Upcoming Events Around the Country

9th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Open Individual Time Trial
10th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Road Race
15th April: Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial, Auckland to Wellington
16th April: Manawatu Cycling Classic
16th April: CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua
22nd April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
17th-30th April: Life Cycle Ride – Whangarei to Wellington
5th May: Rabodirect Club Road National Championships, Wanganui
14th – 15th May: The Catlins Great Escape April
2nd July: North Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championships, Ngaruawahia

Hastings Sunday Ride

Due to Ramblers Club Champs there will be no planned Sunday Ride for Sunday 3rd April
Informaly meet as per usual 8:00am Outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street East

Saturday 2nd April – Club Champs Individual Time Trial

Race Circuit: Moteo-Swamp Road
Venue: Puketapu School
Registration: from 1pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Ken MacKenzie
Extra helpers would be greatly appreciated. If you are available on Saturday, please contact Ken MacKenzie. cycle@ruralinzone.net or 8395870

Individual Time Trials start from 2pm beginning with the 15km course. The start order is U15, U17, Masters 6,7,8. The 15km course starts and ends on the northern end of Swamp Road.
The 25km course starts on Omaranui Road (near Ormlie Lodge) turns left onto Swamp Road, returns back down Swamp Road then turns left onto Moteo Road where it finishes. The start order is Masters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, seniors. We will not be running a 40km event.
Riders must pre-enter this event so that start times can be assigned.
Please email your name and age grade to Ken, cycle@ruralinzone.net by Thursday evening (for example, Masters 5 – if you are unsure, check your BikeNZ licence).

Sunday 3rd April – Club Champs Road Race

Race Circuit: Apley Circuit
Venue: Puketapu School
Registration: from 1pm
Race start time: 9am (4-lap riders start at 9am)
Race Starter: Hilary Green
Extra helpers for Sunday would be greatly appreciated, contact Hilary Green. hegreen@xtra.co.nz or 8365454

We are racing the Apley circuit anti-clockwise starting with the four-lap race at 9am. Pre-entry is not required. Distances are:
Senior, U19 men & Masters 1 men 4 laps/104km.
Masters 2,3 & 4 men and Senior women 3 laps/78km.
Masters 5 & 6 men, Masters 1,2,3,4,5 & U19 women and U17 Boys 2 laps/52km.
Masters 7 (& older) men, Masters 6 (& older) women, U17 girls, U15 girls and U15 boys 1 lap/26km.

Start lists and times for the ITT and start times for the road race will be online on Friday.

Track Nationals: February 2011

In the last eNews we acknowledged the achievements and medals of Corbin Mason-Smith, Fraser Gough, Andrew Barlow and Kerry Harford at the 2011 Track Nationals in Invercargill.
Blinded by the golds of Andrew and Kerry, eNews neglected to mention that Kerry compiled a complete podium set bringing home a silver (Time Trial) and a bronze (Pursuit) to compliment his gold.
The final medal count for ECNI is:
• 2 gold (Andrew and Kerry)
• 2 silver (Corbin and Kerry)
• 2 bronze (Fraser and Kerry)
Not bad for a centre with no track. Well done again guys.

Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB

Congratulations to our juniors who competed in last weekend’s 2 day junior tour. This event comprised a prologue on Saturday morning, followed by two road races on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Well done to juniors for competing and for completing: Cadell Heney, Noah mason-Smith, Hannah van Kampen, Phoebe Treseder, Holly Atkins, Amanda Jamieson, Reagan Gough, Ben Ross, Tobias Robertshawe, Corbin Mason-Smith, Sam Thorpe-Loversuch, William Green; Damian Lysaght, Mike Garrity, James Lochead, Ben Petersen, Logan Bean, Sam Clarke, and Fraser Gough.
Special mention to Fraser who was second on GC in U19 men; to Reagan who was 3rd on GC in U17 boys; to Phoebe and Holly who were 5th and 6th on GC in U17 girls; to Cadell and Noah who placed 1st and 2nd on GC in U13 boys; to Corbin who was 2nd on GC in U15 boys; to Amanda who placed 3rd on GC in U15 girls.
Some of these juniors are affiliated with RCC, and some with CHB, but they all ride with RCC and we are very proud of them.

WCNI Road and ITT to be held on 2011 Nationals Courses

A reminder that Wanganui is holding the WCNI Road Individual Time Trial Saturday April 9th and the Road Race Sunday April 10th. These events will be Open and will be using the course for the NZ Rabodirect Club Road National Championships in May, so cyclists can go and “test” the courses before Nationals.

Department of Group Rides

This is a new website (2011) which is identifying and sharing great cycling rides around the world. Both Hawkes Bay and Ramblers now feature on this site – it’s worth having a look. They have a forum section, and they encourage people to suggest rides or make requests to find other cyclists or cycling groups to ride with. They have a Facebook account where people can upload photos and the best ones will also end up on the DGR website.

