by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 20, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
Upcoming club races-Check out Bike Manawatu Calendar for details.
Up Coming Club Road Rides for Everyone.
When; Saturday 21sf October.
Where; Pohingina Village
Registration 2pm
Ride starts:2.30pm
The club invite all members and abilities to join us in the Pohangina Village for this beautiful Manawatu countryside ride. Open to schools and masters riders. Enjoy riding with your mates at your pace. The circuit is awesome and a drink somewhere on the way home together will top off a great afternoon. A great club thing to do.
Kairanga Time Trail Series
When: starts Wednesday 25th October:
Where; from Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm
Start Times from : 6.30pm. A flat 12Km course time trail points series run weekly. Approximately 50 riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm.This is another great way to improve your fitness while exercising before dinner. Short but intense and will improve your strength and speed.
Manfeild Criterium- Registrations are now open
When; Starting on Tuesday’s 7th,14th,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm
Start Time:6pm.Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages. Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge. Pencil this one in. It’s contagious.
Lions Tour de Manawatu
When; Sunday November 5th
Events: 114km,75km,43km,16km options.
Check out registrations tourdemanawatu.org.nz
The Novice Tour
When : 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages
44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in four stages over two days. A tough Tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of. Some of New Zealand former and current stars have ridden rode this tour and they speak fondly of what a great the Novice tour was in their development.
Bike Manawatu Happy Hour
When: Friday 27th of October
Where: Lonestar on the Square
Time: From 5.30pm
Love to see you especially now the weather is on the improve.
Angus Claasen makes NZ under 19 Track Team
Congratulations to Angus Claasen for being selected in the New Zealand under 19 Track team for the upcoming Oceania Championships. After a fantastic two years along with some standout results Bike Manawatu want to acknowledge Angus and his team for this incredible reward. We all wish him the very best.
Cycle Touring in New Zealand
I was driving to the supermarket the other day and spotted a cyclist riding fully packed up heading to the supermarket also. Checkily I asked where was she heading? A big beaming smile opened with a great conversation. I video interviewed her which you can catch on Facebook TeamJVL. Perrine was awesome. She had been cycling New Zealand for six weeks and was a French firefighter. The night before she had stayed at the Palmerston North fire station where she helped with an emergency and she went on to tell me about how she has enjoyed New Zealand, it’s hills and the people. Cycling people connect wherever they are in the world and it was really nice to say welcome to the Manawatu and New Zealand. She then headed up the Pahiatua Track (Sunday and not so busy) heading for Masterton and Wellington. A tough challenge and a great lady.
Big News- UCI International Race Awarded To Manawatu January 27th.
1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
3) The 30km Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.
Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. Its that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k UCI 125 Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic
The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
The 30kn Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.
recreational rides to create our own “Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling” for everyone in the region.
Bike Manawatu’s concept of a summer weekend ” Manawatu Festival of Cycling” on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
On the 27th of January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George
street. Neutralise starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won’t want to miss the start of something great in our region.
We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships
Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put their hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.
by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 12, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal says Steve Stannard founder of the Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic which has been running for two years. It has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. Its that big.
All I would like to say is I hope our members and the community embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the new circuit of the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k recreational rides to make the weekend a success for everyone in the region. This big news will satisfy many after missing out to Cambridge on having a Velodrome built in the Manawatu a few years.
Bike Manawatu’s concept of a summer weekend ” Manawatu Festival of Cycling” on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. The economic benefit to the region over time will build every year but the first two years will be important. Our members support on and off the bike where possible along with spreading the word would be appreciated. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
The UCI Board awarded Bike Manawatu the Gravel and Tar Classic after a massive drive by the club and a team of dedicated people along with the support of many local identities, authorities, businesses and Cycling New Zealand.
