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Archbold wins Olympic build-up race in Belgium (Goughs Involved)

2012-06-12T07:54:00.003+12:00

Timaru cyclist Shane Archbold has won a kermesse circuit race in Belgium today as he prepares for the London Olympics.

Archbold, who will contest the omnium on the track in London, won the bunch sprint in the 118km circuit race in Herselt in northern Belgium.

His Olympic teammate Aaron Gate (Auckland) was third in the sprint with Myron Simpson (Auckland) 13th and London-bound pursuiter Westley Gough (Waipukurau) 18th in the under-23 race.

Other New Zealanders in the race include Alex Frame (Christchurch) 27th with Gough’s younger cousin Fraser Gough in 34th.

The New Zealand Olympic endurance track team will contest the Tour de Pays de Savoie starting on Thursday, a UCI 2.2 European Tour event over four days based in the French Alps. They have come off a track training block in Switzerland and following this block of road racing, will join up for their final track preparation camp in Bordeaux next month.

Results, Herselt Kermesse, Belgium, 118km:

Shane Archbold (NZL) 2:43.15, 1; Kevin Hoovels (BEL) same time,2, Aaron Gate (NZL) same time, 3. Also other New Zealanders: Myron Simpson 13, Westley Gough 18, Alex Frame 27, Fraser Gough 34.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL

Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance

Sports Media NZ Ltd

Villumsen rides to time trial victory in Spain

2012-06-12T07:53:00.001+12:00

New Zealand’s Olympic-hopeful cyclist Linda Villumsen grabbed her first time trial win of the season, winning the third stage of Emakumeen Euskal Bira in Spain today.

Posting a time of 18:21 over the 13.4km course, the silver medallist in the time trial at last year’s world championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finished three seconds faster than her Green Edge-AIS teammate and world champion Judith Ardnt.

"It's difficult to make a plan for a time trial," said Villumsen in commenting on the undulating course. "You just go as fast as you can. I don't think about how other people will ride the course. It makes no difference. It only matters how I ride. I go as fast I can from start to finish."

Villumsen's win gave GreenEDGE-AIS a sought-after stage win, and Arndt's result leaves the team well-poised on the overall ahead of tomorrow's final stage.

Villumsen is hopeful of being named in the New Zealand team later this month for the London Olympics.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL

Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance

Sports Media NZ Ltd

Disc, 808, 25 Degrees, Race mix in one hand, Double Shot Short Black in the other

2012-06-12T07:49:00.003+12:00

You just know this shut is gonna be good
Greetings Ramblers.

(Hannah says “yal the best book for the road” Causing great confusion; alas she was merely reading something in Dutch as was not at all focused on the task at hand but we are now attentive and ready to contribute)

Just to spice things up a bit, we will take you through what will undoubtedly be yet another entertaining report of our week’s shenanigans, although this time we shall time warp and do it in reverse.

Yesterday our lives split once more. Ashleigh took herself off to Doetinchem, which is found very close to the border of Germany. A chance to time trial against some UCI names was worth much more than the 2 hours to get there and the trip proved a success. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was pristine and the atmosphere was like a carnival. Cafe tables lined the cobbled streets at the start and finish of the course, and convoys made continuous circulations, exciting the crowd. A 7th place was enough to keep a smile on the dial for the lonely commute home. But you should have seen the bike! A disc and an 808 from the Ruiter Dakkapellen team made the Scott Plasma beautiful beyond description. Particularly when adorned with race mix and double shot coffee. Bring it! Hannah decided a good idea would be a local criterium instead of a distant time trial. In her own words, “it did not go well.. dunno ae”. . The evening was then filled by the lovely neighbours who, after walking their dog invited us for tea 

Saturday was a bit breezy, although a little quieter than previous days. In anticipation of the following day we went out for just one lone TT effort (Hannah had yet to decide she was riding the crit) concluding in an essentials trip to the supermarket. We also had the pleasure of introducing a nearly 80 year old lady to the joys of video calling, and essentially lost possession of my phone until sufficient data was used to deplete my credit completely. But at least you had a nice chat with your mummy, ae Coach.  Hannah did an emergency phone card run, and returned with pancake ingredients and her finest culinary skills. Lunch was delicious.