RCC Uniform for Club Nationals

A reminder that if you plan to ride in Nationals and have NOT already ordered the new uniform please email your name and uniform item and size requests to Deb Kelly at info@ramblers.co.nz so she can add you to the list.

Discounts for Cyclists during Nationals at Fiesta Court Motel

Fiesta Court Motel is offering a 10% discount for cyclists staying with them over the Raboplus Club Road Cyling Nationals. They also offer a group discount.
Reservations 0800 222525
56 Heads Road, Wanganui… 5 minutes from the CBD and Whanganui River
Go to www.fiestacourtmotel.co.nz or contact Ash and Noeline Sievers fiestacourtmotel@callplus.net.nz

Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial: Raising Awareness for Neonatal Infants

A reminder that The Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial begins in Auckland and ends in Wellington on the 15th April 2011 and is set on the same route on which New Zealand endurance cycling legend, Brian Lambert, set the Auckland to Wellington record in 1984 at an amazing 19hrs 59m 27s, a record that still stands today. The Chair of the Neonatal Trust, Eugene Collins, will be completing the Time Trial and Brian Lambert will be at the finish line to greet Eugene upon his arrival in Wellington.
The purpose of this endurance ride is to raise awareness and funds for The Neonatal Trust www.neonataltrust.co.nz Full details about the ride is at www.ride4life.co.nz.

Life Cycle rides to Wellington

"LifeCycle" is a bicycle ride from Whangarei to Wellington, organised by Cycling Advocacy Network (CAN) member Dean Scanlen, that will take place from the 17th to the 30th of April and finish at a rally on the steps of Parliament. It will pass many locations in which people have been killed while cycling. The aims of this ride are:
• To pay respect to people who have been killed while cycling on our roads.
• To achieve big improvements in attitudes about, and behaviour towards, cyclists by motorists.
• To promote stronger and more effective driver licensing procedures.
• To persuade the Government to spend 10% of its roading budget on cycle safety measures.
For more details, and to register as a friend, please go to:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LifeCycle/178434512193548#!/pages/LifeCycle/178434512193548?v=wall

Christchurch Earthquake Fundraiser this Friday 1st April

With all of the damage to fields, buildings and sports equipment there is a great need for funds for Christchurch Sports Clubs. On Friday 1st April all sports people in Hawke’s Bay can come along and enjoy a great night out and make donations towards the sports people of Christchurch. All proceeds will go to a Sports Trust administered by Sports Canterbury.
Entry fee $20. Finger food supplied.
Bar opens at 7pm, auction begins at 8:30pm.
Entertainment by Stolen Records.
Currently the following items up for Auction (Chris Tremain will be the Auctioneer):
• Magpies signed Jersey from 2010
• Jesse Ryders Black Caps Shirt
• CD Stags T20 Shirt
• Signed Black Caps Cricket Bat
• Lunch at Parliament for 2 with Chris Tremain and Simon Jones
• Vodafone Warriors 2011 signed training singlet
• Rebel Sports Super 14 Rugby ball signed by Brad Thorn
• Miniature cricket bat signed by Australian Cricket team of 2005
• Northern Districts T20 shirt signed by 2010 team
• Soccer ball from Beijing Olympics
•Two tickets to Crusaders v Chiefs and Corporate Box on Saturday 21st May with Tremains
• Cut Above Hair and Beauty Voucher
• Ben Hill Hawks Basketball signed playing singlet
Organisers are hoping to get Super 15 jerseys from Crusaders, Hurricanes and Blues.
Napier Technical Old Boys Rugby Club are hosting this fundraiser.
The venue is at their club-rooms, 91a Barker Road Napier.
Organisers are still looking for a few more items so if anyone as anything to donate please contact Craig on 8434219.

Road Rule Changes: Indicators Allowed on Bikes

New vehicle lighting rules that come into force on April 1 will allow cyclists to attach brake and indicator lights. Until now, a white headlight and a red rear-facing light have been the only lights cyclists were legally allowed to show. Indicator and brake lights were not specifically banned, but were not included on the list of legal bicycle lighting.
The New Zealand Transport Authority said the changes accommodated advances in technology and brought New Zealand in line with international practice.
Cycling Advocates' Network spokesman Patrick Morgan said it was a sensible move but unlikely to make roads safer for cyclists. "Our advice to people is that a good clear hand signal to let other people know what you're doing is the best option. Don't just rely on indicators."
Read more here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4750531/Road-rule-changes-allow-indicators-on-bikes

2011 RaboDirect Club Road National Championships Communique 3

Click on the Link Below to download BikeNZ Communique 3 regarding 2011 RaboBank Club Nationals http://www.ramblers.co.nz/Files/2011_ClubNatsComm3.pdf

Hastings Sunday Ride

Leaves 8:00 am outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street East Hastings

Short Ride Orchard Road Omahu Road to Expressway (Due to Road Closure) Roundabout then to new Longlands Roundabout left at Bridge Pa Raukawa, Valley road to top of Hill, Regroup return via highway 50, Omahu. 55km.

Long Ride continue to Maraekakaho, Kereru top of Hill Return 100km.