Steve Stanard says on the 27th January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
The “Gravel and Tar Classic” is a bit like the down under version of the famous “Paris Roubaix” in Europe where the best riders love to ride cobble stones and gravel versus normal sealed roads all the time. This will put Palmerston North and Manawatu on the International cycling Map.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George street. Neutralised starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
It must be said that for this “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” event to be an all-round ongoing success we are hoping and encouraging all members to ride either the new 70k Grand Fondo circuit or the 30k Riverpath Challenge designed for rider fun and safety you will really like. The 30k circuit will not have gravel so that all can participate.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won’t want to miss the start of something great in our region. Why would you be anywhere else?
Upcoming club races
Check out Bike Manawatu Calendar for details
Feilding Track Riding- Have a go Day.
When:Saturday 14th Oct:Trial a track bike for free to see if you like it? If you like it then you can a track bike from the club for a modest amount of money.
Where;Johnston Park Feilding
Time: 1.30pm
Sunday 15th October: Try out Track Orientation.
Time: 2pm.
Where; Johnston Park Feilding.
All under the watchful eye of legend Ian Gray and his team.Fun.
Up Coming Club Road Races for Everyone.
When; Saturdays 21st October. We offer medium distance graded club races for all ages and abilities on this beautiful Manawatu countryside ride. Open to schools and master’s riders. Enjoy riding with your mates and finish off with a coffee or a real drink at the end.
Where; Pohangina Township.
Time; 2pm Registration. Start 2.30pm
Kairanga Time Trail Series
When: starts Wednesday 25th October:
Where; from Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Time; From 6pm. A flat 12Km course time trail points series run weekly. Approximately 50 riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm .A great way to improve and exercise before dinner.
Manfeild Criterium
Registrations are now open
When; Starting on Tuesday’s 7th,14th,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm
Start Time: 6pm. Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages. Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge. Pencil this one in. It’s contagious.
Lions Tour de Manawatu
When; Sunday November 5th
Events: 114km,75km,43km,16km options.
Check out registrations tourdemanawatu.org.nz
The Novice Tour
When : 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages
44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in four stages over two days. A tough Tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of. Some of New Zealand former and current stars have ridden rode this tour and they speak fondly of what a great the Novice tour was in their development.
We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships
Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults, youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put there hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.
by James Denholm | Oct 5, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
83 National schools and over a thousand people were in the Manawatu competing or supporting the best of New Zealand’s school cyclists last weekend over three days. Riders from (Intermediate ages) 7 and 8 students and (High School ages) year 9,10,11,12 and 13 were put to the test, “school versus school” and “rider versus rider” to win honours for their school. It was exciting and brilliant to watch for everyone involved.
Our Manawatu schools competed with so much heart over the three days, two of which produced reasonable weather until the final day when gale force winds put all riders and their supporters to the test. Tough racing conditions especially with tired legs after two days of racing.
Bike Manawatu want to acknowledge all riders, parents, supporters, teachers and coaches for a great three day spectacle of hard fought racing where our local schools performed brilliantly.
Day 1: Teams Time trials – Koputuroa School Levin
Day 2: Road Races – Colyton School.
Day 3: Criterium Points racing – Manfeild
Check out all results on Cycling New Zealand Schools Facebook page.
We acknowledge our Manawatu Top 10 placed road race riders at NZ Nationals in no particular age group race or order. Next time you see them give them a big congratulations.
1st: PNBHS Junior A, Madi Hartley-Brown x2, Holly McInnes,
2nd: PNINS Girls A, Rosie O’Brien
3rd: Josh Mulcahy, Luke Scott, Daniel Johnston, Jack Pronk, Holly McInnes, Chenuka Rajapakse
4th: Aiden Jones, Keegan Leask
5th: PNINS Boys A, Adam Francis, Rosie O’Brien, Ben Irvine
6th: PNBHS Senior A, Georgia Simpson, Chenuka Rajapakse
7th: Fergus Doolan, Connie O’Brien, Ewan Cousins, Michael Richmond
8th: Huntly Boys A, Huntly Girls A, PNBHS Junior B, Kylah Gunn, Adam Francis
9th: Hunter Gibson, Campbell Ware, Jack Overweel, Ewan Cousins
10th: Ben Irvine, Kyle Hoskin
A special congratulations to Madi Hartley-Brown who took out two titles, both the Road Race and Manfeild Criteruim. A huge result.
