Details

Written by John van Lienen

Created: 16 November 2017

Cycling New Zealand chose to blood some young development riders into the cauldron of the UCI World Cup competitions recently in Manchester England and Poland Europe. Manawatu riders Jordan Castle and Campbell Stewart were selected and performed exceptionally well and should be proud of their incredible results against the best riders on the planet.

Multi junior world champion Campbell Stewart finished 10th in the Omnium boosted by an excellent second place in the points race behind overall winner Benjamin Thomas of France. Jordan Castle won his repechage in the Kerin but was just one spot out from earning a place in the main final going onto being placed third in the 7-12th race giving him ninth place overall.
They return to New Zealand now with the New Zealand elite team for next week’s Oceania Championships in Cambridge.

In New Zealand last weekend competing at the national criterium championships was Michaela Drummond who rode a great race to finish third behind New Zealand riders Rushlee Buchanan and Racquel Sheath. Former Manawatu rider Luke Mudgeway was third Men’s criterium.

Bike Manawatu Club Race -Sutton Cup

When; Saturday 18th November
Where; Halcombe Town Centre start.
Registrations: 2.30pm
The safe Halcombe-Stanway-Tokorangi circuit ( anti-clockwise) is a 20.5k loop.An excellent event for all ages and stages.Also a great build up for the upcoming Taupo Cycle Challenge and Novice Tour.Come out and test yourself.We would love to see you.
Graded handicap 2 laps-41km The Sutton Cup is a longstanding club event and the weather will be good.

Check out bike manawatu Facebook for more information.

Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 Race Series

When: Wednesday's
Where; At Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm and will close of at 6.15pm.
Start Times from : 6.30pm:
On Wednesdays the Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 week series is attracting great numbers to ride the flat 12Km country time trail course to record points for the series or just have a good hit out for fitness and training for other events.
Trying to better your time and improve your fitness, strength, speed and bike handling skills gives our riders massive reward which most come to try and achieve. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is proving rewarding for those who are trying these new events.

For you to volunteer your help at any club event is appreciated by the club and fellow riders. The club put out a mayday call and asked if Time Trail riders over 18 years old would put their name forward to Organiser Mike Craine ( register with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to go on a volunteer rosters list that would require you to stand down for one time trial week only to help out for one night. For you being on the rosters and helping out for the one night you will receive 2 points towards the series. We hope you see that as fair and a great way of giving back to club events by sharing the work load which the club really appreciates. We thank those people who willingly put their name forward to help which takes pressure off those few people who volunteer week after week.
The popular Kairanga time trial has always been well supported and is always run by a small group of dedicated club members who simply are unable to sustain this year after year. Your help is really valued and its never to late to put your name forward.
Checkout results on BikeManawatu Facebook

Manfeild Criterium- Over 100 Riders register.

When; Tuesday's ,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm Registrations close at 6.15pm
Start Time:6pm.This is a popular and safe off road graded event for all ages. Its never to late to try this contagious fun ride. The feedback is riders love it.
Over 100 riders registered for the first of the four race points series. Sprint laps are signalled by the whistle and the final lap by the bell. Points will be awarded to the first four in each sprint.

6pm- D and B Grade
D Grade 25 minutes plus 1 lap
B Grade 35 minutes plus.1 lap

6.45pm C and A Grade
C Grade 30 minutes plus 1 lap
A Grade 45 Minutes plus 1 lap

Watching and supporting your cycling buddies and catching up together is part of the fun. Its all over by 7.30 too.
Once again, another great club event and one where volunteers to register riders or call the four four placing over the line are needed. Contact race Organiser Mike Craine This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WCNI Track Carnival

When: 19 November
Where;Feilding Velodrome-Johnston Park
Registrations: 11.45 to 12.30
Warm up: 12noon onwards
First race: 1pm

Check out further details on BikeManawatu Facebook
This will be a great event and a fun day for the whole family. Racing or watching racing right before your very eyes. Dont miss if. There are 18 exciting races to watch. This is where it all began for members like Simon van Velthoven, Campbell Stewart, and Jordan Castle. The next stars are in the making.

Club Race - Sutton Cup

When : Saturday, November 18

More information

Manawatu -The Novice Tour

When : 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages:44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in this iconic four stage tour over two days.This is a tough tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of.Some of New Zealand's former and current stars have ridden this tour and speak highly of how important the Manawatu Novice Tour was in their development.

