Mangaweka to Palmy Ride 2017

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.

Early on Sunday morning, 40 or so Bike Manawatu members met at Memorial Park ready to bus to Mangaweka and cycle back to Palmerston North. There was a mix of riders in attendance and it was great to see some newer faces and some of our younger members too. Some were there to ride a course they hadn’t ridden before, others for the challenge of riding some hilly terrain, but everyone was there to enjoy themselves.

There were two rides on offer, the first a 90km route travelling through Rangiwahia, Kimbolton Cheltenham and Colyton and the second a 125km route going through Rangiwhaia, then just before Kimbolton turning left and going to Apiti, then Umutoi, Raumai and Ashhurst and on to Palmerston North.

There were 2 groups doing the 90km course, and people quickly assembled into the groups suited to their ability or the challenge they were there for.
There was 1 group tackling the 125km ride.

1 Group 1

The weather dealt us a mixed bag with all groups getting 4 seasons in 1 day. We had sunshine, wind, rain, hail and the odd thunderclap too – but all in all – we had a great day and most ticked a ride off their bucket list and achieved a personal challenge they had set themselves – so well done to the participants and thanks for your support.

2 Group 2

One person who deserves a big thank you is Bike Manawatu sponsor Garry Buys, who gave up his free time and was there at 6.30am on his day off to load bikes into the Bike Barn van to transport them to Mangaweka, and have them reassembled and ready for the riders to depart. He then went on to pack up the bags and blankets and bring them back to Palmerston North for collection. Without Garry’s assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to accommodate for such a large group and start riding as early as we did. Garry’s support on the day was invaluable.

3 Group 3