Next year the schools nationals heads to the South Island before returning to the North island the following year.
Big News- UCI International Race Awarded To Manawatu January 27th.
Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal says Steve Stannard founder of the Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic which has been running for two years. It has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
All I would like to say is I hope our members and the community embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k recreational rides to make the weekend a success for everyone in the region. This big news will satisfy many after missing out to Cambridge on having a Velodrome built in the Manawatu a few years ago.
Bike Manawatu’s concept of a summer weekend “Festival of Cycling” on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. The economic benefit to the region over time will build every year but the first two years will be important. Our members support on and off the bike where possible along with spreading the word would be appreciated. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekends “Festival of Cycling” which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th. How good would that be.
The UCI Board awarded Bike Manawatu the Gravel and Tar Classic after a massive drive by the club and a team of dedicated people along with the support of many local identities, authorities, businesses and Cycling New Zealand.
Steve Stannard says on the 27th January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
The Gravel and Tar Classic is a bit like the down under version of the famous Paris Roubaix in Europe, where the best riders love to ride cobblestones and gravel versus normal sealed roads all the time. This will put Palmerston North and Manawatu on the International cycling Map.
Still to be finalised – The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George street. Neutralised starts from the square at a respectable early afternoon start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere. The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k riders to finish.
It must be said that for this Festival of Cycling event to be an all-round, ongoing success we are hoping and encouraging all members to ride either the 70k Grand Fondo or the 30k on the new circuit designed for rider fun and safety you will really like. The 30k circuit will have very little gravel so that all can participate.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January – You won’t want to miss the start of something great in our region. Why would you be anywhere else?
Three Day Big Easy to Hawkes Bay.
Recently club sponsor Garry Buys and the Bike Barn organised a brilliant three day Big Easy Ride which involved three separate groups of ten people (more or less) leaving Palmerston North via the Pahiatua Track to Havelock North in the beautiful Hawkes Bay where we stayed. If that doesn’t sound like a hike (174-200km between groups) the next day two groups headed off for either a (65km or 100km) ride taking in some of the most beautiful scenery the Bay has to offer.
Yes there were tired legs by this stage but after lunch on the second day “The Te Mata Peak Hill Challenge” won by Jeremy not so closely followed by Derek. Bruce,Steely and Darren followed with some well-earned refreshments afterwards back at the motel.
But No said Garry, the ritual of cleaning your bike had to take president first. Some couldn’t hold back on the refreshments and others had a power nap ready for the Big Easy traditional dinner night out.
Team leaders: Group 3-Steve Nagy (the turtles), Group 2 -Colin Anderson and Group 1-Rob Ryan all were asked to share how their teams performed on and off the bike to the whole party. Needless to say ” What goes on Tour Stays on Tour” is a great motto if you know what I mean. We all had an awesome night with good food and great company which is what these rides are all about.
At 7am the next morning (the third day), we headed off again in beautiful Hawkes Bay weather to negotiate the 180km journey home that served up some gusty winds as we reached the Manawatu side of Dannevirke, before being hailed on coming down the Pahiatua Track into Palmy for a another well-earned round of refreshments at the Hotel Coachman.
Everyone got home safe and well, and congratulations to everyone having conquered 450-500k on a bike in three days and loved it.
A big thank you to Garry Buys and the Bike Barn for once again, a brilliant Big Easy Weekend.
Upcoming club races – Check out Bike Manawatu Calendar for details
This Sunday 8th October: 2-up Time trial
Where: Pykes Road 16k Circuit
Time: Registrations at 2.30pm. Start at 3.00pm
Palmfeild Motors October 15th Recreational Ride
Kairanga Time Trail Series-
When: starts weekly from Wednesday 25th October
Where: from Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Time: From 6pm.