Riding Rabodirect Club Road Nationals?

If you are intending to ride the Rabodirect Club Road Nationals in May, you must be entered by the club you are affiliated to.
Can all Ramblers members intending to ride in the Nationals (Wanganui in May) please email Deb Kelly at info@ramblers.co.nz so that a list can be compiled and riders will be entered by the deadline.
If you send your name and then change your mind before the deadline, just notify us and we can remove you from the list.
If you are unable to compete in the Nationals (for example illness or injury) AFTER the deadline, please let Deb know immediately so a message can go to the Team Manager and you can be scratched without penalty to the club.

Kit for the Nationals

A reminder about this message in yesterday's eNews:
If you plan to ride in Nationals and have NOT already ordered the new uniform please email your name and uniform item and size requests to Deb Kelly at info@ramblers.co.nz and she will add you to a list of riders who may need to borrow a uniform.

Saturday Racing on 26th March

Race Circuit: Camp David return
Venue: Arohanui Centre
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before your race start – VISITORS $10)
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Wally Woods
Race Day Emergency Phone: 0274266895

Missing Wheel

Lost at Saturday’s race (19th March/Haumoana School) one front wheel. Please contact Jono Miller ph 8554703.

Track Nationals: February 2011

Belated (but never-the-less well-earned) congratulations to:
• Corbin Mason-Smith – second place in the U15 Boys 7.5km Points; fourth place in the U15 2000m Scratch
• Fraser Gough – third place in the U19 Men 3000m Individual Pursuit; fifth place in the U19 Men 20km Points (Ominium); seventh place in the U19 Men 10km Scratch
• Andrew Barlow – first place Masters Men (cat 1) 20km Points
• Kerry Harford – first place in the Master Men (cat 2) 7.5km Scratch
Two golds, a silver and a bronze! Fantastic effort, guys! For full information, video, photographs, reports and results go to: http://www.cyclingsouth.org.nz/index.php?pageLoad=129

Peter and Elaine Junior Scholarship Update

The following 7 Ramblers Juniors where selected for 2011 scholarship: Holly Atkins (U17), Hannah van Kampen (U19), and U17 boys James Lochhead, Mike Garrity, Damien Lysaght, Ben Ross and Ben Petersen. After being selected for this scholarship they were asked to write down their goals leading up to and including the Club Nationals on the 5th-8th of May. These goals are based: Skills, Motivation, SMART goals and Self-belief.

Over the weekend of 12/13 of February Holly and Hannah travelled to the Waikato as part of a seven strong Ramblers Women team to compete in the KDRE Bev May Womens Tour. Both of them stepped up to the next level, showing great determination and grit. Holly and Hannah finished high in both stage and GC results. Hannah was awarded the Most Aggressive rider in Stage 2, as well as finishing second overall on B grade GC. Holly finished seventh on GC in the Under 17 Girls grade.

All the juniors recently completed a training camp with coach, Ivar Hopman, over this last weekend at Pukeora Estate, Waipukurau, to familiarise themselves with the courses. Since starting this 2011 scholarship, all of these juniors have gone up in grades at the weekly Ramblers and Cycling CHB races, with some of them already tasting the sweet reward of victory.
Thanks again to Pete and Elaine for their generous support.

Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB

The BikeNZ Road and Track Junior National Points Series is back in action for 2011. The first event is THIS WEEKEND – the Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour in Central Hawkes Bay. All the best to our juniors riding in this, and a huge thanks to their families and coaches who enable their participation.
All the best to CHB Cycling – trust everything goes well for your club, and for all the riders attending.

Supporting our Juniors

Ramblers Cycling Club committee decided (at the last monthly meeting) to pay the entry fees for junior RCC riders affiliated with Ramblers entering the 3 upcoming junior tours (Ultimo CHB; CRI and TeA) as long as they wear RCC uniform at all stages of the tour. Great decision committee - thankyou.

RCC Uniform for Club Nationals

As you probably know, anyone who rides in the Club Nationals is required to wear the club uniform. Orders for the first batch of new uniforms have already closed and we have communicated to members that to keep prices as low as possible there would be only one order before Club Nationals.

To assist those who, for whatever reason, decide subsequently to ride nationals, the club has ordered a limited number of extra jerseys and skinsuits. In fairness to any members who now realise they need the new uniform, we are making a list of all new uniform requests. Depending on how many people indicate they need a jersey or skinsuit we will decide how best we allocate the stock we have during the second week of April. Obviously there may be no issue if requests are fewer than stocks available.

If you plan to ride in Nationals and have NOT already ordered the new uniform please email your name and uniform item and size requests to Deb Kelly at info@ramblers.co.nz and she will add you to the list.

Where Next For the Hawkes Bay Velodrome?

