First Track Ride for Summer 2011/2012 a Success

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.

The first track ride for the start of the new season for novice and experienced riders was an outstanding success according to coordinator and track stalwart Ian Gray. The sheer number of new riders was the most pleasing thing to see suggested Ian with numbers swelling to unprecedented levels. What was also impressive to see was the number of parents out there riding with their children.

The weather gods were also smiling when the imminent rain forecast for the region held off long enough to allow all riders to become accustomed to riding a fixed wheel bike. The failing light was the only reason forcing riders from the track.

For some like Renee Wadsworth, who is new to cycling altogether, hinted that the experience of riding a bike with no brakes amongst so many others was a “little scary” at first. Other hard core track riders like Ruby Perry had to watch patiently while she lamented on her misfortunate of breaking her wrist during the Yunca Tour some weeks back during the school holidays.

The highlight of the night was the 6 lap scratch race for experienced riders that included young Campbell Stewart riding U15 gearing (6.0m roll out). He was amongst other riders that included Matiu Kaihau, Luuk van Wagtendonk and Steve Stannard. Campbell was able to stay with the bunch until the final lap when the hammer came down and his gearing was too small to allow him to hang on. In the end Matiu was the easy winner.

With the club having purchased a number of new track bikes, the club was well poised to meet the influx of new riders.

It’s certainly not too late to come along and be a part of the action on Tuesday nights but you will need to find a bike.