- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
The first session for the 2014 year was held at PNINS school playground. The kids all had their bikes and helmets checked and several seats were adjusted. The riding part of the session started with the kids riding around the netball courts in 2 big circles. They were instructed on overlapping wheels and correct following distances and what to look at when following behind another cyclist. Although most were competent around corners they were reminded about pedal positioning when cornering.
They were then taken on to the nearby mown field that was a bit softer to land on if someone happened to fall off for the next few drills.
A demonstration on braking was given by Cody Simpson. Firstly just applying the back brakes, then only the front brakes and finally both brakes. Feathering the brakes was explained before all of the riders were given chances to apply what they had been shown including controlling the bike if it skidded and keeping the bike straight when braking.
The final challenge for the morning involved riding through a decreasing distance set of cones. The challenge was to not hit a single cone and race back to the finish line in the shortest time. This proved to be a challenge for a lot of riders but the eventual winners ( a boy and a girl ) will each receive their prizes next week.
Next weeks skills session will be held at Massey University at the entrance to the Athletics track at 8am until 10 am.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
Riding in a bunch can be the most enjoyable experience if done in the right way. However, bunch riding can also be a huge pain if people in the group don't understand the rules. Everyone needs to know these rules for everyone's safety.
Be predictable with all actions
Avoid sudden braking and changes of direction. Try to maintain a steady straight line. Remember that there are riders following closely behind. To slow down, gradually move out into the wind and slot back into position in the bunch. By putting your hands on the hoods on your brakes you can "sit up" and put more of your body in the wind to slow down slightly without using your brakes.
Brake carefully
Ride safely and try to stay off the brakes. If you are inexperienced and too nervous to ride close to the wheel in front of you, stay alone at the back and practice. When the pace eases, don't brake suddenly, instead ride to the side of the wheel in front and ease the pedaling off, then drop back on the wheel. Practice on the back and soon you will be able to move up the line with a partner.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
The Cheltenham handicap race is to be held the week after Labour weekend. Last year the race was shifted to a new course as there was major roadworks occurring on the previously used course for this event. The new courses started and finished at the Chelty Hotel in Cheltenham – an appropriate place for the name of the event.
This year to make the event special we are adding a recreational grade. This is for all those people that want to have a go but do not want to race as such. At the end of the event John Arbuckle is putting up a dozen Tuis as a prize for the first recreational rider home. And for those who want a beer before they head out on the course the bar will be open. Of course the bar will be open again at the end of the race.
Registration is at the Chelty Hotel at 1pm. First grade off will be the recreational grade at 1.30pm. There is a shorter distance for junior riders. Have a look at the website calendar for more details.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
Dear Parents/Guardian 20 February 2013
Since 2009, several Manawatu Schools have combined to put on a Schools Cycling Camp. We have been to Apiti School and Rathkeale College previously. In 2013 we want to combine the Camp with the Bush Tour in Pahiatua. The purpose of the camp is to challenge the boys and girls physically, to team build, to do some cycling skills work, to set goals for 2013 and to have some fun.
The cost of the camp is $52.50. This covers: Accommodation $25.00, food including Saturday dinner & Sunday breakfast $12.50, $5 to cover staff costs and $10 for Petrol/gift vouchers for helpers. (This does not cover the cost of the Bush Tour.) This must be paid to the school finance office by Friday, 1 March.
The Camp is at the Masters Hall, Pahiatua (www.mastershall.co.nz ) which is on the left as you head out of Pahiatua towards Eketahuna. The camp is on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 March.
- Details
- Written by Glenys Taylor
Start: Sat August 18 at 1:30pm in Puketapu (near Fernhill, west of Napier) 72km 705m of climbing.
A-D grades and relay options.
http://www.ramblers.co.nz/index.php/race-info-results/winter-race-programme-2012v2