No doubt you have all seen recent developments regarding the Velodrome in Hawkes Bay. Unfortunately the Hawkes Bay proposal didn't make the short list and this means that the Government / SPARC funds will go to another centre.
This is extremely disappointing when you consider the years of planning, the ideal site reserved at the Sports Park and the money spent on preparing the bid. Everyone involved, including Ramblers CC, now has to re-evaluate what Hawkes Bay should do with regard to building a Velodrome. Do we look at building a regional facility only? Or do we just forget about it and travel to another centre to compete at track events?

The original bid team is now assessing all options, but these options can't be finalised until we learn which centre is the successful bidder for the SPARC funds and where the Velodrome will be built. This process will take another two months at least and so a decision on the next step will be in limbo for that period. RCC committee will keep you updated with developments during that time, so keep watching your eNews.

Upcoming Events Around the Country

26th–27th March: Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB
9th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Open Individual Time Trial
10th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Road Race
15th April: Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial, Auckland to Wellington
16th April: Manawatu Cycling Classic
16th April: CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua
22nd April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
17th-30th April: Life Cycle Ride – Whangarei to Wellington
5th May: Rabodirect Club Road National Championships, Wanganui
14th – 15th May: The Catlins Great Escape April
2nd July: North Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championships, Ngaruawahia

Hastings Sunday Ride

Leaving outside Rebel Sport 8:00am
Short Ride - Camp David and Return (60km)
Long Ride - Camp David - Te Onepu - Otane - Argyll - Whakapirau (110 ish)

Saturday Racing on 19th March

Race Circuit: Tuki Valley
Venue: Haumoana School
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before your race start – VISITORS $10)
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Ken MacKenzie
Race Day Emergency Phone: 0274266895

Velodrome Update

Last week, as you have most likely heard, SPARC decided that the Hawkes Bay for the covered velodrome in the North Island was not worthy enough to even make the final listing of three. This has been a great surprise to many cyclists, cycling supporters, velodrome enthusiasts and advocates. Many Ramblers members were anticipating at least being short-listed, and within our club we have several people who have played key roles in the work towards the velodrome – many meetings, interviews and promotions. At the risk of leaving someone out, eNews acknowledges the work and time of people like Rob Oliver, Roy van Panhuys, Don Kennedy, Ivan Aplin and Gavin Bush who have had input from the beginning with Ramblers strategic plan which had a vision to support and velodrome in the Bay.

Quotes from press releases:

“Ramblers really appreciates the support from Lawrence Yule and the bidding team so the region can be proud of that and I don't believe it was in any way their fault,'' Bush said.”

"With every cloud there's a silver lining" and the good news, Kennedy said, was the $7 million earmarked could now be committed to cycling generally, to make it safer by adding features such as more cycle lanes and clip-ons for bridges along Pakowhai Rd, for example.

To read more on the Hawkes Bay response to this extremely disappointing news for the Bay, not just for cyclists, go to Thursday’s edition of Hawkes bay Today (page A3) for a response from the Sports Park (Jock Mackintosh and Rex Graham), or page A11 for two articles giving Ramblers perspective and Bike Hawkes Bay’s perspective.

These can also be read online:
http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/sport/news/velodrome-knockback-anger-in-hawkes-bay/3944782/
http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/sport/news/amalgamate-three-councils-say-velodrome-supporters/3944727/

Sports Strapping Workshop

Sport Hawke’s Bay and Plus rehab are facilitating an extra Sports Strapping workshop on Monday 21st March. This will be held at Plus Rehab in Hastings from 6-8pm.
This is an additional course we have put on due to demand. There are 5 places left.
Contact Amanda Feast at amandaf@sporthb.net.nz or 8459333 to confirm your spot.

Tandem Tear-away Weekend: 18-20th March

To all taking part in the tandem tear-away weekend, enjoy. Should be great weather for it.
Last minute enquiries to Neil and Sue neil2sue@gmail.com

Thank you to our Race Starters

Ramblers has been increasing the number of skilled race starters over Summer and Autumn. It is fantastic to be developing the skill base within the club and “sharing the load” – that’s what a club is about and we can’t do it effectively without willing volunteers. If you are interested in contributing in this way to the club, please contact the committee info@ramblers.co.nzPlease also note there is an event management workshop in April (see next item) – Ramblers runs several larger events every year, and if you wish to assist and be part of the team in a specific event, this workshop may be of interest to you.

Sport HB Workshops in March and April

Sport Hawke’s Bay is presenting the following workshops over the coming month.
Secrets to a successful sports club; Waipukurau, Thursday 24 March
Media and Marketing; Taradale, Monday 4th April
Event management; Taradale, Monday 11 April
Details about these workshops can be found at http://www.sportsground.co.nz/ClubSite.asp?SiteID=9898&PageTypeID=7&PageID=33482&Tab=6To register for any of these workshops please contact Amanda at Sport Hawke’s Bay on 845 9336 ext 712

Tourism NZ and Cycling in HB website feedback

Tourism New Zealand has changed the way it markets New Zealand with a focus on online social interactions and still wants to let more people know how amazing the cycling is here, and needs your help. You can post articles about your favourite experiences, events, rides you’ve done – just about anything to do with cycling.
Go to http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about/cycling Click on sign up and follow the instructions. Then get writing. The more articles the better.