A flat 12Km course time trail points series run weekly. Approximately 50+ riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm. A great way to improve and exercise before dinner.
Up Coming Club Road Races for Everyone.
When: Saturdays 21st October. We offer medium distance graded club races for all ages and abilities on this beautiful Manawatu countryside ride. Open to schools and master’s riders. Enjoy riding with your mates and finish off with a coffee or a real drink at the end.
Where: Pohangina Township
Time: 2.30pm Registration. Start 3.00pm
Feilding Track Riding- Have a go.
Saturday 14th Oct: Trial a track bike for free to see if you like it? If you like it, then you can hire a track bike from the club for a modest amount of money.
Where: Johnston Park Feilding
Track starts in October and then Tuesday after Xmas under the watchful eye of legend Ian Gray and his team. Fun.
Manfeild Criterium Series-
When: Starting on Tuesday’s 7th, 14th, 21st, 29th November
Time: 6pm. Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages. Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge. Pencil this one in. Its contagious.
by James Denholm | Sep 26, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
The best of New Zealand’s school cyclists are in the Manawatu to compete for their school over three days from September 30th to October 2nd at the National Road Championships. Over a thousand people will be based in the region to witness schools racing at its best. Riders from (Intermediate ages) 7 and 8 students and (High School ages)year 9,10,11,12 and 13 will be busy racing hard out over three days.
Hotel, motels, cafes, restaurants and retailers in the Manawatu will also benefit massively from our this iconic annual cycling event as parents, supporters, teachers and coaches line the roads to support their riders. Starting daily at 9am with the younger age racers through to late morning and afternoons for the schools more senior age group racers.
Day 1 – Saturday 30th: Teams Time Trial – Koputuroa School Levin
Day 2 – Sunday 1st: Road Race – Colyton School
Day 3 – Monday 2nd: Criterium – Manfeild
If you have not experienced racing at top level yet be sure to make some time to watch New Zealands future stars competing head to head here in our region. Our brilliant Manawatu schools riders have been training hard for this event to take out honours across all disciplines.
I have found the Manfeild Criterium on the last day Monday the 2 October is always passionately contested by all schools as it all comes down to the final points races after three days to decide the top three schools in NZ. The Road races on the Sunday at Colyton school will be exciting to watch and the Koputuroa teams time trail is always intense amongst the teams teams.
Be sure to watch out for and support our Manawatu schools cyclists if you can make it. Palmerston North Boys High and Girls High teams and individual Cyclists have won NZ titles on numerous occasions and then there’s Palmerston North Intermediate Normal school who also have a proud history of titles.
Good luck to all involved.
Bike Manawatu Happy Hour
When: Friday 29th September
Where: Lonestar on the Square
Time: from 5.30pm
It’s time to engage yourself and your cycling buddies by supporting our sponsors the Lonestar and join us for this months “Happy Hour”. Spring has arrived and cycling mates always enjoy time together especially over a drink when you give each other a little bit of friendly advice or stick which ever suits at the time. See you there.
Upcoming School Events
Novice Tour of Manawatu- December 9th-10th. A proud forty four year old multi-stage Manawatu Tour highlighting some of New Zealand’s best rising stars racing for individual and club honours. We will keep you up to date.
Palmfeilds Motors October 15th Recreational Ride
Check out upcoming Bike Manawatu Events Calendar
Spring is the start of many club events for cyclists. If you own a bike and want to experience something new and different and get fitter, be sure to check out the clubs ride calendar online and try something different.
The club and event organisers would love to see you give different events a go this year. Cyclists can do anything and many masters riders tried different club events last year which resulted in their feedback being positive and are the same cyclist keen to return this year. How fantastic is that.
Check out other cycling interests:
Kairanga Time Trail Series-
From Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road in October on Wednesdays from 6pm this flat 12Km weekly time trail points series has been a huge success with approximately 50 riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm. A great way to exercise before dinner.
