Details

Written by Glenys Taylor

Created: 22 December 2014

EVENT DATE SUN 22 MAR - SAT 28 MAR 2015

Be the first to ride the Pedal the Plateau course!
2015 marks the inaugural year of Pedal the Plateau and we are launching our fabulous new event with an exclusive Premier Ride.
On 22 March our Founding 50 riders will leave Taupo bound for the trip of a lifetime. From small beginnings come great things and in 2016 we will open the event to additional riders.

We have limited spaces left for next year's Premier Ride, so if you would like to ride with our smaller group or just want to be one of the first 50 people to participate in Pedal the Plateau...sign up now!
Our ride includes six days in the saddle and a full rest day on the slopes of the Tongariro National Park World Heritage area. And you'll sleep especially well those two nights at the famous Chateau Tongariro.
The entry fee of NZD $1975 includes eight nights of predominantly 4 star accommodation and three meals per day. You will also get to enjoy some of the many activities and attractions the stunning Central Plateau region offers along the way.  We look forward to hosting you on your bike in March!

Seven days, six legs, 365 km!
Click on the map to the left to see a larger version of our course map. The seven days of Pedal the Plateau include:
Day 1 - 88 km - Taupo to Whareroa
Day 2 - 83 km - Whareroa to Whakapapa Village
Day 3 - rest day - Whakapapa Village
Day 4 - 52 km - Whakapapa Village to Ohakune
Day 5 - 30 km - Ohakune to Waiouru
Day 6 - 64 km - Waiouru to Turangi
Day 7 - 49 km - Turangi to Taupo

There will be no nights in tents on this amazing ride!
Every night of Pedal the Plateau will be spent in predominantly 4 star accommodation.

Whareroa Village, Western Bays, Great Lake Taupo
Whareroa is a stunning lakeside retreat on the western side of Lake Taupo. This hidden gem provides a tranquil setting for you to relax in after your ride from Taupo on day one.
Weather permitting we will dine on the shores of the lake, and partake in some delicious local wines.

Chateau Tongariro, Whakapapa Village
The famous Chateau Tongariro is located at the gateway to the Tongariro National Park World Heritage site. Known for its timeless elegance and stunning surroundings it makes a great location for our rest day.

Wairakei Resort, Taupo
Located on the outskirts of Taupo, Wairakei Resort is where our riders will spend their first and last nights. 
Situated in park-like surroundings Wairakei Resort has a multitude of facilities for your enjoyment.

Powderhorn Chateau, Ohakune
Ohakune is an alpine village on the southern side of Mt Ruapehu and the Tongariro National Park. The Powderhorn Chateau provides a welcoming atmosphere full of warmth, charm and character. Riders will spend two nights at the Powderhorn Chateau, which is within walking distance of most Ohakune attractions.

Tongariro Lodge, Turangi
Located in beautiful park-like grounds on the banks of the Legendary Tongariro River on the Southern shores of Lake Taupo,Tongariro Lodge is the ideal getaway for Pedal the Plateau riders. 
If you're a fly-fishing fan take a look at their photo gallery, and if you're not have a look anyway as the area is stunning!

* Note:  Accommodation is subject to availability. Additional accommodation may be sourced in these locations.

It's easy! All you need to do is click here or on the red button.
You'll be taken straight to our registration page where you can submit your details and then make one simple credit card payment.
Or if you have any questions you'd like answered before registering, please drop us a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Enjoy a round of golf at New Zealand's highest golf course!
There shouldn't be any snow on the mountain in March, but the glorious scenery and the famous Chateau Tongariro will make a stunning backdrop to your leisurely round. Finish your day with a cold beer and some delicious food, then pop  across the road to the local pub for some live entertainment.

Something to add to your bucket list!
A day hike at World Heritage Tongariro National Park - well known as one of the top 10 single-day treks in the world. A great way to spend your 'rest' day next March. Not to be missed, this famous walk is easily booked with one of the experienced local operators.

Or for those who truly do want to rest...
Enjoy a delicious high tea at the Chateau Tongariro.
Or sit back, relax and enjoy a movie in the hotel cinema.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook!
Get all the latest news and tips about the course, and we'll share plenty of photos and information about the places you'll see along the way.
Click on the Facebook link to join us.

Meet Mal Heron - from Townsville, Australia
Mal is looking forward to riding the Pedal the Plateau course on his Pocket Rocket. If you haven't seen a Pocket Rocket before, check it out - produced by the Bike Friday team it is a travel bike designed to perform like your best road bike!
Mal is seen here celebrating at the Adelaide event village after riding in the Santos Tour Down Under.

Got a puncture? Need some help along the way?
Our experienced bike mechanic will be on hand every day to assist you when required. This includes being available at all our base locations and lunch stops.  
Or just plain run out of steam? We will have a sag wagon ready to assist...

