BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge Day 3

Thanks Brett Hooker from Bennett & Pearson Optometrists for a great breakfast location, thanks also to Gav from Soul Cycle Repairs for supporting.  The sun was shining for all 70 of you this morning and if you were heading to Taradale or Hastings you would have had a great tail wind!   Don't forget to go see Brett if your eyes need checking and Gav if you bike needs checking.  Special thanks to Brett Hooker – it's his 4^th time supporting the challenge with a breakfast treat for all you commuters!  Both these guys love riding bikes just like you!  THANKS

Today for the spot prize Gav is giving away 4x bike tune vouchers!  The lucky winners today of a Soul Cycle Good Time Tune valued at $45 each are: Jeremy Dunningham, Carolyn Foote, Keith James and Steve Watson.  So just ring Gav on 8354183 to book in your bike at Soul Cycles in Munroe Street, you bike will thank you for the love 

If you are new to commuting this week you may have experienced some sore muscles or a back side, don't worry it does get easier.  As you continue to ride to work you will see improvements in your health.  Anticipate finding your breathing easier, your blood pressure lowering and your resting pulse rate to decrease.  You will sleep better and gain more leg strength.  So yes your fitness will improve – simply by riding your bike to work.  That said don't forget to look after your bike too!

TIPS

1. Check your bike weekly – riding every day will cause some wear and tear on the consumable parts of you bike.  Check your brake pads are not wearing out and keep your chain lightly oiled.  Make sure you have correct tyre pressure in your tyre and check for tyre wear, glass and objects embedded, causing damage.  When checking make sure all parts on your bike are secure including any quick releases.  If you are not so keen on doing this then I recommend you book it in for a service at your local bike shop, every now and then.  Don't forget Gav from Soul Cycle repairs is right in town.
   
2. Regularly clean your bike – I recommend at least once a month to give it a clean.  Particularly after a wet commute, the splash-back of road grime on your bike can make it dirty quickly.   It's a good way to check your bike at the same time.  Make sure your chain is cleaned and dry before lightly oiling and make sure you have the correct oil for your type of riding.  Doing this regularly helps reduce unnecessary wear and tear.
   
3. Spare Tube – it does happen now and then, that dreaded sound of hissing air followed by a funny noise and difficulty riding your bike – the flat tyre!  I recommend taking a spare tube, tyre levers and pump on your bike.  Get one of those little saddle bags for under your seat, put your spare tube/tyre levers in there and make sure a pump is attached to your bike.  Practice changing a tyre, get someone to help or even go down to your local bike shop to show you how to do it.  It's easy to do when you know how and takes the worry out of having a flat tyre.
   

Check out this link for an interesting cycle commuting website for further tips on repairs and maintenance.  Paul has an interesting story on how he got started commuting.

http://www.runmuki.com/commute/commuting2.html

Tomorrow: Fishbike, Marine Parade, on cycle pathway behind Ocean Spa.

PS If you love road cycling and have Sky check out the Tour of Southland is on each night this week from 9.30-10.30 on Channel 110.  Or tune into live updates at www.tourofsouthland.com  Be grateful we don't have Southland weather conditions this week!

Remember the 2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge Monday 31^st October to Friday Nov 4th.  Register your name with Vicki at the breakfast each morning.  Ride in between 7am and 8.30am each day and register.  Receive a breakfast treat from your fantastic supporting business or organisation and there is a daily prize draw too.  The calendar can be downloaded from www.sporthb.net.nz

To be in the draw for this Grand prize: ride and register for 4 days at least, during the week.  The Grand
Prize is a weekend in Taupo with the opportunity to ride part of the NZ Cycle Trails.  The prize is a luxury nights' accommodation, dinner and breakfast, at Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo! 

2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge

Thanks to Napier City Council for the great breakfast treat, the yummy Panini went down a treat and to SportHB, for supporting this morning.  What a great turnout, with 81 cycle commuters coming into the Napier Library.  A big thanks to Deputy Mayor Kathy Furlong for so enthusiastically supporting the commuter challenge and her team of helpers – including a special thanks Maxine, Chris, Rob and Faye for coming in early and helping!  

TIPS: When cycling to work, you are not only keeping fit and healthy personally, you are also reducing air pollution and wear and tear on roads – in fact helping your community. 