Club Road Races for Everyone-
On Saturdays in October we have medium distance graded club races for all ages and abilities on different courses in our beautiful manawatu countryside. Open to everyone and masters riders can enjoy riding with your mates and finish of with a coffee or a real drink at the end which is great fun and whom many enjoyed at our recent Bike Manawatu Tui Brewery ride for there first outing.
Feilding Track Riding-
Hire a track bike from the club for a modest amount of money from November and have fun racing different events on a Sunday in October and Tuesday after Xmas at the Johnston Park cycling track in Feilding under the watchful eye of legend Ian Gray and his team. Fun.
Manfeild Criterium-
On Tuesday’s starting at 6pm for the Month of November the popular Criterium series is on again.Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages.Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge.Pencil this one in.Its contagious.
Weekend Festival of Cycling- Saturday January 27th and 28th 2018-
Gravel and Tar Classic- 27th of January- This is an incredible coup by Bike Manawatu and event founder Steve Stannard to bring elite International Racing Teams to Palmerston North to race a physically and technically very difficult road and gravel 125km race. The Elite riders love this tough and very different event and our scenic region. Having them in Palmy is the start of something special for the region.
Gravel and Tar Gran Fondo- Saturday 27 January- This event has been designed for all recreational riders of all ages and abilities to give people a taste of something different and to feel party of the regions weekends festival of cycling.The Gran Fondo will offer two distances in 2018 1) the 70km Gravel and Tar course and the 2) 30km course.There is something for everyone young and mature,male,female rider. Give it a go and support our Weekend Festival of cycling which will grow in our region.
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club Entertaining supporting Weekend Festival of Cycling-
Bike Manawatu and our good friends the Manawatu Mountain Bike club are considering supporting the Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend with possibly running the Kahuterawa Challenge mountain bike ride on Sunday the 28th of January. Wouldn’t that be mouthwatering for all cyclist riding The Gran Fondo in the Saturday and the Kahuterawa Challenge on the Sunday.We will keep you informed.
Valued Sponsors of Bike Manawatu
Glenn Kirk-Oral Surgeon
Glenn is a committed cyclist who supports and sponsors many of our Bike Manawatu club Events. This tall, lean and quiet Oral Surgeon rides a bike with ease and races events all over the country with passion in a sport he loves. If you need an Oral surgeon next time call Glenn, he would be welcome to help you.
FMG
Advice and insurance for Rural,Residential, lifestyle, commercial and travel plus more means FMG have got New Zealand and the Manawatu covered. FMG are building the largest new office undertaken in the Palmerston North CBD for some 25 years showing their commitment to the Manawatu. As well they have sponsored Bike Manawatu which we appreciate. Thank you FMG.
by James Denholm | Sep 16, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
After last years beautiful weather for the Feilding Festival of Cycling, this years “cold” was a new challenge for the 90 registered riders who braved tough windy conditions to complete their rides.
The Joe Allen Classic has been raced since 1949 and has been won by some of NZ cyclings household names including Gary Anderson and Sam Morgan. Our FFOC booklet was a really good read on the history of the event.
Current Girls High coach Brett Tivers scorched the course in 2007 to get inside the top ten times recorded while in 2016 Robert Stannards time of 2.01.31 holds the record. Congratulations to young Thomas Stannard for his 1st placing this year.
Weather conditions were a true test for everyone and we thank and congratulate all those riders who took part is our long standing event. Bike Manawatu want to also acknowledge the incredible work by event Manager Austin Smith and his team of volunteers that made sure the day was run smoothly from registration through to traffic management, timing and the prize giving.
Tim Whitehouse as our Race Director and Dave Elgar as chief Commissaire teamed up to manage the race superbly for a safe incidents free event with plenty of sound advice to riders at the start line. Timona Park once again proved a very good setup and all four courses catered well for riders of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves which is what events are all about. The barbecue and prize giving afterwards that forms part of your registration fee topped off an excellent club day. Cold weather had a number of people not ride the event on the day and some riders were too wet and cold to stay for the barbecue prize giving but all and all another successful club event until our next event.