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Great Lake Taupo.
Or grab some friends and a beverage and sit lakeside enjoying the stunning views on offer.

After a days riding, relax on the shores of Lake Taupo and enjoy a spot of fly fishing.
Or if you're a morning person, there's no better way to start the day than watching the sun rise while chasing the elusive rainbow trout.

Ride Ohakune's Old Coach Road and visit the historic Hapuawhenua Viaduct.
Or wander through the charming Ohakune township, seeing the sights and enjoying the local hospitality.

Remember the Anzacs at the National Army Museum
2015 marks the 100^th anniversary of the battle at Gallipoli, where the ANZAC's (Australia New Zealand Army Corp) came into being.
Coinciding with Pedal the Plateau, the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa will be staging a number of stunning exhibitions centred on the campaigns of World War 1.
ANZAC troops in the trenches at Gallipoli by courtesy of the National Army Museum.

Have a long, hot soak.
After 7 days of riding there can be no better way to relax than in a rejuvenating thermal pool.

There are plenty of activities and things to do in the Central Plateau region!  Click below to find out more
What to do in Great Lake Taupo
Visit Ruapehu
Other biking trails to explore
Events happening in the region

Details

Written by Glenys Taylor

Created: 17 December 2014

On Monday night nearly 100 people descended on Marist Clubrooms for the final major gathering of the year. It was also an opportunity to say thanks to Paul van Velthooven who had served as chairperson of the Board since Bike Manawatu was formed.

The BBQ had been cooked by a handful of the younger men of the club and started off the evening before the formal proceedings started.

Steve Stannard welcomed everybody and thanked sponsors, family members and riders who had supported the club in many ways over the year.

Cups and trophies were awarded to a very diverse group of riders, not all young or old, showing the strength of the club. A number of people were adked to help present the cups including Paul van Velthooven, Board members Iona McCarthy and Marcel Hollenstein and life member Mike Keenan as well as club personality and Enduro cyclist Colin Anderson.

Hill Climb Champs

This year the champs were held up Ngahere Park the same course that was used a couple of years ago on  Saturday 13^th December .

Men                                      Matt Watts                                         12:11                                     Hill climb champ trophy

Women                               Libby Arbuckle                                  14:43                                     Womens triers cup

U17                                        Madi Hartley- Brown                      12:21                                     U17 hill climb trophy

 

Club Time Trial Champs were held at Rongotea earlier in the year . Cups will be presented tonight      

U23/Senior/Open(25Km)             Matt Seeley                       35.17     Wilson and Beach cup-open individual TT

Vet Men (25 Km)                             Steve Stannard                 35.25     Pirie Family Cup - 1st Vet Men

U19 Men (25 Km)                             Alex West                           34.40     Medal

U19/U23 Women 20km                no participants

U17 Boys (15 Km)                             Robert Stannard               23.51     Bloomfield challenge Cup (U17 TT)

U17 Girls (15 Km)                             Michaela Drummond     27.33     Hollows Family Trophy

U15 Girls (15 Km)                             Kelly Levin                           31.45     Watts cup (1st U15 rider)

U15 Boys (15Km)                              Fergus Washington Smith            32.36 Medal      

Vet Women (20 Km)                      Megan Blatchford            39.11     Pirie Family Cup -  1st Vet Women

                                                                               

Club Road Race Champs                            This year it was raced again on the Hiwinui - Colyton loop for the masters riders and the juniors including the senior and open men had a separate race doing the Valley Rd circuit. Cups are to be presented tonight.               

(4 laps)

U19 men                                              Joel Yates                                                                          Ian Little Wheel (1st U19 rider)   

U23/Senior                                         Paddy Daly                                                                          Toon challenge shield

U17 Boys                                             Stewart Campbell                                                            Broadway cup (1st U17 rider)

U15 Boys (2 laps)                             Fergus Washington-Smith                                            Bate cup (1st U15 rider)

Master Women 1(3 laps)             Gabrielle Bahler                                1:41:42                  Medal                  

                                2(2 laps)               Vicki Carne                                          1:10:33                  David Black Memorial Vet Wome

                                3(2 laps)               Katherine Stannard                         1:24:37                  Medal

U19 Women                                      Elizabeth Stannard                          2:14:33                  Medal

U17 Girls (2 laps)                             Michaela Drummond                     2:14:33                  Morris Family Novice Road

U15 Girls (2 laps)                             Samara Fenn                                      1:14:16                  David Black Memorial B Novice

Thank you to the helpers and to everyone who has marshalled or been a timekeeper or recorded results at a club event. Without your help the events wouldn’t happen.

SPECIAL EVENT CUPS

This year it was decided to hold the sealed handicap on a different course as the Pahiatua course meant that a lot of riders were heading out on to a major road all together so for safety reasons it is better to have small bunches on this road at a time.