Manawatu Festival of Cycling -January 27th.

1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
3) The 30km Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.

Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. Its that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k for all ages and abilities.

The 125k UCI International race along with the recreational rides will set the stage for us to build year after year on creating our own "Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling" for everyone in the region and beyond.
Bike Manawatu's concept of a summer weekend " Manawatu Festival of Cycling" on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend "Manawatu Festival of Cycling" which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
On the 27th of January 2018 cycling fans in mid winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George
street. Neutralise starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won't want to miss the start of something great in our region.

Bereavement Notice of Mic Mobberley

This week the club learned of the passing Mick Mobberley a stalwart of Palmerston North cycling aged 89. Mick rode for the Palmerston North Club in the 1940s and 1950s.In 1949 he was New Zealand road champion and in the 1950s was rated the 2nd best New Zealand amateur before turning pro. Mick had a wealth of knowledge on cycling, and along with Joe Allen (RIP) of Feilding, instigated the Manawatu Masters cycling club which later amalgamated and became Bike Manawatu.
The club wish to acknowledge our condolences to the Mobberley family. Micks funeral will be held 11am this Friday 17th of November at The Lynchway Funeral Home.

We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships

Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put there hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.

Details

Written by John van Lienen

Created: 02 November 2017

When: Wednesday 1st of November( every Wednesday)
Where; At Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm and will close of at 6.15pm.
Start Times from : 6.30pm:
On Wednesday the Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 week series enjoyed great weather and 50 or more riders of all ages and abilities who rode the flat 12Km country time trail course to record points for the series or just have a good hit out for fitness.
Trying to better your time and improve your fitness, strength, speed and bike handling skills gives our riders massive reward which most come to try and achieve.
To help all club events the club asked if Time Trail riders over 18 years old would put there name forward to Organiser Mike Craine ( register with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to go on a rosters list that would require you to stand down for one time trial week only to help out for one night. For being on the rosters and helping out for the one night you will receive 2 points towards the series. We hope you see that as fair and a great way of giving back to club events by sharing the work load which the club really appreciates. We thank those people who willingly put their name forward to help.
The popular Kairanga time trial has always been well supported and is always run by a small group of dedicated club members who simply are unable to sustain this year after year. Your help is valued.
Checkout results on Bikemanawatu Facebook

Lions Tour de Manawatu

When; Sunday November 5th
Events: 114km,75km,43km,16km options.
Check out registrations tourdemanawatu.org.nz

Manfeild Criterium- Registrations are now open

When; Starting on Tuesday's 7th,14th,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm
Start Time:6pm.Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages. Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge. Pencil this one in. It’s contagious.

WCNI Track Carnival

When: 19 November
Where;Feilding Velodrome-Johnston Park
Check out further details on BikeManawatu Facebook
This will be a great event and a fun day for the whole family. Racing or watching racing right before your very eyes. Don’t miss it.

Manawatu -The Novice Tour

When : 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages:44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in this iconic four stage tour over two days. This is a tough tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of. Some of New Zealand's former and current stars have ridden this tour and speak highly of how important the Manawatu Novice Tour was in their development.

Manawatu Festival of Cycling -January 27th.

1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
3) The 30km Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.

Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k for all ages and abilities.

The 125k UCI International race along with the recreational rides will set the stage for us to build year after year on creating our own "Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling" for everyone in the region and beyond.
Bike Manawatu's concept of a summer weekend " Manawatu Festival of Cycling" on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend "Manawatu Festival of Cycling" which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
On the 27th of January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George
street. Neutralised starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won't want to miss the start of something great in our region.

K2 adventure for Club Members

One of the toughest one-day cycle challenges in the Southern Hemisphere is held in the Coromandel every year. Approximately 200km of Hills and two of our members took on the challenge last week. Their results were outstanding: Congratulations to;
Michelle Turner in a time of 6.29.26 who came 2nd in her 40-44 age group category and the 14th women overall and Colin Anderson who recorded a time of 6.41.11 and came 1st in the 70-71 age and category. A huge training effort and brilliant result for Michelle and Colin. Congratulations from the club and all of your cycling buddies.

From Cycling to the Targa Rally

Club members Rob Ryan and one of his crew Derek McNab went from two wheels on a bike to four wheels to compete in the Targa rally last week and took out 2nd overall in the classic car category by .3 of a second and 1st in their cc class by five minutes. Robs Two Brothers rally team drove a Toyota Carolla AE86 and were gaining on the winner when unexpectedly the last stage was cancelled. A brilliant effort boys. Now back on yer bike.....