As was dinner on Friday evening. The ‘8’ wind speed of the day seemed to stimulate enormous appetites. We got to ride all the way into Alkmaar, since Ashleigh had left her helmet behind after Wednesdays race, 20km of block Holland head wind, the 20 min return trip was significantly more pleasurable then the hour and a half there. That, and a few TT efforts and we were finished with being in the wind for the day. The evening was spent consuming cookies, tea and reading paperbacks. Thursday was thoroughly uneventful; a brief trip to the market, and a recovery ride was about all worth noting.

Wednesday was race day for Ashleigh, featuring in the attractive purple of the Ruiter kit. WAHOO! A 132k course, in the gentle slopes of the south. Ashleigh had a great day, finding herself at, on and off the front in the first 90ks. Something has clicked and she is a very happy camper for it. The weather was abysmal though, with the mud and dirt off the road leaving tattoo sock and glove lines that took several showers to remove. It even managed to find its way through race jerseys and base layers. It was enough to make Ashleigh sort it out and deal with the communal nakedness of the kleedkamers.

Tuesday was race preparation day, bike cleaning and the like. Ashleigh got to stay at the club rooms all aloney on her owney since the Team was leaving at 6.45am and she most certainly was not going to ride 20km before that time, bags and all! Luckily she had an escort to help carry all her gear in the form of Hanny; who incidentally clocked up 60kms from commuting alone. And that will bring us back to a wet and cold Monday. We fulfilled the training requirements of the day with the assistance of the trainer and a chair sturdy enough for box jumps. Some Skype dates and assignment progress completed the day.

That was our week. We hope you are all smiling and ka pai!

Ashleigh and Hannah

Hastings Sunday Ride 10th June

2012-06-09T07:39:00.001+12:00

Leaving Outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street Hastings 8:00am

Short Ride - Camp David and Return 60 km
Long Ride - Camp David, Otane, Argyll Road, Rawkawa, Bridge Pa 100km

Saturday Racing, 9th June 2012

2012-06-07T09:31:00.006+12:00

Circuit: Kereru Road RTN

A-D 50km

E-G 30km

Venue: Maraekakaho School

Race Briefing: 1:45pm

Race start time: 2pm

Race Starter: Gavin Bush

G grade, please note this week will be a handicapped start again. This will make 3 races which have been run as handicaps, and this will be evaluated in the coming week. Your feedback would be appreciated.

Heretaunga Building Society Most Consistent Rider results - Autumn 2012 Series

2012-06-07T09:31:00.004+12:00

The final race of the Autumn 2012 Heretaunga Building Society Most Consistent Rider series was held on 26 May 2012. During the series, every member receives one point for every Ramblers race they ride or volunteer/marshal at (including the Bike NZ Club Road Nationals).

At the and of the series, the leaders from each grade are as follows

13 points: David Marett (E grade)

12 points: Gavin Bush (C grade)

12 points: Craig Hill (C grade)

11 points: Jason Kelly (A grade)

11 points: Douglas McIntosh (A grade)

11 points: Andrew Townsend (A grade)

11 points: Lindsay Sheppard (B grade)

11 points: Kevin Hein (D grade)

11 points: Nicholas Kelly (G grade)

9 points: Dave Chote (F grade)

9 points: David Lingan (F grade)

9 points: David Marsh (F grade)

9 points: Bruce Strachan (F grade)

Each of these members will receive a certificate acknowledging their consistency for the series. After the completion of the Spring series each year, the clubs most consistent rider will be presented with the Heretaunga Building Society Trohpy and a 12 month term deposit for $250.00.

