Busy month of racing in September

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.

Busy month of racing in September

With Saturday being the official start of spring it is appropriate that Bike Manawatu will hold Race 2 of our Road Race calendar that afternoon.
Race 1 saw an influx of BM members racing in A & B grade and it was great to see numbers turning up with smiles all round.
Race 2 is a new course for BM and a great “flat track” for the novice and experienced riders alike.
Start is on the Durie Road heading east running anti clockwise onto Campbell Road, Left on to Taonui Road, Left on to Reid Line East, Left onto Aorangi Road, Left onto Durie.
That’s a 10km loop. Laps dependant on grade. All grades catered for. Registration from 2.15 on the corner Durie and Aorangi , Races start at 3.00.
Parking is ok on the side of the road on Durie Road heading west (pointing towards Feilding) or on Aorangi Road, after Durie pointing towards the golf course by the finish line.
$5.00 for BM members, $10.00 for non members. (cash only please)

We repeat this course on the 22^nd before we get into more challenging hill circuits in October.

Bike Manawatu is on a mission to put on timed events to encourage healthy participation across the broad spectrum of riders in our region. Members who I have spoken to see the stop watch as a barrier and for that and other reasons don’t want to compete. What we are offering this season is a range of courses, gradually becoming more challenging, timed at a time of the weekend that allows a social aspect to be fulfilled at the conclusion of racing.
We are starting afresh. We are negotiating an update for our club timing equipment, we have a focus on the competitive and social aspects of riding bikes and are determined to grow our club base for the benefit of all.

Whilst we are clashing with our fellow cycling club at Whanganui for dates I can safely say that both clubs are both focusing on the same goal…. Putting on events for road races.
As part of West Coast North Island area it is very possible that in the future we run events week about, and that was discussed between organising personal, so next year may see us working closer together for the good of clubs and riders alike.

Our Website has all the details on upcoming events…Track racing is looming with a fresh prospective to encourage all ages to give track racing a go.

Novice Tour is being held for the 45^th year on September 15 and 16^th. This is a Junior tour and this year u23 and Elite Women are invited to challenge the u19 women.
Volunteers are needed for Marshalls and drivers..If you are able to assist please email Keryn (secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz) who will pass the details onto Mike Craine.

While all that is going on Trust House series starts in the Wairarapa on September 9^th. Good luck to all Bike Manawatu Members racing in that series.
In Masters 2 we have a BM team entered headed by Glenn Kirk, Paul Cole, Richard Day, Aaron Kearns , Board Members Mike Craine, Michelle Turner and Tim Lloyd.
BM sees an opportunity for us to have at least one team in each grade next year, and we have Philipp Vranek, and James Buchanan entering Masters one as solos.
At least 20 mainstay BM members are competing in teams throughout age groups and I’m sure we will all meet up at a Local establishment on the way home…Good luck to everyone

Please note the date change of Levin’s TT championship , now on September 9^th…all details are on our website

Ride safe, Ride hard.
Plenty to look forward to..
Come and have a go

Tim