Did you see the new plans this morning?  Napier City Council is building a NEW 'covered and lit' bike stand beside the library, construction has started and it's close to the bus stop.  Its due for completion late November, so be sure to keep it in mind for your bike parking in the city.  You could ride into Napier, park your bike out of the weather and catch the bus to Hastings.  What a great option if you commute between cities and are not up to the whole distance.  So well done Napier City Council!

Have you ever considered the "Bike n Bus" option?   John Dobbs from Travel Smart won the spot prize of the folding bike.  This bike can be folded up and taken on your local bus and unfolded at the other end.  Commuting doesn't have to be limited to around your city.  Well done John – enjoy!

Sport HB do a program for Business's to get their staff more active called 'Workfit' – if you're interested give them a ring to discuss how you can motive your staff to be more active and healthier.

Tomorrow:
Bennett & Pearson Optometrists, 7 Carlyle Street and proudly supported by Soul Cycle Repairs.

Remember the 2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge Monday 31^st October to Friday Nov 4th.  Just register your name with Vicki at the breakfast each morning.  Ride in between 7am and 8.30am each day and register.  Receive a breakfast treat from your fantastic supporting business or organisation and there is a daily prize draw too.  The calendar can be downloaded from www.sporthb.net.nz

To be in the draw for this Grand prize you have to have ridden and registered for 4 out of 5 days.  The Grand
Prize is a weekend in Taupo with the opportunity to ride part of the NZ Cycle Trails.  The prize is a luxury nights' accommodation, dinner and breakfast, at Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo! 

Congratulations John!  Will be handy to have for the Travel Smart team to use for doing errands and coffee runs 

Vicki Butterworth | BikeNZ | Hawkes Bay Regional Development Coordinator  

Pettigrew Green Arena, 480 Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier, New Zealand 4112 |  PO Box 7537, Taradale, Napier 4141| 
DDI +64 6 8459336 Ext 722  Cell +64 27 4 917121   Fax +64 6 8453983

 

The Gentle Annie

Ramblers Cycling Club in conjunction with Marewa Epic Cycles present "The Gentle Annie"1st Edition Sunday6 November 2011


The event begins from 10:30am starting from the intersection of Spooners Hill Road and Te Moehau Road. The finish is at the top of the hill just east of the Black Bridge,3.5km before Pukehamoamoa School. Pukehamoamoa School is the post race venue. Relay riders transition is just before the Tarurau river bridge, 54km from the start 59km from the finish. The transition area will be marked by a cycle race sign and a yellow flag. There will be water and a marshal at this point. There will be a sag wagon travelling behind the last rider and several support cars travelling with the event.

Riders must arrange their own transport to the start and in order to minimise traffic please share cars where possible. Supporters must leave before the start and move ahead of the riders to safe stopping areas to observe the event, please do not travel in convoys. Some spaces are available in vans for those who need a lift (contact Ken).

$10 to enter and 5 RCC series points for participating.

All roads are open and all riders must obey all traffic rules and regulations, in particular keep left at all times and give way at one way bridges. There are steep descents with tight corners so extra care is required. Although support will be available it is recommended that to avoid delay all riders carry a spare tube and pump with them and also wear or carry appropriate clothing.

MAREWA EPIC CYCLES have donated $50 shop vouchers to be drawn randomly after the event, one for women and one for men .

Riders will be started in two separate groups.

TO ENTER email Ken, cycle@ruralinzone.net
 please state whether you are a solo or relay rider and your current grade.

Full Details Here : www.ramblers.co.nz/files/GentleAnnie.pdf

The BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge starts on Monday – are you ready for the challenge?

There is nothing worse than rushing on a Monday morning - forgetting important stuff and having to rush out the door in a state. It may take a little longer to cycle to work, so remember to be well planned and prepared in advance. See the below tips. This helps take the stress out of it and make it more relaxing on your ride.

• Remember to pack your work clothes for when you arrive, if you‘re not biking in your work clothes and need to shower and change at work. Even leave a set of clothes or shoes at work.

• Get your bike and gear all ready to go. Check things like your bike, lock, helmet, shoes, drink bottle, gloves, spare tube and tyre levers are all ready to go. So all you need to do in the morning is ride your bike.

