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Manawatu Gorge Closure.

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. 

I noted the other day that it is highly likely that the Manawatu Gorge will remain closed for at least another 6-8 weeks, worse case  it could be even longer. 

The ramifications of this are already understood by Bike Manawatu but the closure will continue to present a dilemma for those who like to use the Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track as training routes. 

We have advised for the safety of riders, and will continue to advise, riders to select alternative  hill climbing routes until the Gorge is re-opened. 

A ride out to Highland Home and Valley Road are probably a suitable alternative, if not the Apiti Loop.