The Raetihi Gutbuster

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.

The Raetihi Gutbuster (March 31 Easter Sunday) is a fun way to experience the scenery and history of the Raetihi – Pipiriki road that lies between the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks. Starting outside the Waimarino Museum in Raetihi, it’s an out and back course with options to suit most. The 18k has been completed by a six year old, even though it has a sharp 2km climb before the turnaround. The 50km was hotly contested by local riders and out of towners, even though it’s a ‘fun ride’. The road is sealed all the way. Pipiriki is 89 metres above sea level, Raetihi is 575m, so the second half is mostly uphill and gives the Gutbuster it’s name.

In 2013 we’ve added a 25km ‘downhill’ ride which means people can enjoy the road but get a bus back to Raetihi without having to ride the 25km uphill section.

Great Spot Prizes include Mt Ruapehu Season Passes, and Jet boat trips to the Bridge to Nowhere. The start and finish area at the Museum has a market day atmosphere with cake stalls, bbqs and coffee vendors.

For more info and entry forms contact Lucy Conway 06 385 3123, 36seddon@gmail.com, or check out www.rideruapehu.com