Upcoming Events Around the Country

18th-20th March: Tandem Tearaway Weekend, Napier
26th–27th March: Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB
9th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Open Individual Time Trial
10th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Road Race
15th April: Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial, Auckland to Wellington
16th April: Manawatu Cycling Classic
16th April: CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua
22nd April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
17th-30th April: Life Cycle Ride – Whangarei to Wellington
5th May: Rabodirect Club Road National Championships, Wanganui
14th – 15th May: The Catlins Great Escape April
2nd July: North Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championships, Ngaruawahia

Hasting Sunday Ride

Hi Folks

- Time to roll out the Hardmen Hundy
- Lets see if we can get a nice day and a good turnout for what will be a challenging outward leg.

The ride Starting from outside Rebel Sport at 8:00 am this Sunday will be to the Forestry Headquarters on the Taihape Road via Orchard Rd/Omahu and Return. (100km) +

Some may elect to see just how far the tarseal now goes!!

Those who do not condier themselves "Hardmen" can take several options the usual being to turn around at Sherenden School.

The nice thing about this ride is if you get dropped just keep going and turn when you see riders returning - the return leg is fast and we will stop at Pukehamaomau School on the return to allow slower riders to catchup before the flats back to Hastings

Saturday Racing on 12th March

Race Circuit: Swamp/Omaranui/Swamp/Dump
Venue: Puketapu School
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before your race start – VISITORS $10)
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starters: Hamish Goodwin and Ken MacKenzie
Race Day Emergency Phone: 0274266895

Veterans National Time Trial: Sunday 13th March

This Sunday the 13th March Wellington Vets are managing the National Vets Open Time Trial over 40km in Masterton. Entries close on Thursday night. Riders can enter on line and pay on the day. Registration is at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Wairarapa, Johnstone Street, Masterton from 9:30am. Start times from 11am. Afternoon tea and a medal presentation will be held back at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Wairarapa at the conclusion of the event.
Age Group information: 30 – 34 (Female only) 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79
You will be competing under the UCI age group rules. This means that you compete in the age group depending on your age this year, therefore, if you are 50 already, or if you turn 50 this year you will ride in the 50-54 age group.
For more information or to enter online contact Mike Elliott 0210776787 or got to http://www.wvcc.org.nz

Database Teething Problems

We’re having a few teething problems with database information as we transfer the information from one platform to another. We hope to have the database sorted for this weekend’s race and we will notify those who have not renewed membership.
Our apologies for any concern or alarm caused during the past week to those who were named as needing to renew membership and our thanks to the same people for helping us to amend the “glitches” in the system.
Thank you also to everyone for your patience in this.

Lost on Saturday afternoon after the Crownthorpe Race on March 5th

A pair of sunnies on the side of the road - lost between crossroads winery and Onekawa on Saturday afternoon riding home after race finish. Type - clear frame and yellow lenses in them. If anyone happened to have found them, can they call Shane 021378715

Found after Club Tour Weekend

One vest/windbreaker in MacKenzie’s van with spare tube in pocket. Email Helen hmackenz@eit.ac.nz and tell her the branding on the jacket and you can collect it in Taradale, or see ken at the race on Saturday.

Tandem TearAway Weekend: 18-20th March

A reminder that the “Tandem TearAway Weekend” is designed specifically for tandem riders who can meet each other Friday evening before taking in the Tuki Valley on Saturday morning, the Puketapu/Poraiti circuit in the afternoon and the Ohiti Circuit on Sundday morning.
Organised by Neil and Sue Christophersen, Mark Todd and Pauline Summers, please contact neil2sue@gmail.com if you wish to find out more.

WCNI Road and ITT to be held on 2011 Nationals Courses

A reminder that Wanganui is hosting the WCNI Road Individual Time Trial Saturday April 9th and the Road Race Sunday April 10th. Events will be Open and will be using the course for the NZ Rabodirect Club Road Championships later on in May.

The Country Road Manawatu Cycle Classic 16th April 2011

Organised as a recreational cycling event, you can enter as a solo, 2 person relay or 3 to 4 person relay and caters for all level of cyclists. Teams need to provide their own support vehicles which will be given strict instructions for the day.
The premier race will start at The Square at 7.30am. followed at 8.00am by the tandems, solos and relay riders. The finish is outside Memorial Park. A new innovation on the New Zealand recreational cycle scene is included, the Country Road Recreational Handicap Challenge and will see solo riders receiving an age based time.
For more information contact Event Director, Selwyn Brown: phone 029 444 5050 or email info@eventsmanawatu.co.nz or go to www.eventsmanawatu.co.nz