Woolworths Cup                              Sealed handicap at Halcombe                                     Chris Denholm

Essex Cup                                            Ashhurst - Pohangina - Totara Res over metal     Alex West

Sutton Cup                                         Graded handicap Pahiatua                                           Dylan Simpson

Cheltenham Cup Mens                                                                                                                 Carlos Lopez                                      

Cheltenham Cup Womens                                                                                                           Emily Shearman

Donaldson Cup                                 for fastest time chelty handicap                                                                Robert Stannard

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS      

This year the following members have all competed at international events and it is fitting that we acknowledge not only their selection to represent NZ at their age level but also their hard work that got them to where they are now. Jesse Sergent, of course continues with his racing team in Europe  and raced in the road race and time trial at the Commonwealth Games and recently got married. So congratulations to Amber and Jesse on that achievement also.

Simon van Velthooven, has done regular updates on the events that he has competed in including the NZ track team events and the Commonwealth Games. He is back in Cambridge and sends his apologies for not being able to attend tonight.

We have an exceptional group of young riders that are doing BM proud. Kate Stewart and Jordan Castle competed at  the Junior World track champs in Korea along with Luke Mudgeway ,    Campbell Stewart, Carne Groube and Michaela Drummond competed at the Oceania track champs in Adelaide Australia. Elizabeth  Stannard  competed at the Oceania Road champs where Elizabeth won the u19 Womens Road race. Robert  Stannard won the Canberra Tour for under 17 boys                 where he competed alongside other Bike Manawatu riders Campbell Stewart, Carne Groube and Chris Denholm.  Not to be left out are Nate Levin, George Roberts, Alex West  who have also competed in Australia in road events and Joel Yates who placed 2^nd in the Australia Crit champs.   Congratulations to you all.

SPECIAL CUPS        

Croad challenge trophy                                (best U15 rider)                                            Dineth Rajapaske

Dineth has competed in this years club handicap series in B grade. He competed at the Manawatu School champs finishing in 3^rd place in under 15 boys.  He always has a smile on his face and on provisional results finished 11^th in under 15 boys in the recent Novice tour.

Baker Family Trophy                       (best U17 rider)                                               Robert Stannard/Campbell Stewart

Too hard to pick the best under 17 rider between these 2. There are too many outstanding  performances by both of them.  They have both presented themselves and represented this club at the top level both here in NZ competitions and overseas.

 

PNMCC trophy                                  (best U19 rider)                                                                Elizabeth Stannard

The highlight of the year for Lizzie must have been competing at the Oceania Road champs where she won the u19 Womens Road race. But she has also competed in triathlon at the Junior Olympics.  She has competed as part of a team in the North Island series as well as numerous junior events throughout the country.

 

Ooteman Cup                                    (most improved female rider over 23)    Gabrielle Bahler

Gabrielle has only recently started racing again and represented the club at the Club Nationals in her age group.

 

Bill Love Memorial trophy           (Most improved female cyclist u23)          Peita Ransom

Peita has shown dedication and determination at the start of the year  gaining  a place in the PNGHS TTT which was eagerly contested amongst the other students.  She has stuck to her guns competing at events including the TA tour to the Novice tour.

 

Theo de Cuff Memorial shield   (administrator of yr)                                       Mike Simpson

Mike has dedicated a lot of time to ensure that school cycling has run smoothly throughout the year. He has been able to put together a good calendar of events and coordinate officials and volunteers to ensure that the school cycling programme has continued to produce quality events throughout the year.

 

Fowler Cup                                         (most improved male rider u 23)               Mitchell Kinghorn

Mitchell Kinghorn is in his final year as an under 17 rider . This was a very hard decision to make, ther riders that have had an exceptional year showing improvement have been Joel Yates and Alex West.

 

 

Ooteman Cup                                    (most improved male  rider over 23)       Derek McNabb/ Wayne Fage

Derek and Wayne have both started racing at club events this year.  They are both in different age categories but have both ridden in C grade in the graded series.  This award is to encourage them  to continue racing and to see if their results next year reflect the results that they have been able to achieve this year and hopefully encourage other riders to come along to see if they can get their names on the most improved next year.

 

Best Enduro Rider                           Among club members we have a hard-core of mad-cap enduro cyclists which makes awarding the Enduro Trophy difficult each year.  During this year the usual Taupo Enduro events took place and 2 other standout events were completed in 2013  and it was these that caught the attention of the selection panel.

 

The first consideration was Colin (Wal) Anderson's 65th birthday marathon, taking 3 months off work and challenging himself to 67 laps of Lake Taupo, an accumulated distance of over 10,500 kms, starting during Feb and finishing early April, some days completing 2 laps and others a single, sometimes unaccompanied and others with a cycling friend(s).  Colin also completed another 8 laps of Taupo in the annual November challenge just over 2 weeks ago, being 1 of the only 2 enduro cyclists who completed out of a much larger starting field.

