Wal ) Anderson on Friday22 Feb.at the Kuratau turnoff at about 4.00pm he was on his second lap of the day and lap 15 of the 65 he will eventually complete. Colin was looking remarkably good and was in very high spirits. The heat has been his major concern and as the photos show it is very dry around the Taupo area. Wal also commented on the fact that riding so long by himself gives him too much time to think!
Sport has its ups and downs, its swings and roundabouts, winners and losers.
It is hard to believe that we are in the 3rd month of 2013. Where did that go? So much to reflect on….so much to look forward to.
The beautiful fine weather which is great for cycling is starting to create angst amongst our rural cousins. Two days rain would be nice.
The negativity around Mr Armstrong has been replaced by the positivity of the numerous local cycle events held here and elsewhere and the wonderful results recently achieved by NZ riders in Minsk at the World Track Cycling Champs.
The busy programme set down for all our members has on occasion been conflicted with other events meaning some of our riders have had to choose. That is always difficult and can be awkward for both riders and our decision makers. More support for our events group would help ease the decision making load somewhat. The full calendar is however always going to be a challenge.
Some of our riders are going great guns in Invercargill at present with Libby, Emily, Campbell and Micheala leading the charge. It was more difficult for our under19 and elite riders to shine last month as the competition seriously heats up at this level. A couple of crashes did not help. Ruby flew the Bike Manawatu flag with some great results.
Steve Stannard has shown us all what can be done when your endurance base is maintained by placing high in the Wellington Auckland race.! Too late and too much Pinot Gris for me!Well done also to those who supported the riders as they passed through Palmerston North and to BDO for sponsoring the event.
A small number of teams showed up to the West Coast North Island Team Time Trial Championships on Saturday the 23rd of February.
Bike Manawatu fielded three teams, under 17 boys, senior women and senior men. All teams were made up of four riders and the teams completed 16, 25 and 40km respectively.
Because of the small numbers, our under 17 boys team made up of Jaycob Sievwright, Robert Stannard, Alex West and Hayden Washington-Smith, were the only team in their category and so as long as they finished were guaranteed the title. They still put all their effort in to finish the course in 25 minutes and 23 seconds.
The senior women team consisted of Sue McMaster, Jocelyn Goodwin, Katherine Stannard and Kim Andersen. They rode very well as a team to finish in second place in a time of 37 minutes and 25 seconds.
Our senior men, Steve Stannard, George Roberts, Barry Gilliland and Luuk Van Wagtendonk, were part of a field of six teams including strong turnouts from Stratford and Wanganui. They finished with a quick time of 53 minutes and 33 seconds but fell 47 seconds short of the Wanganui team to end in second place, a very respectable ride nonetheless.
Be great IF lots of the Worlds ELITE Athletes from many sporting codes read & Followed my car rego advice !!
Hardly enough room for the driver let alone all my gear for this 10400km *challenge*
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View- www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/65xlaketaupo/ And feel free to forward to your contact list. 10,000+km Around Lake Taupo = 65 times, that is my final *challenge* for my 65th year- well of course there is the Official Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge also on the Last Saturday of November– train-train–enjoy IF you wish to follow or join my ride txt 02102206227 Colin-Wal- Anderson |
Eleven days into this epic ride with 13 laps completed in some very hot weather, 2000+ km done, a *mere* 8000 + km to go!
Certainly my daily organisation has to improve, with 3 bikes all ready to ride as required, heading down Waihi hill on lap 1 my last remaining Camelbak podium Big Chill bottle complete with my hammer Heed supply bounced out, meaning I had to stop @ Z service Stn Turangi – oops only to find my cash was on another bike still @ Taupo. No worries, a wee plea to Flo at the front counter & out popped 20 bucks, I borrowed 10, No security just plain trust, Purchased a bottle of water & out of there, only having to stop again @ waiatahuna dairy & spend the last $4.50 on a bottle of powerade.
Memorial Park will not be available due to football games on the next 2 Sundays, accordingly the skills course will be moved as follows:
Enter via South Street Gates, You can park in the grounds or ride!
Skills taught will be mostly grass based activities.
8.30am to 10.00am