LSD returns! Long Slow Distance–perhaps it should be Slow Long Distance.

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.

Tom and Catriona Pirie are again this year planning a series of long Sunday rides. These are long, slow distance rides to prepare for summer rides such as Tour de Manawatu, Taupo, Waihi Midsummer Madness, etc. The first ride will be approximately 100 km and distances will increase progressively to 200 km in November. We had a good group of riders last year and hope they will all return and bring some friends with them. Anyone who is keen to ride as part of a group is welcome. Meet at Memorial Park at 7.00 am. Provisional routes are listed below.

Sunday 5 June (Queen’s Birthday weekend) going to Linton – Okuku Road – Shannon – Himatangi Block Road – Main Drain Road – Leen Road – Rongotea Road – Palmerston North. Approximately 108 km.

Sunday 10 July – 1990sTour de Manawatu course. Approximately 115 km.

Sunday 31 July – Apiti Block via Kimbolton, Umutoi, Ashhurst. Approximately 135 km.

Sunday 4 September – Eketahuna. A challenging ride over the Pahiatua Track and returning over the Saddle Road. See LSD Eketahuna on www.mapmyride.com Approximately 160 km. There will be a refreshment stop at the cafe in Eketahuna and there is the opportunity to cut the ride a bit shorter at Pahiatua on the way back if required.

Sunday 2 October – Wanganui. Approximately 180 km. See MMCC Wanganui on www.mapmyride.com. We will have a drink stop at Lake Virginia.

Sunday 6 November – 2 laps Tour de Manawatu. Approximately 230 km. Start at Gull Service Station, Tremaine Avenue, at 3.30 am which should give us a good head start on the main field for our second lap. Bring good lights and high vis clothing. You can park near the Gull and leave clothes, food, drink, etc, there for the second lap.

For further information contact tandcpirie@inspire.net.nz.