All members will carry forward their accumulated points from the previous series towards the final total for the annual trophy and prize.

Keep an eye on the weekly race results table to check who the Heretaunga Building Society MCR leaders are in each grade. Check out the RCC website for the full details of the award.

CXHB Series Starts Soon!

2012-06-07T09:31:00.001+12:00

CXHB is offering a 6 race regional series (see below), building on last years 4 events. One of our main focus's in Hawke's bay is the development of kids racing, called Bike-X. This is a free event for the kids, who last year all loved getting dirty in the mud!

June 17 - Blackbarn, HavelockNorth

July 8 - EIT Taradale (NZ Championships)

July 22 - Roy's Hill, Hastings

August 12 - BlackBarn, TukitukiValley, Havelock North

September 2 - Clearview Winery, Napier

September 16 - Chesterhope Park,Hastings

If you would like any more info please feel free to contact Dan cyclocrosshawkesbay@gmail.com

Profiling Ramblers in RoadCyclingNZ

2012-06-07T09:30:00.005+12:00

Sarah van Boheeman from RoadCyclingNZ has completed a club profile of Ramblers. This is now available and can find it here: http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/club-feature-ramblers-cycling-club.html

Velodrome Proposal

2012-06-07T09:30:00.002+12:00

Members may have noticed in the Tuesday 5th edition of HBToday, that a new proposal has been made to Hastings Council regarding the development of a velodrome, this time for an outdoor one. The article was mistaken in it's reference to Ramblers as having put the proposal forward.

Ramblers, as it always has been, is interested in the development of a velodrome in the Hawkes Bay region. However, this proposal has been developed by HB Velo, a separate entity to which Ramblers has had a long-term relationship with. HBVelo was the driving force in the last bid for an indoor velodrome. Ivan Aplin is a Rambler, but in this instance was speaking in his capacity as an executive member of the HB Velo committee.

Ramblers does, however, look forward to finding out how we can support HB Velo in the pursuit of a local velodrome.

Ramblin On is Going Online

2012-06-07T09:29:00.003+12:00

To save the club a few dollars and a whole lot of volunteer time, Ramblin On will soon be available to all members as an e-book which offers us lots of benefits like having a full colour publication and we’re not restricted to the number of pages. Plus our members overseas will be able to access it.

If you would still like a printed version you can print it yourself or we will have a small number (around 20 or so) which will be at the races on Saturdays. First in first served.

So now its up to us all as members to make it what you want it to be. Send in your articles, news, tips for training, nutrition, product reviews, ads and anything else you would like to see to our editor davemarett@slingshot.co.nz.

Enjoy the new look coming soon!

RCC Club Winter Dinner

2012-06-07T09:29:00.001+12:00

When: Saturday 21st July, 2012

Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier

Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)

Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.

Upcoming Events

2012-06-07T09:28:00.002+12:00

17th June: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North

30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge

1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge

6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier

6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier

8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier

22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings

12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North

August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru

16th September: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride

22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago

2nd September: CX, Clearview Winery, Napier

16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings

30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu

5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill

14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings

4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake

Grant White Autobody C Grade Report – Autumn 2012 Craig Hill

2012-06-05T12:29:00.001+12:00

C Grade Report that missed the press for the Ramblers Mag

The autumn series started with conditions that thankfully did not continue. A weather bomb had hit
and it was cold, wet with strong winds just for good measure. 25 riders in all turned up for the
shortened event, with C grade represented by four hardy souls battling for survival and line honours
with Gavin Bush piping Brett Hooker for the win.

March 10th had the grades split by age group for the Club Champs and providing good practice for
the Club Nationals to be raced in early May on the same courses.
Normal riding resumed on the 17th with a time trial on Maraetotora Road. With a warm afternoon
and favourable tail wind Stephen Snell blitzed the other 9 riders on the hilly 17km climb. His time,
34:19s, would have got 4th in B grade. 2nd place, Craig Hill, was nearly 3 minutes behind with the next
5 riders within a minute of each other a further minute back.