FFOC Results.
Joe Allen Memorial Classic:Start 8.30am Feilding to Apiti return(17 and over licensed riders only)
Line Honours: 1st Thomas Stannard 2nd Glenn Kirk 3rd Kevin Laskey
Fastest Times: 1st Madi Hartley-Brown 2nd Ben Earnshaw 3rd Thomas Stannard
The 90k recreational Ride:Start 9.30am Feilding to Rangawahia return
1st Kyle Hoskins 2nd Ben Knight 3rd Erik d’Arbois
The 50k recreational Ride:Start 10.30am Feilding to Kimbolton return
1st Fergus Lloyd 2nd Mike Dunn 3rd Ben Orr
The 20k fun ride all ages( Free).Start 10am Feilding-Colyton loop.
1st Holly McInnes 2nd Joshua Mulcahy 3rd Tom McInnes
Check out all results on Facebook Bike Manawatu Page.
Bike Manawatu thank sponsors Sprockets NZ, Morgans Property Advisors, Property Brokers, Bulls Medical Centre for there valued support.
NZ National Schools Road Championships -September 30th to October 2nd
The best of New Zealand’s schools riders are in our region to compete for their school over three days.Over a thousand people will be based in the region to witness schools racing from years seven to thirteen.Team time trials,Road Racing and Criterium racing will be exciting to watch here in our patch.Showcasing our talent and our region is worth watching. If you can take time to watch all or some of it.The Manfeild Criteruim on the 2 October is often passionately contested by all schools as it all comes down to the final points races on the last day to see what schools win or are placed in the top three schools in NZ.
Novice Tour of Manawatu- December 9th-10th
A proud forty four year old multi-stage Manawatu Tour highlighting some of New Zealand’s best rising stars racing for individual and club honours. We will keep you up to date.
Palmfeilds Motors October 15th Recreational Ride
Check out upcoming Bike Manawatu Events Calendar
Spring is the start of many club events for cyclists.If you own a bike and want to experience something new and different and get fitter, be sure to check out the clubs ride calendar online and try something different.
The club and event organisers would love to see you give different events a go this year. Cyclists can do anything and many masters riders tried different club events last year which resulted in their feedback being positive and are the same cyclist keen to return this year. How fantastic is that.
Check out other cycling interests:
Kairanga Time Trail Series- From Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road in October on Wednesdays from 6pm this flat 12Km weekly time trail points series has been a huge success with approximately 50 riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm. A great way to exercise before dinner.
Club Road Races for Everyone:
On Saturdays in October we have medium distance graded club races for all ages and abilities on different courses in our beautiful manawatu countryside. Open to everyone and masters riders can enjoy riding with your mates and finish of with a coffee or a real drink at the end which is great fun and whom many enjoyed at our recent Bike Manawatu Tui Brewery ride for there first outing.
Feilding Track Riding: Hire a track bike from the club for a modest amount of money from November and have fun racing different events on a balmy Tuesday night and Sunday afternoon at the Johnston Park cycling track in Feilding under the watchful eye of legend Ian Gray and his team.Fun.
Manfeild Criterium: On Tuesday’s from 6pm for the Month of November the popular Criterium series is on again.Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages.Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge.Pencil this one in.Its contagious.
Weekend Festival of Cycling- Saturday January 27th and 28th 2018:
Gravel and Tar Classic- 27th of January- This is an incredible coup by Bike Manawatu and event founder Steve Stannard to bring elite International Racing Teams to Palmerston North to race a physically and technically very difficult road and gravel 125km race.The Elite riders love this tough and very different event and our scenic region.Having them in Palmy is the start of something special for the region.
