Combined club event 20 February 2011

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.

Sunday 20 February saw the first of a club event to cater for as many members as possible. The sunday bunch ride came for coffee to Ashhurst school, the Saturday club race was pushed one day forward to Sunday with start and finish in Ashhurst and the first training/race for school cycling Manawatu kicked off in Ashhurst. Goal to let all members of Bike Manawatu mix and mingle over coffee. Good weather good numbers good coffee from mobile coffee maker Ruanui MacDonald and nice muffins made it in a very enjoyable morning of cycling. Thanks Glenys and Susan.

Here are the results for the club race. Thanks to all the people who put their hands up to help run the event. Turn marshals, sweep wagon, start finish, registration etc. Very much appreciated!