by Vaughan Hunt | Mar 23, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
For those who have experienced giving something back to an organisation or sport you are involved in, is hugely satisfying. For those who haven’t yet experienced this, we offer you an opportunity to find out more and how to go about giving back to your club as a board member.
For me, after following my cycling son and daughter around local and national events for five years and now coming up to my fifth year on the Bike Manawatu board, two years as Chairman, I feel satisfied I have given something back to cycling. However it is time for me to step down as Club Chairman and a board member at the AGM on the 28 April and let new people and fresh ideas take the club to the next level. I will remain actively involved with our club doing other helpful things.
Bike Manawatu now extend an invitation to any rider or non-rider who feels ready to give some of your time back to our club by expressing an interest and talk to us about being part of our board.
We have an outstanding team of people on the Bike Manawatu board- Mike Craine, Tim Lloyd, James Denholm, Andrew Ward and myself. We also have an outstanding club secretary in Keryn Paekau. Together we meet once per month for our board meetings, and in-between talk and communicate by email on decisions in the best interest of the club.
To find out more about what a role on our board involves please call myself John van Lienen on 0274 464 683 or email me at john.vanlienen@bayleys.co.nz. I welcome your call before the 25th of April 2018.
Kairanga Time Trial Results
We congratulate everyone who has competed in the 8 week series who will be much fitter and stronger for the effort.
Well done to race organiser volunteers Mike Craine, Tim Lloyd, James Denholm and those who have volunteer their services over the 8 week series. The series come to a close at the end of the month- 28 March. Be sure to get out to the Kairanga next Wednesday at 5.45 to register for the final race. Prizes will be announced at the Clubs Prize Giving at Marist Sports Club 28th April.
Check out 21 March Results;
Woolworths Cup Results
Bike Manawatu “Prize Giving and Quizz”
Theme ” KIWIANA”
When; Saturday night 28th April
Where: Marist Sport Club (decorated)
Time;Happy Hour and AGM” from 5-6pm. 6pm until late prize giving and quiz.
We are busy planning our track and road club prize giving and this year would really love you and your partners and cycling buddies to join us for some quality time together.
Discounted drinks at the bar will be open for the night and the prize giving will be broken up during the evening with a mix of celebrating success, quiz fun and a few spot prizes.
The old fashion concept of “bring a plate” is a tradition people might enjoy.
The more people the merrier…..The night schedule is currently being tweaked and promoting the event will begin soon. Lets all support this night together.
Any helpers would be welcome. Contact club secretary Keryn. secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz
Sad passing of Club member Glenn Thorby
The sad passing of one of the nicest guys you could possibly meet this week has come as a huge shock to many people after his short illness. Glenn was a committed cyclist and a valued Bike Manawatu member. In recent years Glenn joined the socially competitive BBC team of club riders. BBC spokesperson Rob Ryan recalls Glenn’s wife Viv saying he was like “a kid in a candy shop” to be accepted by BBC. That strong bond formed between Glenn and BBC has been evident by the support they have given Glenn, Viv and their three girls in recent months.
BenchTop Surfaces owner James Hurren said Glenn was a brilliant long serving Carters joinery rep known as “Fizz” by everyone in the industry. James said Glenn would come in to my showroom every Friday and make me and him a cup tea and we would talk about everything. Everyone will miss him.
On behalf of us all at Bike Manawatu. We extend our condolences to Viv and the girls and Glenn’s wider family members. Rest in peace Glenn.
Glenn’s funeral will be held on Saturday 24 March at Manawatu College Hall Foxton at 11am.
Club member Neil Pollock says farewell
At 75, club member Neil Pollock says he is really going to miss the Manawatu for its people and great cycling when he leaves to live in Auckland soon.
The modest but very determined Neil has really enjoyed the fitness and social side to cycling. He has been aa regular on the Wednesday Morning group, Saturday morning BP Group, the Bike Barn rides and was a keen Kairanga Time trial regular where he holds a club record for his age group.
A big highlight for Neil was competing in the world masters games in Auckland last year.
From your many friends at Bike Manawatu Neil, thank you for being a valued member and participant in both our annual social and event ride calendar.
Members at Wellington Centre – Road Championships.