Gravel and Tar Gran Fondo- Saturday 27 January- This event has been designed for all recreational riders of all ages and abilities to give people a taste of something different and to feel party of the regions weekends festival of cycling.The Gran Fondo will offer two distances in 2018 1) the 70km Gravel and Tar course and the 2) 30km course.There is something for everyone young and mature,male,female rider. Give it a go and support our Weekend Festival of cycling which will grow in our region.
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club Entertaining supporting Weekend Festival of Cycling
Bike Manawatu and our good friends the Manawatu Mountain Bike club are considering supporting the Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend with possibly running the Kahuterawa Challenge mountain bike ride on Sunday the 28th of January. Wouldn’t that be mouthwatering for all cyclist riding The Gran Fondo in the Saturday and the Kahuterawa Challenge on the Sunday.We will keep you informed.
Whanganui Gets $6 Million for Velodrome
Big news for cycling fans and the wider Whanganui and Central North Island Community with the National Government funding for the project to add a roof to Whanganui Velodrome. Bill English confirmed helping the final design and construction underway. Bike Manawatu have supported the project over the last two years and are pleased that our talent and leading track cyclist will only be 50 minutes away from a first class training and racing Velodrome. Fantastic news.
Valued Sponsors of Bike Manawatu
Ken Young -Bulls Medical centre
The pride of Scotland is a mad keen masters cyclist and part of our Bike Manawatu Sunday Groups ride committee as well as a Regular on our Wednesday Ride group. A man of few words (normally colourful) and as direct as you like has been a valued sponsors of our club more many years. Giving back is a pleasure says Ken and we do appreciate Ken and his Bulls Medical Centre support.
Glenn Kirk-Oral Surgeon
Glenn is a committed cyclist who supports and sponsors many of our Bike Manawatu club Events. This tall, lean and quiet Oral Surgeon rides a bike with ease and races events all over the country with passion in a sport he loves. If you need an Oral surgeon next time call Glenn, he would be welcome to help you.
by James Denholm | Sep 8, 2017 | Board Chair's Blog
When: This Weekend- September 10th
Where;Timona Park Simon street Feilding.
Entries have closed online but late entries for the recreational events (not the Joe Allen Classic), will be taken on the day up to 30 minutes before the rides start. The club would love to see as many cyclist support this great annual event as possible.
For more details head to Feilding Festival of Cycling Website or the Bike Manawatu Facebook page.
1) Joe Allen Memorial Classic: Start 8.30am Feilding to Apiti return (17 and over licensed riders only)
2) The 90k recreational Ride: Start 9.30am Feilding to Rangawahia return
3) The 50k recreational Ride: Start 10.30am Feilding to Kimbolton return
4) The 20k fun ride all ages( Free). Start 10am Feilding-Colyton loop.
As always this annual event is a great event to start your spring cycling off after your winter base training. Ride Organiser Austin Smith and his team do a great job and the courses are awesome for scenery and to give you a test of where you are at this time of year over a short or longer distance. All ages and abilities can ride this event which makes it a great outing for all cycling people. Get your cycling buddies together and be sure to enter the Feilding Festival of cycling. Checkout the Facebook page and be sure to say yes and participate in this excellent event.
Palmfeilds Motors October 15th Recreational Ride
Check out upcoming Bike Manawatu Events Calendar
Spring is the start of many club events for cyclists. If you own a bike and want to experience something new and different and get fitter, be sure to check out the clubs ride calendar online and try something different.
The club and event organisers would love to see you give different events a go this year. Cyclists can do anything and many masters riders tried different club events last year which resulted in their feedback being positive and are the same cyclist keen to return this year. How fantastic is that.
Check out your cycling interests:
Kairanga Time Trial Series- From Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Road on Wednesdays from 6pm. This flat 12Km weekly time trail points series has been a huge success with approximately 50+ riders biking out to the course and registered from 5.45pm. A great way to exercise before dinner.
