Gentle Annie Bike Ride 1 March 2014

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.

Gentle Annie flyer JPEG

The Gentle Annie is back for 2014 & this year we are opening it up as a fun ride for anyone to enter!
This extremely challenging course over the iconic Taihape to Napier Road is a must-do for any recreational cyclist and travels over spectacular countryside.
There are long climbs, steep climbs & long steep climbs!
The race distance is 133km and there is 2400m of climbing, making the Gentle Annie the hilliest race in the country.
Two or three person relay team options are available to those that don’t want to tackle the full distance but places are limited so be in quick!
There is prize money and Gentle Annie KOM jerseys to be won as well as a fantastic race pack and spot prizes.
We also have a transport option for those that enter before 1 February that will safely transport both you and your bike from Hastings to the start in Taihape.
Full details can be found on the website www.gentleannieride.co.nz and also please remember to Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/gentleannieride