We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships

Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put there hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.

Details

Written by John van Lienen

Created: 10 November 2017

Events: 114km,75km,43km,16km options.
Check out results; tourdemanawatu.org.nz

The Tour de Manawatu is always a well organised and run event by the Lions for all cycling enthusiasts who like to support this iconic event. The fact is, this is a great event for everyone. and Over 300 riders from far and wide registered to ride four distances to challenge themselves and got out what they put in. All ages and abilities were tested in windy conditions and will all have a story to tell. A great training ride for the upcoming Taupo Challenge 25 November, Manawatu Novice Tour December 9 and 10 and Manawatu Festival of Cycling Gravel and Tar Gran Fondo January 27th.
Congratulations to everyone who rode The Tour de Manawatu and well done to the Lions for organising a great event.

Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 Race Series

When: Wednesday 1st of November( every Wednesday)
Where; At Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm and will close of at 6.15pm.
Start Times from : 6.30pm:
On Wednesdays the Club Kairanga Time Trail 8-week series is attracting good numbers to ride the flat 12Km country time trail course to record points for the series or just have a good hit out for fitness.
Trying to better your time and improve your fitness, strength, speed and bike handling skills gives our riders massive reward which most come to try and achieve.
To help all club events the club asked if Time Trail riders over 18 years old would put there name forward to Organiser Mike Craine ( register with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to go on a rosters list that would require you to stand down for one time trial week only to help out for one night. For being on the rosters and helping out for the one night you will receive 2 points towards the series. We hope you see that as fair and a great way of giving back to club events by sharing the work load which the club really appreciates. We thank those people who willingly put their name forward to help.
The popular Kairanga time trial has always been well supported and is always run by a small group of dedicated club members who simply are unable to sustain this year after year. Your help is valued.
Checkout results on Bikemanawatu Facebook

Manfeild Criterium- Over 100 Riders register.

When; Tuesday 7th,14th,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm Registrations close at 6.15pm
Start Time:6pm.This is a popular off road graded event for all ages.
Over 100 riders registered for the first of the four race points series and the feedback once again this year was excellent.Something different and exciting for every age and can only strengthen your cycling.This racing is contagious.Sprint laps will be signalled by the whistle and the final lap by the bell.Points will be awarded to the first four in each sprint.
6pm- D and B Grade
D Grade 25 minutes plus 1 lap
B Grade 35 minutes plus.1 lap

6.45pm C and A Grade
C Grade 30 minutes plus 1 lap
A Grade 45 Minutes plus 1 lap

WCNI Track Carnival

When: 19 November
Where;Feilding Velodrome-Johnston Park
Check out further details on BikeManawatu Facebook
This will be a great event and a fun day for the whole family. Racing or watching racing right before your very eyes. Don’t miss if.

Manawatu -The Novice Tour

When : 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages:44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in this iconic four stage tour over two days.This is a tough tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of.Some of New Zealand's former and current stars have ridden this tour and speak highly of how important the Manawatu Novice Tour was in their development.

Manawatu Festival of Cycling -January 27th.

1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
3) The 30km Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.

Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k for all ages and abilities.

The 125k UCI International race along with the recreational rides will set the stage for us to build year after year on creating our own "Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling" for everyone in the region and beyond.
Bike Manawatu's concept of a summer weekend " Manawatu Festival of Cycling" on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend "Manawatu Festival of Cycling" which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
On the 27th of January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George
street. Neutralise starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won't want to miss the start of something great in our region.

Members contest Tour of Southland

Alex West was the best of the Manawatu cyclists at the tough Tour of Southland that finished last weekend. Alex who rides for Team Skoda Racing finished 6th overall in the weeklong tour and was the best finishing under 23 rider. Carne Groube riding for Central Benchmakers- Willbike was 47th and Joel Yates riding for Team Skoda was 50th. Manawatu team Tank Guy/ Bike Box riders Steve Nicol was 42nd and Logan Griffin was 62nd. Sam Gardner, Ian Eagle, Sam Guest and Mitchell Kinghorn did not finish. It was exciting to watch our Manawatu riders competing at this level throughout this gruelling weeklong tour on TV tackling the hills and heat which is not normal for this event. Congratulations to our boys and well done.

We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships

Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike. Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults, youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put their hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.