Upcoming Events Around the Country

5th – 31st March: Ride Out Of The Blue, Bluff to Cape Reinga
12th March: Flaxmere Family Festival & Annual Bike Ride, Flaxmere College 10am
13th March: Tremains Coorporate Triathalon, Napier
13th March: National Veterans Time Trial
18th-20th March: Tandem Tearaway Weekend, Napier
26th–27th March: Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB
9th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Open Individual Time Trial
10th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Road Race
15th April: Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial, Auckland to Wellington
16th April: Manawatu Cycling Classic
16th April: CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua
22nd April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
17th-30th April: Life Cycle Ride – Whangarei to Wellington
5th May: Rabodirect Club Road National Championships, Wanganui
14th – 15th May: The Catlins Great Escape April
2nd July: North Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championships, Ngaruawahia

The Country Road Manawatu Cycle Classic

Click Here for Details

Veterans National Time Trial

This Sunday Wellington Vets cycling have the Veterans National Time Trial event at Masterton starting at 11.00am. Wew normally get a reasonable contingent from Hawkes Bay but this year we only have Wally Woods entered. Are you able to send out a reminder to your members,
Entries close on Thursday night. Riders enter on line www.wvcc.org.nz and pay on the day. We enjoy having your members here.

Hastings Sunday Ride

Leaving 8:00am outside Rebel Sport

Short Ride - SH2 - Lawn Road - Tuki Tuki Clockwise
Medium Ride - SH2 - Lawn Road - Tuki Tuki Top of Kahuranakei Return via undercliff.
Long Ride - SH2 - Lawn Road - Tuki Tuki - Kahuranakei Loop - Havelock North

Not as good today for the East Coast North Island team.

Corban Mason Smith first up with the Under 15 500m time trial. Good technique out of the start gate and power to get the bike going from a standing start are required. Corbin managed a creditable eight place against guys who get regular gate training.

Next up Kerry Harford in the M2 3000m pursuit qualifying rounds. Set a modest target and leaving last as the defending champion Harford struggled after half distance and slumped to fourth fastest time and a personal worse, relegated to the second final to race off for third and fourth place. Team manager Dean Gough and Harford sat in the pits looking at each other in horror.
Never mind. As any fool knows, if your last name is Gough you can ride a good pursuit, so much was expected of Regan as he went to the start gate of the Under 17 2000m pursuit qualifying. Roughly two and a half minutes later Dean once again walked back to the pits in horror. Regan "claimed" tenth fastest ride and the team beat a hasty path out of the velodrome.

The evening session Harford had his ride off for bronze. Playing it very conservatively the plan was to get a second ahead and hold that, Dean relaying the gap as Harford holds the speed at over 50kph. Harford rode the final quite a bit quicker than the morning qualifying to claim second fastest time and the bronze medal.

Fraser Gough was next up for the kilo, a 1000m time trial which is part of the overall Omnium. Fraser rode smoothly round the four laps and claimed fifth fastest time, each lap his position is flashed up on the scoreboard, and Fraser improved his position with each lap of his ride as the sprinters and fast starters died while his superior endurance came into play.

Big day for the East Coast Island centre team at the National track champs

Big day for the East Coast Island centre team at the National track champs with everyone coming away with success against the big centres.

Fraser Gough was first up with the flying lap part of the Ominum, the ominum is a group of events and points are awarded for each event, 1 for first, 2 for second etc and at the end of the champs the rider with the lowest points wins the event. Fraser came seventh in the flying lap in the morning session but rode a stunning elimination race to win. The elimination event is a mass start race where the last rider every two laps is eliminated, Fraser basically rode the race from the front the whole way and still had the spice to win the final sprint.

Corbin Mason Smith riding his first Nationals worked his way through the heats of the 750m derby to end up in the final. He rode well against three far more experienced finalists to take the bronze medal. Father Aaron is here working as a commissar and scrubs up surprisingly well in his Bike NZ blazer and tie.

Regan Gough raced for a composite team of one East Coast North Island and three Waikato's in the teams pursuit. They qualified for the bronze medal ride off. Regan was obviously the strongest and the team got a bit haggard at times as they only had ridden together to qualify, and were narrowly beaten for the bronze. Regan saved the best for last in his scratch race leading out a long sprint, coming third after being rolled by two locals who hadn't seen the front the whole race.

Kerry Harford raced the 500m time trial. Not his best event, this is the preserve of the fat trackies who can blast out of the starting gate and monster out a big gear. After coming through the starting lap in seventh he managed to generate enough speed to salvage second place with the fastest lap of the event. Clearly more Warrens Bakery custard squares required when you see the profiles of the two Southlanders who took first and third on the podium.

http://cyclingsouth.org.nz/

Saturday Racing

Race Circuit: Crownthorpe circuit anticlockwise
Venue: Pukehamoamoa School
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before your race start – VISITORS $10)
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Tony Hartley
Race Day Emergency Phone: 0274266895

Christchurch Earthquake

Our thoughts and sympathies go out to you who have family, friends, collegues and cycling buddies affected by the Christchurch quake. Chair, Gavin Bush announced at the briefing on Sunday morning before Stage 2 of the Club Tour that Ramblers would be donating the proceeds of the weekend to the Red Cross appeal. Gisborne and CHB Cycling were there, and volunteered to make similar contributions.