Feilding Track Riding- Hire a track bike from the club for a modest amount of money and have fun racing different events on a balmy night at the Johnston Park cycling track in Feilding under the watchful eye of legend Ian Gray and his team. Fun. Join the ‘Bike Manawatu Track Cycling’ Facebook group to keep updated with this throughout the season.
Manfeild Criterium- On Tuesday’s from 6pm for the Month of November the popular Criteruim series is on again. Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages. Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge. Pencil this one in, it’s contagious.
Weekend Festival of Cycling- Saturday January 27th and 28th 2018
Gravel and Tar Classic– 27th of January- This is an incredible coup by Bike Manawatu and event founder Steve Stannard to bring elite International Racing Teams to Palmerston North to race a physically and technically very difficult road and gravel 125km race. The Elite riders love this tough and very different event and our scenic region. Having them in Palmy is the start of something special for the region.
Gravel and Tar Gran Fondo– Saturday 27 January- This event has been designed for all recreational riders of all ages and abilities to give people a taste of something different and to feel part of the regions weekends Festival of Cycling. The Gran Fondo will offer two distances in 2018
1) The 70km Gravel and Tar course;
2) The 30km course.
There is something for everyone be they young, mature, male or female. Give it a go and support our Weekend Festival of cycling which will grow in our region.
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club Entertaining supporting Weekend Festival of Cycling-
Bike Manawatu and our good friends the Manawatu Mountain Bike club are considering supporting the Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend with possibly running the Kahuterawa Challenge mountain bike ride on Sunday the 28th of January. Wouldn’t that be mouthwatering for all cyclist riding The Gran Fondo in the Saturday and the Kahuterawa Challenge on the Sunday. We will keep you informed with the progress of this.
Manawatu Schools-
NZ National Schools Road Championships -September 30th to October 2nd bringing the best of New Zealand’s schools riders to our region to compete for their school.
Novice Tour of Manawatu– December 9th-10th. A proud forty four year old multi-stage Manawatu Tour highlighting some of New Zealand’s best rising stars racing for individual and club honours.
Members to Promote Rider Safety at all Time
As responsible cyclists we must all constantly remind ourselves to promote rider safety and road code etiquette when riding at all times. Our sport shares the roads with vehicles of all sizes and drivers of all capabilities. Our daily ride groups are the flagship of our sport and are responsible for promoting road codes and standards to keep everyone safe.
All rider groups are encouraged to identify ride leaders amongst yourselves and where possible have identified a safe course to ride. Letting people know where you are heading is also advised and how long you might be. Often road works can disrupt rides and checking out council reports or talking to other fellow riders is a good idea before you set your course.
The fact that most of us learnt to ride a bike as children and then put the bike down when we got our first car at around 15-17 years old means most people have not ridden a bike for years before we decide to join Bike Manawatu and start riding a bike again for health and fitness. To help these people is all of our responsibility.
Ride Leaders:
Cycling NZ with support from Sport Manawatu and Sport Whanganui is running a free Ride Leader Programme in Palmerston North and Whanganui in October.
If you love cycling like we do, and you are passionate about your community, why not become a ride leader and share your experience with others?
We would like you to be part of a network of passionate people who are keen to share their knowledge and passion of biking with others by becoming cycling ambassadors and cycling group leaders on or off the road.
Whether you are a person who rides for fitness, recreation, commuting or who enjoys exploring our region’s network of wonderful cycle paths, we are keen to have you part of this programme to help others to get cycling.
We have attached a poster for more information, if you are interested in the programme.
Here is the latest ride leader video promoting the programme:
https://youtu.be/rfh9j8Y7-t8
Valued Sponsors of Bike Manawatu
Fiona O’Connor and her team of motivated therapists are well known and respected business for being right up with the latest treatment techniques which our cycling community need from time to time. If you need attention to your body Churchyard Physiotherapy is a great sponsor and hope you call them first. They would love to see you!
Grant McCaskie and his Capture Signs team provide a wide range of quality services to help market your business or event plus so much more. Capture Signs would appreciate your business whether it be big or small. Call them anytime.
