Board Update

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.

Subsequent to our last Board meeting I have regretfully received resignation letters from Malcolm Rees and Stuart Doidge.

Malcolm and Stuart have indicated that they cannot work within the protocols set down by the Board, but have wished the Board well in it’s endeavours to “Grow cycling in the Manawatu”.

That Vision remains firmly in place for the Board and we continue to work positively and constructively towards that goal. Lot’s is happening and there is a lot more planned for all our membership, which happily continues to grow and grow. We are now well over the 200 mark. Keep spreading the good word.

The Board is presently looking to co-opt two new Board members to replace Malcolm and Stuart as per the constitution.

A notice around the first AGM will be sent out shortly.

If any of our members wish to offer their thoughts, suggestions or concerns to the Board please feel free contact me or one of the members….or attend the AGM.

On the cycling front, lots is happening…the club Time trials are at Ohakea this weekend…the Country Road Classic in two weeks ( this will become an icon event, make sure you are one of the first to do it!)….the young ones are off to Rotorua and Te Awamutu at the end of term, the Manfeild 6 hour is well advanced and on it goes.

The weather has been fantastic……and daylight savings ends this weekend so check your lights are functioning and you are seen.

Paul van Velthooven