In preparation for age group road nationals a number of our members heading to Wellington on the weekend for a hit out at the Wellington Centre Road Championships and did well.
Toshi (M4) a credible bunch finish, Mike Thompson (M6) 2nd in his grade, Michelle Turner (M3) 2nd in her grade, Libby Arbuckle 1st in the under 23 grade and Gabreille Wildbore (M2) 1st in her grade.
Great results and no doubt a fun day in Wellington together.
Can’t wait for Nationals.
by Vaughan Hunt | Mar 9, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
Bike Manawatu teenage rising star Campbell Stewart gave a hint of his prodigious future with a close fifth placing in the Omnium on the penultimate day of the UCI track cycling world championships in the Netherlands. A double junior world champion who was having his first venture into the gruelling four event Omnium that comprises a scratch race, tempo sprint race, elimination race, and points race. “It was a pretty cool experience with all the top guys there” Campbell said.
The fact is Campbell was the youngest in the field of the best older seasoned riders in the world.
Michaela Drummonds women’s pursuit team we shut out of a place in the gold medal round. Their time meant they finished 6th fastest to miss out on a bronze medal ride. Michaela also teamed up and raced with Racquel Sheath in a hectic high speed madison to finish a credible 13th.
Jordan Castle was placed second in both his Keirin races, the first round and repechage, pipped in a sprint finish for a place in the semi final.
Stewart and Drummond Third consecutive Sports Manawatu Titles.
The prestigious Sports Manawatu awards was an amazing evening of the who’s who in Manawatu sport where Motorsport ace Brendon Hartley was named supreme winner. Bike Manawatu was well represented with nominations for Emily Shearman, Libby Arbuckle, Michaela Drummond and Campbell Stewart. The later taking out junior sportswoman and sportsman completing a brilliant result for both. Watch out for both in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
Age group National Track Championships
Thursday the 8th to Sunday 11th March
Bike Manawatu wish to extend all the very best of luck to our age group national track riders who have travelled south to the Invercargill Velodrome. This will be a busy programme for everyone and an event to keep an eye out on. Check out results on www.cyclingnewzealand.nz
Sunday Recreational Group Rides Popular
The weather this summer has been fantastic and our Sunday group rides have been well supported by regular riders and newbies. 8am on Sunday at memorial park we yet again saw over fifty members enjoy our Bike Manawatu ride touring through the beautiful Manawatu countryside finishing off with a coffee.
Kairanga Time Trial Results
The Kairanga Time Trial series has been hotly contested over the summer and we say well done to everyone who competed in this week’s gusty conditions. Challenging conditions and cross-winds still didn’t stop people scoring two points for the night with a sub 15 minute time set by Luke Mudgeway.
Well done to race organiser volunteers Mike Craine, Tim Lloyd, James Denholm and those who have volunteer their services over the 8 week series. The series comes to a close at the end of the month- 28 March. Be sure to get out to the Kairanga every Wednesday at 5.45 to register.
Upcoming Events
Laskeys Bush Cycle Tour 2018
Woolworths Cup
Hill Climb Champs
Manfeild 6 Hour Cycle Challenge
Bike Manawatu Prize Giving
When; 28th April
Where: Marist Sport Club
When: Happy Hour” from 6pm.
We are busy planning our club prize giving and this year would really love you and your partners and cycling buddies to join us for a few drinks and some quality time together.
Discounted drinks at the bar will be open for the night and the prize giving will be broken up during the evening for people to mix and have a laugh. The old fashion concept of “bring a plate” we think will be something of a tradition people might enjoy. We will keep you posted.
The more the merrier……
by Vaughan Hunt | Mar 2, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
The National Elite Track Championships recently held at the SIT Zero Fees Invercargill Velodrome witnessed exciting racing from the 21 to 25 of February and our local stars shone brightly. Congratulation to all who travelled south an competed in this tough national event.
Our Bike Manawatu young men and women represented themselves and their families well and we should all be proud of their outstanding results. In particular Angus Clausen, Emily Shearman and Libby Arbuckle.
Check out all results on nationalelitetrackchampionships.
Results in finals.
Angus Clausen/Conor Shearing: 1st Men’s under 19 sprint.
