Another great sunny day in the Manawatu but a crisp note in the air with little or no wind. Or at least that is how I would describe the weather in Ashhurst as riders assembled by the Library for the running of the 2014 Essex Cup. This is the race that goes up the west side of the Pohangina River to Totara reserve and back down the East side to the finish line at the outskirts of Ashhurst. With the rain over the last few days and the cool temperature at the start of the day riders were told to take extra care on the gravel section and the slippery down hill that gets no sun on the return journey. John Arbuckle was the marshall at the end of the gravel section and would be able to help any riders in need of assistance. With an assigned tail car for the limit riders driven by Chris Croton and the final sweep car driven by Chris Sanson all riders were  told at the race briefing that if assistance was required they would be looked after. Thanks to these people and the marshalls Nigel Doyle and Tom Pirie out on the corners there were no accidents reported.

To be a Masters Age group rider you have to be 35 years old or older. The Championship events were held earlier this year over 3 speararate weekends. To be eligible for the overall championship riders needed to compete in 3 of the 4 events offered. There are 2 track events, an individual time trial and hill climb time trial. A special thanks to Mike Keenan and Ian Gray for organising the events and compiling the results.

 In addition to the winners 4 new records were set over the course of the champs. Click here  for records for masters

There are cups and trophies that will be awarded at the awards dinner to be held on Friday 29th August at Hotel Coachman.

Click here to view results

With the disappointing news that the WCNI TTT would be cancelled due to lack of entries the decision was made to continue with the event as a club event. A total of 12 teams registered for the various grades and distances.

Events always need support from volunteers that either help on the start/ finish line and with registration and most importantly out on the course. This event was no exception with a couple of tricky corners that needed marshalls as well as the turn points. With a 16km distance provided for the under 17 and younger riders and a 25km course for the under 19 riders, the course for the 40km open riders was set as the first 16km course followed by the 25km course.

 

Held at Linton Army Camp

Sunday 3rd August 2014

 

Under 13 Girls

1st        Henrietta Christie, Levin                                10 points     GOLD

2nd        Zoe Croton Bike Manawatu                            6 points     SILVER

3rd        Rosie O’Brien, Bike Manawatu                        4 points

 

Dear BM members and prospective members,

Thanks to all who contributed to the strategic direction of Bike Manawatu by completing the questionnaire.  This sort of membership input is much valued by the Board, and it serves to keep us in touch with the thoughts and needs of riders. 

We are in the process of compiling and analysing the results, and we will use these to help us decide things like; what our future events might look like, how we can best communicate with the membership, and how might we best invest our time and money to best benefit Manawatu cyclists. 

Thanks and take care, 

Steve Stannard