Thanks to Churchyard Physiotherapy

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.

At the inaugural la Femme fun ride I was the lucky recipient of a fantastic prize donated by the major sponsor, Churchyard Physiotherapy. The prize, a Musculoskeletal Screening, included a one hour assessment with a written report and exercise plan and two follow-up sessions.

Off I went to Churchyard Physio where the fabulous Fiona O’Connor put me through a range of movements particularly looking at those muscles and joints used in cycling, as well as balance and flexibility. The purpose of this was to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop an exercise plan tailored to my needs. I have the plan and now all I have to do is keep to it knowing that there’s a follow-up visit in six weeks. Fiona assures me my unstable knees will be much improved, so here’s hoping!

Regardless of your level of participation, a Musculoskeletal Screening is a great way to get expertly checked out and ultimately make cycling more enjoyable.

Thanks again Fiona