Angus Clausen:2nd Mens under 19 Keirin
Angus Clausen and opposite team of 2; 1st Under 19 men 750m team sprint
Emily Shearman/Jessie Hodges; 1st Woman’s open Madison
Emily Shearman and composite team of 3; 1st Women’s Elite under 19 4000m Team Pursuit.
Libby Arbuckle; 3rd Women’s Elite points race
Libby Arbuckle and composite team of 3; 2nd women’s Elite under 19 4000m team pursuit.
Age group National Track Championships
Bike Manawatu wish to extend all the very best of luck to our age group national track riders who are getting ready for their upcoming trip to the Invercargill Velodrome. Have fun and do your best.
UCI Track World Championships
Our young Bike Manawatu Commonwealth games team members Campbell Stewart and Michaela Drummond are currently in the Netherlands competing against the best in the world. A fantastic honour to represent their country at such a young age against much older and more seasoned riders.
Campell Stewart rode in the men’s pursuit team were fifth fastest to qualify and did well to avoid a crash finishing 0.8s off qualifying for the bronze medal ride. Michaela Drummond was yet to ride when this reports written.
Check out results on cyclingnewzealand.nz
Colin Anderson wins Two Golds at Masters Games
Colin Anderson seems to get fitter and more determined it seems. Winning gold in the time trial and road race at last week’s New Zealand Masters Games would suggest he is on a roll. Watch out everyone there are more events coming up. Congratulations Colin on your great achievement from us all at Bike Manawatu.
by Vaughan Hunt | Feb 23, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
Bike Manawatu wish to congratulate Campbell Stewart, Michaela Drummond, Libby Arbuckle and Emily Shearman on being selected as finalists for the Central Energy Trust Manawatu Sports Awards to be held on Friday the 2nd of March.
Tickets are available from Sports Manawatu and doors open at 5.45pm at Central Trust Arena.
A Hot summer of Safe cycling
This year’s summer has been kind to cycling enthusiasts with groups and solo riders building their kilometres. Every year is different and we all know weather plays a big part of how much time we spend on the bike often braving the elements. More recently though everyone seems to be loving the weather and cycling. May it continue.
On a more serious note. All recreational riders and groups are responsible to choose the safest possible route please. Staying hard left on the left side of the road and two abreast (unless single file is called for) concentrating and communicating throughout the ride is road etiquette and generally safe.
So why have many of our riders and ride groups been seen (far too often) looking for cover and spreading three and four abreast across the road at times even over the white line.
This disregard for safety is why many other road users get frightened or angry towards cyclists when approaching us from behind or oncoming.
Please be sensible and ride in the most appropriate groups and follow cycling etiquette. Spirited riders if you want to race knowing the group will split at some point maybe pre plan your groups more appropriately before you leave.
A good safe ride with your cycling buddies and a coffee and good banter together afterwards is fun. A serious accident would not be worth thinking about.
Check out: nzta.govt.nz. NZ Transport agency- The Official New Zealand Code for cyclists.
Bike Manawatu ” Dinner and Dance Prize Giving “
Lock in this date in if you want to dress up and enjoy a cycling “Dinner and Dance Prize Giving“ with your partner and cycling buddies. Get ready to book a seat or table with friends and we will recognise and celebrate success and have some fun together. This invitation goes out to all masters and schools people past or present.
When: Saturday night the 28th of April
Where: details to be released soon.
Anyone keen to help put something fun together for this our first “Dinner and Dance Prize Giving” email Keryn secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz. We would love to hear from you.
by Vaughan Hunt | Feb 15, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
Bike Manawatu wish to congratulate our rising star track cyclists for an amazing hall of medals at last week’s National Track Cycling Champs. Just read the results and next time you see these committed local riders and their families be sure to congratulate them. They deserve every amount of praise.
Michaela Drummond finished third in the women’s 20km points race and she rode the in a composite team in the women’s madison with Racquel Sheath (Waikato) and they won gold. Michaela was also in the west coast north Island (WCNI) team along with Emily Shearman, Libby Arbuckle and Megan Gardner that won Silver in the 4000m team pursuit.
Jordan Castle was third in the men’s 1000m time trail and second in the men’s Keirin.
Emily Shearman was third in the under 19 women’s 500m time trail and second in the under-19 2000m individual pursuit.