• Check your bike, your bike should be safe and ready to ride. Make sure you have the legal rear reflector, so you can be seen and your brakes are working. Check your tyre pressure is correct. There is a lot more resistance when riding if it’s not correct, so make sure it is to ensure an easier ride. You can find the correct PSI (Pressure per Square Inch) on your tyre wall, tyres can vary so remember to check.

• Plan your route prior the day before. Check out the best ‘cycle corridors’ to use from where you live to where you work. Its where lots of cyclists ride, so safer, its cycle friendly and its easy. I tried a cycle pathway/corridor in Auckland yesterday, from out west all the way into town – oops city centre – fantastic off road cycling and it was very well used by commuters.

• Make sure you wear bright clothing or a fluro back-pac cover so you are easily seen by other road users.

• If new to commuting maybe find someone to cycle with from work, till you are confident.

Check out the attached calendar to see where you need to go to on Monday. Inspire a mate to try! Yes, this year we are kicking off on Monday at MP Chris Tremain’s Office, Station Street, Napier. Hayden from Kathmandu has also kindly offered a spot prize so see you all there from 7am to 8.30am. See you all then!

Remember the 2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge starts on Monday 31st October and runs to Friday Nov 4th. No need to pre-register, just register your name with Vicki at the breakfast each morning. Ride in between 7am and 8.30am each day and register. Receive a breakfast treat from your fantastic supporting business or organisation and there is a daily prize draw too. The calendar can be downloaded from http://www.sporthb.net.nz/

To be in the draw for this Grand prize you have to have ridden and registered for 4 out of 5 days. The Grand Prize is a weekend in Taupo with the opportunity to ride part of the NZ Cycle Trails. The prize is a luxury nights’ accommodation, dinner and breakfast, at Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo!

2011 PowerNet Tour of Southland :: October 30 to November 5

Ramblers Competing :
 Fraser Gough (H&Js Outdoor World - Avanti Plus)

 Westley Gough (Subway Pro Cycling)
 Jeremy Vennell (Calder Stewart)
 Jeremy Yates  (Share the Road)
 
Check out the Teams and Timetable
http://www.tourofsouthland.com/



 
 

Hastings Ride (Sunday 30th October)

Leaving outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street 8:00 am

St Georges Road, Crystal Road, Middle Road, Camp David, Patangata, River Road, Pourere Road, Waipawa , Tikokino Road, Argyll East, Argyll Road, Rawkawa Road, Bridge Pa , Havelock North.
(120km  +)

Short Ride Return Via Elsthorpe Road, TeKura Road, Middle Road (70Km)

Saturday Racing

Date: 29th November 2011


Circuit: Swamp/Omaranui/Dump

Venue: Puketapu School

Registration: 1pm

Race start time: 2pm

Distance: A-D 43k; E-G 25km

Race Starter: Mike Lucinsky

Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895

RCC Club Uniform: Order Forms – Order Now

We anticipate placing the next Ramblers uniform order on the 8th November 2011.


Tineli says that an order placed then should mean that we will have the kit mid-January.

All orders must be received and paid for by Monday 7th November 2011.

To place an order,



• Get an order form: Download the Excel or pdf order form from the Ramblers website http://www.ramblers.co.nz/AboutUs/Uniform.asp or email Deb at info@ramblers.co.nz and ask for an order form to be emailed or posted to you. OR

• Complete the order form and return it either via email to info@ramblers.co.nz (Excel version) or post to the address on the form (pdf version).

Pay the total due either by cheque or internet banking. Details for payment are on the order form.

The Gentle Annie

This ride is scheduled for Sunday 6th November starting at 10:30am.


Riders will need to organise their own transport to the starting point.

The distance is 113km and can be ridden as an individual or as a two-person relay.

If you want to ride this you need to be confident that you can handle steep and winding descents.

You will need appropriate low gears on your bike for climbing.

There are long hills, there are steep hills and there are long, steep hills.

Rather than thinking of this as a race against cyclists, think of it as an epic challenge to complete.

All riders receive five series points for participating.

You will need to pre-register for this ride: contact Ken cycle@ruralinzone.net

An information sheet will be available soon.