 

The second event was Glenys Taylor's personal challenge to solo cycle in Australia, from Perth to Adelaide, taking in the Nullabor Plains, a distance of 2460kms over 14 days during June.   This challenge was carried out unaccompanied on her bike but was supported by husband Murray driving a mobile home to provide meals and a bed each night.  Some days the cycling went into the evenings in total darkness as Murray had lost his way and took some time to relocate Glenys.

 

Both these events included novelty and personal challenges making choosing a winner for 2013 very difficult.  Both Glenys and Colin are asked to come forward:

 

The winner of the Enduro Award this year goes to Glenys plus we have a special presentation to make to Colin

In the end the selection panel choose Glenys to receive the trophy as it was her first enduro challenge, had a novelty aspect, was carried out solo and was in a totally new environment.

                                                                               

Murray  Jessen trophy                   Andrew McKenzie                                          Most improved Taupo rider       

It was originally donated to be awarded to club member who rode the  annual Lake Taupo Challenge nom. 160km, age was not a criteria nor whether you rode the Solo or Classic.

Andrew McKenzie is the winner of the Murray Jessen Trophy with the best percentage improvement, it was a close finish with Wayne Fage 2nd.  Other club members also did very well and made a close contest for the top five listed.

 

Steve concluded the evening by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Details

Written by Simon van Velthooven

Created: 22 December 2014

SIMON VAN VELTHOOVEN

Cambridge 2014

Since moving back to NZ from Japan in September earlier this year all I can say is that it has been awesome. Training in this town is much 'easier' in regards to the facilities and the coaches available but I can tell you now - the efforts themselves are much harder and every session has all the i's dotted and t's crossed.
Once arriving into the country I had to crack straight into the Class 1 race that each country has to hold in order for their riders to qualify for Worlds and Olympics.
It was good to come straight from Japan with all the racing and travelling and then post a good 200m time and end up 4^th in match sprints and win the Keirin the following night.

After the Commonwealth Games my coach Anthony and I had a quick debrief. Coming second in the Kilo TT without a PB time and a very mediocre performance in the Keirin we decided the bottom line was that I was not tracking upwards like the other guys in the team were. The simple answer to it was that I needed to stay put in one place and do a proper training block to get my base strength back to where it used to be in 2012. This meant I was in for a whole lot of squats and track work, which I have loved every minute of. I do find it difficult to sleep at night when I feel I have not trained hard enough to satisfy my needs to beat the best in the world.  Many times the light was out at8.30pm!
Even though the best thing for me was to stay at home and train I still felt very left out when the team departed for the London World Cup.  It was talked up to be the test event for most countries leading into the World Champs in February so was to have stiff competition. The last time I raced a World Cup in London was at the Olympic Test event in February 2012. I made the Keirin final which had riders not too different to the final at the Games, but more importantly afterwards I stood outside in the crisp winter air and told myself over and over that you were good enough to win a proper medal here in August, and you will smash World Champs in Melbourne in a couple of months to justify your spot in the Olympic Team.

So yeah it would have been nice to compete in a big race on a velodrome that holds so many good memories, but I just had to keep my mouth shut and look after the small things so when the time comes the big things will look after themselves.

Not all is lost because in January after the training block has finished and the tapering has been done I will race the third World Cup in Cali, Colombia where the World Champs were held in February this year where we won the Team Sprint and I placed third in the Kilo TT.  Hopefully my legs will be thumping so I will produce some good results (win) and feed my desire to stand on that top dais!
The training has been going well - I am squatting over 200kg and pumping out seated kilometre time trials around 1.04 pace which is not too shabby on drops and spoke wheels.  There is still a little more training to do where we need to bale all this strength up and somehow convert it to speed on the track so wish me luck!

Thank you for your ongoing support over the year. I hope you have a great Christmas and very sunny New Year.

Regards,
Simon van Velthooven

Details

Written by Glenys Taylor

Created: 17 December 2014

have a look at what the NZ Cycle Festival Trust has decided to offer to cyclists in NZ.  

A quick synopsis: A weekend cycling festival encompassing all cycling codes. One in particular is a New Zealand first for this amount of prize money spread over all age groups

Road: 100K Flyer from New Plymouth to Hawera via Surf Highway 45

Prizes: Fastest time $1000, 2^nd Fastest $500, 3^rd Fastest $200 – All age groups both male & female

When: Taranaki Anniversary Weekend – Sat 7^th March 2015

Please check out our website for more details. www.nzcyclefest.co.nz

Road Cycling NZ poster advertisment in Jan 2015 issue.