Track Chit Chat – Nov 7th

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.

Again it was great to see the number at the track last Sunday and some of the riders had even ridden Tour de Manawatu events in the morning.

Congrats to Liam Brown who rode the senior men’s 1 lap standing in 29.89 sec and broke Simon Van Velthooven’s 7.5 year old record time of 29.95 sec.

The one lap standing start will be held several times over the season and their will be a $50.00 prize to the rider who decreases their initial time by the greatest margin.

So that riders can’t ride an initial “stoomen”. Only riders who rode last Sunday will be eligible for the prize!

James Gardner always seems ride better when he has $ signs in his “eyes” and again just pipped Kyra Craine at the finish of the U15 8 lap handicap for a deserved win to bank $10 yet again. The handicapper wont be so kind to James next time when the money is up!

Brent Zimmerman again this week checked the U15 and U17’s bikes and there was a big improvement this week. Remember to routinely check your bike. Also remember to pump your tyres up to the correct pressure – it makes your bike so much easier to ride.

Safety- we would encourage all riders to get straps on their pedals. One rider pulled his foot out twice last Sunday, and the cause was that he had been fitted with the wrong new cleats.

We will offer free straps and fitting to the pedals for the 1^st 12 U15 and U17 riders. Liam Brown has offered to help with the fitting and explaining the use of straps. Come early to track at 1:30pm and indicate on Facebook (by messaging Kate or commenting on the post regarding this chat) if you are interested – it is a very valuable safety exercise!

Congratulations to last weeks McDonald’s Feilding & Taihape rider of the week Angus Claasen.

Note for Intermediate riders, for your points from track to count this sunday and future track meets please tick beside your name on the board.