Port Nicholsen Poneke Track

PNP began it’s track series on the 18th October. For more information and updates please check this site  www.pnp.org.nz/track

BikeNZ AGM

The BikeNZ Annual General Meeting is being held this weekend. As financial members of BikeNZ, Ramblers members are invited to attend.


WHEN: Saturday 29th October, 11:30am onwards

WHERE: Butterfly Creek, 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport

A light lunch will be served at the conclusion of the meeting. If you are planning to attend please register with Ashlei Perriton Ashlei.perriton@bikenz.org.nz

Free Wheeling in Wellington Festival – Sun 30th Oct

Get Out There and have a go at FREE outdoor activities 11am – 2pm Frank Kitts Park. Gather up your family and friends and try out heaps of FREE outdoor activities for all ages. Live bands and spot prizes as well as; sailing, fishing, roller blading/skating, skateboarding, bike maintenance, unicycling, rock climbing, waka ama. For more information: www.wellington.govt.nz/rd/getoutthere

Reminder: On Your Bike Expo

The On Your Bike Expo will be held at Claudelands Events Centre on 12/13 November. On Your Bike will be a first for New Zealand: a dedicated event to further promote and advance the cycle industry and cycling sports. The goal is to create a massive “festival” for all facets of cycling including multisport, adventure racing, tri and running. The Waikato Times Hundy K is part of this expo and offers 2 different length rides, a 100km and a 30km,  to challenge the fittest cyclist or those who would just like a Saturday ride with friends or family. To register or for further event info, visit www.onyourbikeexpo.co.nz

Upcoming Events

2011

6th November: The Gentle Annie, Taihape/Napier


6th November: Tour de Whitemans, Upper Hutt

13th November: Rotorua to Ohope Funride

13th November: ClipOn Challenge, Auckland

19th November: Hamilton City Criterium, Hamilton

21st-24th November: Oceania Track Cycling Championships, ILT Velodrome, Invercargill

26th November: Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, Taupo

9th December: RaboDirect Criterium National Championship, Auckland

11th December: Telstra Clear Cycle Challenge, Auckland

27th-31st December: Tour de Vineyards, Tasman District

2012

6th-8th January: RaboDirect Elite and U23 Road National Championships

13th-15th January: Hub EMC Tour 2012

21st January: GWALOOP, Gisborne/Wairoia

22nd January: BR Turfreys Tour de Beautiful

4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill

22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings

28th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill

11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier

15th-16th March: Oceania Road championships, Southland

17th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour

3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings

14th-22nd April: Tour of New Zealand

June-Sept (precise date to be confirmed): Oceania Masters Road Championships, Fiji

Olympic riders join Calder Stewart for Tour of Southland

Olympic cyclists Hayden Roulston, Marc Ryan and Sam Bewley spearhead a powerful team for Calder Stewart - BikeNZ in this year's Tour of Southland which starts in Invercargill next week.

The three Olympians will be well supported by Jeremy Vennell, Jason Allen and Jason Christie in an impressive line-up at one of New Zealand's iconic sporting events.

Roulston, the current New Zealand Road Champion, comes off a busy season with the HTC Highroad Pro team and will be aiming to win the Tour of Southland for a phenomenal fifth time in just six years, second on the all-time winner's list behind the legendary Brian Fowler.

He has recently confirmed his future with a yet unnamed European cycling team and is looking forward to riding an aggressive Tour.

"I always love racing on home soil as I gives me a chance to stay in touch with my fans. I feel like I'm in top shape and in the right frame of mind to go back and win a fifth. I have clearly got a super strong, really well rounded team beside me too".

Ryan has also enjoyed a full season racing in Belgium with some good results while also picking up a number of top results in New Zealand.

Meanwhile 24 year old Bewley has had a successful and busy season riding for the ever powerful Radioshack team and is in solid form ahead of the tour. Vennell rides for the USA based Bissell Pro Cycling Team and has some excellent performances to his name this year.

Thirty year old Allen has been racing nationally for the Subway Pro cycling team and Christie, the current Under 23 New Zealand Time Trial Champion. Christie was sixth at the Under 23 World Time Trial Championship has had an excellent season, including racing successfully in Belgium

The 55^th Tour of Southland begins with the prologue next Sunday before 900kms of racing over eight stages around the region finishing on Saturday 5 November.