Manfeild 6 Hour Challenge Update

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.

Manfeild 2011
At the time of writing we have 218 people entered to ride in the challenge as either individuals or part of a team so it is set to be the biggest field in the history of the event.

Remember – It’s not too late to enter!! Entries available on the day at Manfeild (No EFTPOS sorry).

We have participants coming form all over the lower half of the North Island. The first lap is scheduled for 9am and will be at a pace set by local MP and Patron of Bike Manawatu Ian McKelvie.

A heap of spot prizes are up for grabs this year including a special prize draw for Bike Manawatu members. Included in the prize draws are 2 flights in the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.

The weather may be another factor on the day. Currently the forecast is looking dry with light winds, but cold!!!

Tim Neal the Potato Guy will have his Baked Potato cart on site. He is fundraising for Nick Dunne who is competing in the challenge as a solo rider and later this year is competing in the worlds toughest endurance cycle race. RAAM or Race across America. All proceeds from Potato & Hot Soup ” donations “ on the day will go to Nick and towards the estimated $100,000 required to compete in RAAM

To learn more about RAAM and Nick please visit these official sites.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nick-Dunne-Ultra-Cycling/228403380532008
http://www.nickdunne.co.nz/
http://www.raceacrossamerica.org
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Race-Across-America/281761605092
For those coming to the event please remember to use the Rata St entrance. The main gate will be locked.