Libby Arbuckle was third in the under 19 women’s 7.5km scratch race and won silver in the 15km points race. Carne Groube was third in the men’s 15km scratch race.
Our WCNI men won bronze in the 4000m team pursuit and our junior women sprint team win gold.
Campbell Stewart was third in the men’s 30km points race and riding with Dylan Kennett for a composite Waikato team won the madison.
Campbell Stewart was named as junior men’s cyclist of the year. He defended his world title in the Omnium at the junior world championships and was a member of the pursuit team that broke the world record.
A Hot summer of Safe cycling
This year’s summer has been kind to cycling enthusiasts with groups and solo riders building their kilometres. Every year is different and we all know weather plays a big part of how much time we spend on the bike often braving the elements. More recently though everyone seems to be loving the weather and cycling. May it continue.
On a more serious note. All recreational riders and groups are responsible to choose the safest possible route please. Staying hard left on the left side of the road and two abreast (unless single file is called for) concentrating and communicating throughout the ride is road etiquette and generally safe.
So why have many of our riders and ride groups been seen (far too often) looking for cover and spreading three and four abreast across the road at times even over the white line.
This disregard for safety is why many other road users get frightened or angry towards cyclists when approaching us from behind or oncoming.
Please be sensible and ride in the most appropriate groups and follow cycling etiquette. Spirited riders if you want to race knowing the group will split at some point maybe pre plan your groups more appropriately before you leave.
A good safe ride with your cycling buddies and a coffee and good banter together afterwards is fun. A serious accident would not be worth thinking about.
Check out: nzta.govt.nz. NZ Transport agency- The official New Zealand Code for cyclists.
Central Energy Manawatu Sports Awards
Bike Manawatu wish to congratulate Campbell Stewart, Michaela Drummond, Libby Arbuckle and Emily Shearman on being selected as finalists for the Central Energy Trust Manawatu Sports Awards to be held on Friday the 2nd of March.
Tickets are available from Sports Manawatu and doors open at 5.45pm at Central Trust Arena.
“Manawatu Festival of Cycling” Retro Ride
Over 40 people from as far as Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Auckland dressed up in very cool old fashion clothing and handpicked their favourite old fashion bikes and had a ball riding this years “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” Retro Ride. Fun was had by all. See a sample of photos including one Gary Buys taking a business call before setting off.
by Vaughan Hunt | Feb 10, 2018 | Board Chair's Blog
The hard work put in by our fantastic band of local volunteers and supporters was humbling while the backing of our local businesses was truly appreciated. Even more valuable was the vision and support given to cycling in the region by PNCC, Ceda, Sport Manawatu, NZCT, Mainland Foundation, Lion Foundations which speaks volumes.
To achieve this in such a short four month period after UCI accreditation, everyone should be tremendously proud of for their part in this our first “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” Not everything ran smoothly and our current debriefing processes have been invaluable. So thank you.
Equally not all members were positive about Bike Manawatu hosting the “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” which we know is all part of building something that is new.We learnt the same was true for the Taupo Cycling Challenge organisers who recall terrible early times way back when they first started.
Your Feedback please?
We welcome all cycling fans for their helpful and constructive solutions based feedback to help us for future events. Please email to secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz
– Would you support riding this local “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” event? Y/N
– Would you ride an event with Gravel in it? Y/N
– What events would you like to encourage you to ride?
A special thank you to Rob Ryan for organising the race vehicles for the race officials, doctors, media and photographers. Palmfeild Motors, Robertson Holden, and Nissan Manawatu were outstanding in supporting our event.
Also thank you to our four local bike shops for their generous support in the Gran Fondo prize giving top three winners. Bike Barn, Central Bycyle Studio, AvantiPlus and Crankit Cycles.
Robert Stannard Joins Mitchelon-Scott
Last week after racing in the UCI “Gravel and Tar Classic” local rising star Robert Stannard flew to Dubai to race in the Tour of Dubai.Phenomenal really for many reason.Robert has just been signed by world class pro team Mitchelton- Scott and this week also came an astonishing 15th place ahead of legend Mark Cavendish and a world class field in stage one of the Tour of Dubai.Find out more http://bit.ly/2nlznkl