The weather was again kind for the next race, almost too kind, with temperatures up to 30c on the
67km Valley ‐ Raukawa circuit. The majority of the 15 starters stayed together on the 1st lap. 5 riders,
Stephen, Gavin, Craig, Trevor Ennor & Wayne Mote, made a break into the headwind early into the
second lap and working together managed to stay away until just after the Raukawa hall where they
were joined by Su Daniel & Allister Beets. The finish saw Stephen take 1st in a tight sprint from the
Yellow Jersey of Gavin with the next 4 crossing over the next 4s.

The end of March was celebrated with 2 laps of Tuki. Again the majority of the 11 starters managed
to stay together until the 2nd ascent of Coops hill despite several failed attempts to split the group on
Lawn Rd. Fouldsy rode hard into the brisk headwind on Raymond Rd as lead‐out while the pack
formed behind him. Stephen timed his ride perfectly to pip Craig on the line for 1st, Peter Weskett,
3rd, Su 4th. Stephen’s win was his 3rd in three weeks earning him promotion up to B grade.

April 7th saw a lucky 13 riders challenge the conditions and each other for Te Kura Rd honours. An
initially spirited outward leg didn’t drop many riders with the pack reforming after the big hill. The
damp road saw a few temper their descents but had to scamper to regain the comforts of the 8 man
pack. The sprint came midway into the last 500m with Allister crossing 1st ahead of Trevor and Su
with the next 4 no more than 2s behind.

Mid April was another practice on the Nationals course with 2 laps of Crownthorpe but with the
twist of being based at Pukehamoamoa School instead of Matapiro Hall. On the 1st lap Allister made
break on the hills on back side of the course which didn’t last too long before the group reassimilated
for the remainder of the lap. Any attempted breaks on the 2nd lap were swiftly closed
down. Gavin continued his new trend of the past few weeks of seeing what the race looks like from
the front. I, thinking the finish line was near the normal place for an Ohiti circuit, sprinted off, way
way too early, only to fade 100m out to be passed by the other 8 with Glen Yule ousting Gavin and
Lisa Atkins on the line (well I thought Gav needed the points).

21st April doubled as a practice for the Nationals Individual Time Trial in Waipawa. The second
smallest turnout for C grade, only beaten by the 1st race of the series with 4 riders, saw 5 embrace
the course on a beautiful 16 deg day. Overall honours going to Craig over Su then Gavin, who was
almost beaten by Dean Gough in his 1st race of the series, with Allister making sure we had all
finished safely coming in as sweep.

The end of April saw our biggest turnout, 23 starters including a couple of B graders there to test
their legs (Mike Garrity, & Captain Hillary), for the Swamp – Dump circuit. The weather threatened
to spoil the day with a cool shower just before the starter’s gun but desisted during the race. The
peloton stayed together until an attempted break by Craig & Su which was shut down smartly
followed by a determined break by Phoebe Treseder before the end of Springfield Rd. Pheobe
wasn’t caught till just before the Tavern and the pack, still 22 strong, reorganised ready for the uphill
sprint finish. A break down the left by Brett Hooker caught a few at the front by surprise and secured
his 1st win of the series over John Price and Stephen Salkeld who had the same finish time. The other
placing’s being well challenged for as well with 4th to 13th only separated by 4s.

The second interlude to the series was on May 5th with it being the 2nd day of the Road Races for the
Club Nationals at Crownthorpe. A big thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, spectators,
sponsors and competitors, well done all.

May 12th bought with it the challenge of a Criterium, a short 800m course with 4 left hand corners
and sprints for points every 5 minutes. The start saw Pheobe and Allister get a good break on the
other 7 only to be reeled in before the 1st sprint. Brett made a break immediately after the sprint
and stayed away to collect top points for the 2nd sprint with Gavin and David Barclay securing good
points throughout the event. Overall Phoebe cleaned up with wins in the last 3 sprints over David
and Gavin.

