by Glenys Taylor | Sep 2, 2012 | Archive(News)
The inaugural awards dinner was held on Friday night at Hotel Coachman. The guest speaker for the night was Simon van Velthooven – London Olympic Bronze medallist. The medal sat in it’s case on the bar for all to look at or hold or wear. The master of ceremonies for the night was Ken Young resplendent in his kilt. He started the evening by welcoming everyone including the invited guests. Before dessert was served we were enthralled by Simon’s address. He not only covered his route to get to where he is now but told of his most cherished moments – the kilo in 60 seconds at Melbourne – a feat that just blows the mind and for some of us is just completely incomprehensible. Keiren racing in Japan is something quite extraordinary and Simons account of racing conditions, bikes, crowds and crowd actions was enlightening and amusing. He ended his presentation by asking the crowd if there were any questions. One answer to a question from Adam Curry had every one in fits of laughter. Simon ended his presentation by saying that there is the medal and then there is Simon. He regards himself still just as Simon. He is a great role model to all our riders. He was presented with a Bike Manawatu skin suit and asked to wear it with pride as Bike Manawatu is certainly very proud of him.
After dessert the awards part of the evening started. The first award was presented by Garry Buys and was the Pedal Pushers Good Samaritan Award. This was awarded to Richard Sheehan for his help with the newbies on the Sunday rides and the first XV.
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by Glenys Taylor | Aug 23, 2012 | Archive(News)
Over the next three weeks we are running a series of 3 handicap races.
The first will be this week at Pahiatua with registration at the Pahiatua Sports Centre. This weeks race is a sealed handicap race – that means no one knows what their handicap is, it is a bunch start and the resulting finish time is then adjusted for your handicap to give a finish place.
Race starts at 1.30pm To view the course click here. There is a shorter route for younger riders. Bring a plate for afternoon tea at the conclusion of racing.
Preregister by clicking here
All place getters this week will then be allocated points according to their placing.
On Saturday 1st September, the second race in the series will be held starting at Ashhurst library out to Highland Home and return. Shorter course again available for D grade riders.
First rider off at 1.30pm.
The final in the series again starts from Ashhurst on Saturday 8th September. This is the race over the Pohangina circuit which includes a few kilometres of gravel. Click here to view the route and elevation.
Registration at Ashhurst library at 1pm. First rider off at 1.30pm. Prizegiving at Fusion Cafe at conclusion. Entry fees apply to all of these races.
Please advise if you are not riding and are able to help on the day by sending an email to secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz
by Glenys Taylor | Aug 17, 2012 | Archive(News)
Inspiring a Generation.
The catchcry theme for the 2012 London Olympics was ” Inspiring a Generation”.
The poms really did perform extremely well both on the the park , the track, the water, the velodrome and “off the field”. It was a pleasure to experience the “best games ever” and of course being there when our two local boys and in particular Simon winning bronze medals in dramatic style was a lifetime memory.
Both Jesse and Simon rode with such courage and determination. Their medals were richly deserved.
Given the huge success that Team GB had at these Olympics , already clubs across the UK are experiencing record interest across a range of sports. A generation has been inspired and the opportunity for more success and the door for future medals has been opened. Some clubs now have waiting lists !
With the exploits of Jesse and Simon, the same kind of opportunity on a much smaller scale exists in our own community and particularly our cycling community.
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![2012_poster[1]](http://bikemanawatu.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012_poster1.jpg "2012_poster[1]")