Race Fees for Visitors

Saturday race fees for members will remain at $3.00 but race fees for visitors have now increased to $10 per race. If a person who has ridden as a visitor becomes a member they will not be charged a fee for their transponder.

East Coast Graded Tour

Last weekend Ramblers invited CHB Cycling and Gisborne Cycling to join us for a 3 stage tour over the weekend. We had significant contingents from Gisborne and CHB Cycling clubs.
Congratulations to all of those who participated in the tour – for some of our members this may be the only opportunity to experience the unique and challenging demands of riding a tour. Well done all of you. Ride of the weekend contender would have to Su Daniel who by all accounts rode an outstanding TT, a personal best which won her Stage 3 in C grade and secured second place to a promising new junior Rambler, Damien Lysaght.
Thank you to Ken MacKenzie and his team of marshals who gave up their weekend to ensure some great cycling for our members.
Thank you also to Revolution Bikes who sponsored the East Coast Graded Tour this year, supplied prizes for first in each grade as well as spot prizes and special offers to those who rode. You can find Revolution Bikes in Donnelly Street, Havelock North or on the web here: http://www.revolutionbikes.co.nz/

Hawke’s Bay Sports & Recreation Expo

The Hawke’s Bay Sports & Recreation Expo will be held again at the Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale this Sunday March 6th from 10am to 4pm. There will be a huge of stands and stalls there, including various cycling disciplines represented. It will be well worth a visit.

Introducing our Club Administrator - Deb Kelly

As anyone who has ever worked “behind the scenes” in any organisation will know, it takes a lot of work to make sure that things happen like they are supposed to. From things as essential as ensuring the courses we ride are as safe as possible, through to making sure we have enough chocolate biscuits each Saturday, we rely on our hardworking volunteers.
To try to reduce the burden on our volunteers we have created the position of Club Administrator. The Club Administrator will be responsible for coordinating some of the paperwork and other tasks that are necessary in the successful running of our club. We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Deb Kelly as Club Administrator for an initial period of 12 months. From now on, Deb will be the person to whom you should direct all your club enquiries and you can contact her by email at info@ramblers.co.nz. If Deb does not know the answer to your query she will pass it along to someone in the club who can help. We are fortunate that as well as sound administration experience, Deb also has a good understanding of cycling disciplines. Nevertheless, Deb asks that you please be patient over the first few months as she finds her way around the club structure.
The Club Administrator will report to the Club Treasurer (Mark Coombe) so if you have been working for the club, but you think that you would like to pass over some of your tasks to the Club Administrator, please contact Mark Coombe in the first instance.

Tandem Tearaway Weekend: 18-20 March

This is a social weekend for tandems designed to showcase the wonderful terrain Hawkes Bay cyclists enjoy riding, training and racing on. The weekend begins on Friday evening at the Cosmopolitan Club on the Marine Parade where you can enjoy drinks and chat about the next two days – and stay for a meal if you wish to. Saturday morning will take in the Tukituki circuit (approximately 60km) leaving from Kennedy Park at 8:30am stopping at Clifton Café for coffee. After lunch, tandems will set off at about 2pm to complete the Puketapu/Poraiti Circuit (approximately 26km) stopping at Moana Park on the way and passing the Puketapu Pub where you will have dinner that evening. Sunday morning will take in the Ohiti Circuit vie Oaks/Brookfields (approximately 70km) returning to the River flats to the filter Room for coffee or cold drink.
Organised by Neil and Sue Christophersen, Mark Todd and Pauline Summers, please contact neil2sue@gmail.com if you wish to find out more.

Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial: Raising Awareness for Neonatal Infants

The Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial begins in Auckland and ends in Wellington on the 15th April 2011. This ride will follow the same route on which New Zealand endurance cycling legend, Brian Lambert, set the Auckland to Wellington record in 1984 at an amazing 19hrs 59m 27s, a record that still stands today. The Chair of the Neonatal Trust, Eugene Collins, will be completing the Time Trial and Brian Lambert will be at the finish line to greet Eugene upon his arrival in Wellington.
The purpose of this endurance ride is to raise awareness and funds for The Neonatal Trust www.neonataltrust.co.nz Full details about the ride is at www.ride4life.co.nz.
The ride will depart from outside the Britomart Centre in downtown Auckland (the site of the original Post office) at 9.00am on 15 April 2011 and everyone is invited to come down for the send off and ride along as far as you have time for. Riders near or along the route are also encouraged to come out and join the Ride4Life for as long as you can hang on.
The ride will finish outside the Wellington Post office on Lambton Quay sometime late Saturday morning (weather and energy permitting) and as many cyclists as possible are welcome to join in as we head in to the finish. Come on down to the ceremonial finish outside Mojo headquarters on the waterfront and meet Brian Lambert.

