Friday the 13th May be considered unlucky by some
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.
Friday the 13th May be considered unlucky by some people but for two Bike Manawatu members Richard Sheehan and Jaycob Humpreys it was their lucky day.
Early Friday morning the call came from Chris Moody pilot of the local Rescue helicopter to arrange a flight for that day. This chance for a flight had been won some weeks earlier at the Manfeild 6 hour event and was keenly anticipated.
We met Chris at the Feildair hanger where the helicopter is kept and after a safety briefing we were in the chopper and underway.
Our flightpath took us out to Ashhurst and through the Gorge stopping to look at the massive slip that has closed it for months and on to Woodville. Leaving there we had a close look at the windfarms and back through the Gorge following the ranges and over Aokautere where we turned to cross over the outskirts of Palmerston North and fortunately for me right over my house to land at the airport where Chris demonstrated the hovering capabilities of the chopper.
Flying in a chopper is quite different, the vibrations, noise and ability to go any direction you wish create a remarkable environment. All in all this 20 minute flight was most enjoyable and for me would rate right up there in interesting things I have done.
My thanks go to the Rescue Helicopter Trust for providing the flight and Bike Manawatu for providing me the opportunity to win it.
