- Details
- Written by Marcel Hollenstein
First of all a big thank you to all the officials and helpers on the day. Without you “The Hour” would not have been possible. Ian Gray not only lent me a set of wheels to meet the regulations, but also gave me lots of insights and tips in preparation. John Stewart and Oods as my official callers did a great job in keeping me posted on progress. Then the timekeepers and commisaires: Matt van W.; Glenys Taylor; Wayne Fenn and Steve Perry, maybe not the most glamorous job to count laps but you made it official. Thanks also to Phil Ryder for keeping the time splits for my records and Kirsty Kaihau as always ready to capture the event on camera. And lastly, a big thanks to my wife Sharon for the months long encouragement and enduring many dinner conversations with “The Hour” as a topic.
As you recall the day didn’t start terribly well weather wise. However the forecast talked about improvements and calmer conditions later in the day.
I spent the day with as little strenuous exercise as possible – washing cars and vacuum cleaning was about it.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
A fine evening was just what Marcel had ordered and as the evening drew on the wind abated. The decision was made and the call went out to everybody that tonight was the night.
Marcel had done a lot of planning for this night. He had a schedule that mapped out his planned ride, how fast the first lap was going to be, and subsequent laps. He had helpers engaged in letting him know how he was doing. No special gear was required, he was aiming to set a record based on the same equipment as Eddie Mercx. Not even a skinsuit was allowed so it was pleasing to see him in his Bike Manawatu jersey.
The gun was fired and he was off. Sixty minutes. One Hour. THE HOUR.
The first lap was faster than he had planned. So was the second and the third. He had planned to do the first lap in 40seconds and then because that was from a standing start reduce to 37 or 38 seconds for the rest of his laps.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
Cool but fine with the promise of better weather on the way is what greeted riders to the 3rd la femme fun ride.
A smaller field than previous years with no rush of late entries left Palmerston North right on time. 
One small hiccup as the first rider from the 20km headed to the finish line and in her eagerness followed the Police car that was the lead vehicle in to the parking area rather than continuing straight ahead to the finish line. One other unfortunate mistake on behalf of a rider who had read the maps and seen the arrow pointing in the direction of the ride but decided to set a new course eventually making her way back to Memorial Park and the brunch that awaited. Soon after tales of other riders heading in the wrong direction just going straight past the marshals or taking short cuts were being laughed about. So it is a good thing that it is a fun ride and that the food and drink and a sit down at the end was on offer.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
It was great to see new faces turning up to have a go at setting a start time on such a windy night. We should even consider giving a prize to the person who has travelled the furthest to come out. Last night it would have gone to George who came all the way from Pahiatua. Great to have you join us George.
Thanks to the helpers on the night. Kirsty looked after the turn and I will blame the wind on the night for not enabling the “2 ways” to work properly.
We need a holder, caller, recorder, and turn marshall as well as someone entering data on to the laptop each night, so if you want to help or learn what is involved in each of these roles, just see Glenys at registration and your help would be greatly appreciated.
Hopefully next week the wind will be kind and we will see a few more riders out. 32 Riders total this week, 4 people able to better previous best time, 14 new riders this week.
The first penalty was incurred this week for drafting. The rider has been spoken to and adjustment made accordingly in results.
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