Timothy’s Track Attempt to help fundraise for the Arohanui Hospice.

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.

Timothy’s Track Attempt to help fundraise for the Arohanui Hospice.

Heres a fundraiser loaded with TRUE GRIT & determination.
All to support the Arohanui Hospice.

On Friday 21st February (weather dependent) Timothy will be cycling from approx 9am – 11.30am around the Johnston Park velodrome, Feilding.
This is to raise funds for the Arohanui Hospice in memory of his aunty who passed away in the loving care of the hospice in the early 1980’s

Timothy Coakley will be attempting to cycle 80 laps of the Feilding velodrome. OK, some may say so what — I say jolly awesome, Timothy at 61 years of age has spent the last 20 approx years at the St Dominic’s Centre in Feilding, where staff & friends have helped him with his many life limiting conditions. About 9 months ago Timothy expressed a desire to train/prepare for what will be an inspiring & demanding cycle for him. He has been unwavering on many horrid wet & windy Manawatu Wednesdays since, to continue on learning for this ride. Whilst its on a Friday, If you are about please drop down to the Johnstone Park Feilding velodrome for a few minutes & give him some further encouragement to remain *focused* on his 80 lap attempt, I shall have a contribution bucket on hand at the track & at Columbus Broadway P.Nth over the next couple of Saturday/Sundays.

Timothy is well known by many members of the original Manawatu Masters Club & riders of the various short time trial circuits in Gillespies & Lockwood roads, where he was a regular rider. Over recent years Timothy has had his cycling legs clipped for all users safety with his riding restricted solely to supervised use at the Feilding track facility, with his bike shed keys held at the St Dominics office.These restrictions have never dampened his desire & enjoyment of riding. His decision to cycle & raise funds for the Hospice came directly from him, his target of 80 laps is perhaps not a guarantee of completion — however, I can guarantee his passion to succeed & eagerness to attend his regular weekly *training* sessions during some rather varied Manawatu weather is a definite positive of his commitment.

Any support possible during the 9am–11.30am, to keep Timothy focused on this one project would be awesome. A collection bucket will be onsite & also at Columbus (Broadway) on the next two Saturday & Sundays for any considerations. view https://www.arohanuihospice.org.nz/helping-us/make-a-donation/

Thanks heaps for any consideration support you can give to this *challenge* Timothy has before him.

Colin Anderson