This weekend is the Country Road….

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.

CountryRoad The Country Road Manawatu Cycle Classic is an amazing experience, displaying all of the Manawatu’s scenic delights, from stunning views of river valleys clothed in vibrant rural farmland, through to native bush hugging the foothills of the majestic Ruahine Ranges.

There has been a very high level of collaboration between key stakeholders with tremendous support of local councils who sped up completing road works so it’s safer for cyclists, including sweeping corners and intersection along the route.

The event is called a classic to signify 160km or what used to be called “Century Races of 100 miles in the “olden days”…

The organisers recognise various levels of ability and provide 40km options for people to “have a go” knowing that next year they might do 80km or even the entire course. As at Thursday there are 183 registrants which may indicate around another 80+ will register in next 2 days as people check the weather forecast and decide to overcome their “umming and ahhing”.

The route is an easy ride with a relatively relaxed climb to Kimbolton before entering the grunt (and scenically stunning) phase from Kimbolton to Ashhurst before rolling home to finish at Memorial Park.

Grab a partner or two and enter 160km solo, or two person 80km, or 4 person 40km. You won’t regret it.