Bev May Tour 12th February

Although this annual tour was held a month ago, it would be remiss not to mention the tremendous results of Ramblers who represented us there and got in the top ten.
Hannah van Kampen – 2nd in B grade
Sue Tunnecliff – 3rd in C grade
Holly Atkins – 8th U17 women
Both Hannah and Holly are recipients of the coaching scholarship from Peter and Elaine Gavin and were accompanied by coach, Ivar Hopman.
Special mention also to Ashliegh Neave competing in A grade, and to CHB’s Phoebe Tresseder who finished 4th in U17 women.

MEDIA RELEASE 25th February 2011: Hawke’s Bay Best Velodrome Location – Shanks, Gough

Hawke’s Bay is the best location for a Velodrome says Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ali Shanks. “If it’s going to be the centre of excellence for cycling in New Zealand, it means the New Zealand team will be training here for several months of the year so it’s important they like the place. Hawke’s Bay stands out because it’s got a great climate and fantastic outdoor training options. Basically cyclists like coming here,” she says.
Ali Shanks was a gold medalist at the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi and although she lives in Dunedin, regularly travels to Hawke’s Bay for training.
Fellow New Zealand representative, Olympic bronze medalist and Hawke’s Bay local Westley Gough echoed Shanks’ comments. “My support for a Velodrome here is based on the fact that I firmly believe Hawke’s Bay is the best place for it. I credit much of my success to the environment Hawke’s Bay offers, from great weather, excellent cycling terrain and strong cycling clubs. I know my views are supported by many of my peers, as they also travel here to train,” he says.
The indoor Velodrome, with naming rights sponsorship from Unison, will be located at the Regional Sports Park and will cost $21m. Half of the funds are being provided by non-ratepayer sources including a $7m grant from government.
The bid has been spearheaded by Sports Park Trust Chair and Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule. “The ratepayer investment would be significant and we acknowledge that. But this is a one-off opportunity for Hawke’s Bay to host the centre of excellence in a major sport. There is nothing on the sporting horizon that approaches the scale of this opportunity and we have a strong case, so we need to go for it,” he says.
For more information contact: Lawrence Yule Ph: 0272 496206

Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour (National Point Series)

CHB Cycling host the Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour on March 26th and 27th. The first day’s racing begins from Pukeora Hill (prologue and road race). On Sunday, racing begins from CHB College on Sunday (road race). This is for U19/U17/ U15 and U13 Boys and Girls.
RCC enjoys a close relationship with this club and often their members have supported us with marshals and drivers in events we have hosted. It would be fabulous if we could reciprocate. If you are available and wish to support CHB Cycling with marshals and general help, please contact the club.

Old RCC Uniform

There are a few jerseys which have been held in stock in shops. With the new uniform now available, our old colours become a curio and a sentimental investment. These will be sold from the trailer in coming weeks at $30 each.

Upcoming Events Around the Country

5th March: Poverty Cycle (various parts of Aotearoa New Zealand)
5th – 31st March: Ride Out Of The Blue, Bluff to Cape Reinga
12th March: Flaxmere Family Festival & Annual Bike Ride, Flaxmere College 10am
13th March: Tremains Coorporate Triathalon, Napier
18th-20th March: Tandem Tearaway Weekend, Napier
26th–27th March: Ultimo 2 day Junior Tour, CHB
9th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Open Individual Time Trial
10th April: WCNI Cycling Centre Road Race
14th -15th April: Ride4Life Non-Stop Time Trial, Auckland to Wellington
16th April: CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua
22nd April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
17th-30th April: Life Cycle Ride – Whangarei to Wellington
5th May: Rabodirect Club Road National Championships, Wanganui
14th – 15th May: The Catlins Great Escape April
2nd July: North Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championships, Ngaruawahia

Ramblers Prominent at Day 1 Track Nationals

First day of track nationals and two Ramblers riders in action today. Regan Gough having a big first day with qualifiying for the Under 17 points race in the morning session, 500m time trial in the evening and last event of the evening the points race final. Kerry Harford racing in the Masters Two scratch race.

Regan sailed through qualifiying having found his track legs with the West coast centre champs and a few days spent down in Invercargill training on the velodrome to sharpen up the speed. 500m time trial was a little disappointing, starting is so important in this event and the riders have an advantage who can train with start gates. The track is very fast with the "warm weather" in Invercargill and a New Zealand record took the title. Points race started well, Regan was a contender the whole race taking a fourth and a second in the first two sprints, but the fast racing and constant crashes in tight racing took its toll and Regan missed out in the end finishing fifth.

In the Masters two scratch race Kerry Harford went in as winner of this national title the last two years, and expecting no favours. The race was a battle between Southland and Auckland teams sending breakaway riders off the front, but the high average speed meant that with three laps to go the front of the race was still togeather. Harford found himself on the front with no option but to lead out the sprint. Having lead the field round for one lap he jumped hard from the front and was able to get a gap, sprinting for the final two laps and taking the hat trick with a tactic no textbook recommends.

Big fields at Nationals this year and committed racing. Ramblers and CHB riders racing for the centre in centre colours are right up there in events we get little racing in, against larger centres all with at least one velodrome to race and train on. Hopefully by April that will be all changing.