Details

Written by John van Lienen

Created: 27 October 2017

Bike Manawatu Happy Hour

When; Friday 27 October
Where; Lonestar on the Square
Time: From 5.30pm

Young Club under 23 Riders Busy Internationally.

Chris Denholm,Mitchell Kinghorn,Jacob Sievwright

A quick update on some of our long serving younger talented club members who are busy on their bikes building their season.
Chris Denholm and Jacob Sievwright are not long back from an international race event in New Caledonia where some of the best up and coming riders from Europe were also competing. An amazing environment for Chris and Jacob to help build on experience for upcoming and future events.
Mitchell Kinghorn is off to compete in the tough New Zealand Tour of Southland which will also be a great experience while Chris Denholm heads off to Australia to race the Tour of Tasmania.
We have watched these talented riders from a very young age when competing for the club and school and now to see them competing at this level is a proud time for the club, their family and supporters. Well done boys.

Essex Cup Club Road Race.

Last Saturday the club invited all members and abilities to join us in the beautiful Pohangina Village for our Essex club road race. Sadly, the wind and overcast weather in Palmerston North dictated and the numbers were well back on expectation. However, with less wind in the Pohangina valley those that did ride enjoyed the circuit and scenery. Congatulations to all that participated.
Checkout the results of BikeManawatu Facebook
Next road race is another handicap-The Sutton Cup-18th of November. More info will be available on the website race calendar soon.

Kairanga Time Trail 8 Race Series Under Way

When: Wednesday 1st of November
Where; At Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm
Start Times from : 6.30pm:
Last Wednesday the Kairanga Time Trail 8-week series got underway in overcast windy conditions which is always a great test on the mental strength of cyclists. Everyone gave a gallant effort on the flat 12Km course time trail course to record their first points of the series. Next week they will try and better their time to accumulate points. Last season an average 50 riders per week contested the series and their improvement in fitness, strength, speed and bike handling was a massive reward more most riders. Come and try the Club event out.
The club asked if Time Trail riders over 18 years would put their name forward to Organiser Mike Craine ( please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to go on a rosters list that would require you to stand down for one time trial week only to help out on the night. For that you would get 2 points toward the series. We hope you see that as fair.
The popular Kairanga time trial has always been well supported and run by a small group of dedicated club members who simply are unable to sustain this year after year.
Checkout results on Bikemanawatu website or Facebook

Upcoming Club Calendar Events

Manfeild Criterium- Registrations are now open

When; Starting on Tuesday's 7th,14th,21st.29th November
Gates open:5.30pm
Start Time:6pm.Safe off road fun graded riding for all ages.Last year people loved it and the improvement in their cycling was huge.Pencil this one in.Its contagious.

Lions Tour de Manawatu

When; Sunday November 5th
Events: 114km,75km,43km,16km options.
Check out registrations tourdemanawatu.org.nz

WCNI Track Carnival

When: 19 November
Where;Feilding Velodrome-Johnston Park
Check out further details on BikeManawatu Facebook
This will be a great event and a fun day for the whole family. Racing or watching racing right before your very eyes. Don’t miss it.

Manawatu -The Novice Tour

When: 9th and 10th of December
Two days and four stages:44 years of history and bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in this iconic four stage tour over two days.This is a tough tour and brilliant spectacle Manawatu are proud of.Some of New Zealand's former and current stars have ridden this tour and speak highly of how important the Manawatu Novice Tour was in their development.

Manawatu Festival of Cycling -January 27th.

1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities
3) The 30km Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.

Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 30k for all ages and abilities.

The 125k UCI International race along with the recreational rides will set the stage for us to build year after year on creating our own "Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling" for everyone in the region and beyond.
Bike Manawatu's concept of a summer weekend " Manawatu Festival of Cycling" on the 27th and 28th of January at the end of the school Holidays every year will be good for all cycling age groups and abilities. Consider how the Lake Taupo Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.
On Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu a Mountain Biking Club are hoping to support our weekend "Manawatu Festival of Cycling" which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th.How good would that be.
On the 27th of January 2018 cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points.
Still to be finalised-The club are looking to create a festival atmosphere in George Street before and after the three rides where registrations will likely take place at Cyclista Cafe in George
street. Neutralised starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 30k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
If your holiday plans can see you back in Palmy for the last weekend in January-You won't want to miss the start of something great in our region.

We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships

Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike.Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put there hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.