The penultimate race of the series had the added challenge of Whakapirau for riders to negotiate.
The pace went on from the start into a brisk headwind but most of the 15 starters only being split up
on the ascent of Whakapirau. Allister, Phoebe and Brett climbed away and made a 1 min break by
Torrens. The chasing bunch of Craig, Gavin, David McCullum, Fouldsy and Peter pursued in vein and
were spurred on by the sight of Brett, alone, after being dropped with 5k to go. Allister with more
power and higher gears took 1st over Phoebe, Brett 3rd 50s back then another minute until the 1st of
the chasing bunch crossed.

26th May – Camp David. This story has yet to unfold as the publishing deadline has won, but a tight
contest at the top of the table has Gavin 3 points clear of Craig with Su comfortably in 3rd.

A race, a day at the market, another race and some rain.

2012-06-05T08:22:00.001+12:00

Greetings! How are you all? Well we hope, despite the chilly winter wind and (hopefully scarce) rain. How did the Naki treat those of you who went? And how was the battle for Saturday honours for those of you who didn’t? All our love for Holly, we check Facebook every day for your progress, good to see you smiling. Best wishes to you, and to Dave and Serpa. We wish you all quick and thorough recoveries.

We have seen yet another week pass us by like a frightened hedgehog in the night. We are growing so old so quickly and will soon return to the familiar faces and places, and all too familiar Apley Road circuit; which will be the first race of our return, just a few hours after touchdown. Woohoo! See you then.

We had a speedy crit on Monday, covering 80km in just 1hour 40. Not a bad speed considering there were 9 corners to be navigated each lap. Phew! There was of course the final lap pile up, which luckily Hannah and I avoided, along with the rest of the girls in the team. Aside from that we truely shone in out domestique roles, and it can be said no break got away without a Ruiter rider present from the start or bridged across at a murderous pace. They were very happy with our efforts, and we joyously rode home in celebration. Haha.

After a 25km warm up for yesterdays race, and a 25km cool down (missing my car like a lover across the sea) we went for a recovery ride along the picturesque coast on Tuesday, just to clock up some more miles. We had a bit of a late start after Ashleigh spent the majority of the morning “under the illusion that home isn’t half way around the world, and ruining the adventure” with skype. Apparently using video calling is cheating, and when we get home we will feel like we never left. Righto. At least while she was doing this it gave Hannah the chance to get her travel agent on and begin to plan our epic Tour de France adventures. We know that this will have you all jealous. But we will be sure to take lots of pictures to show you, so you can feel as though you were really there too.  Today was also the resurrection of the core training sessions, after being a little slack we may have been caught in a vicious cycle of being scared since we had left it so long and not wanting to do it, so then leaving it longer, and being more scared. And so on and so forth. Not our smartest of moves, but smarter than Hannah’s question of the day “Hey Ash, can swans fly?”. Core must really have messed with her mind a little.

Thirty 30 sprints featured on the training menu for the day, and we devoured their deliciousness in the cold windy Wednesday afternoon. What else we did that day eludes us, it possibly involved some sort of deep revelations and inspirational aspirations. Thursday brought a downpour of rain and plummeting temperatures, continual hope that the weather would improve and procrastination prompted a rest day when we suddenly found the day drawing to a close and no chamois had been worn. We did however make many generous gift purchases at the market, a feat requiring a 30km commuter ride.

Friday we were feeling guilty for the lazy antics of the previous day and off we went for a 2 hour spin to warm and loosen the legs for tomorrows’ race. Hannah was keen to show me a new circuit she had found while I had been in the south a week before. Little did she realise, the new loop she had navigate and remembered was really a loop we have ridden a few times, but backwards. Bless her heart. We really do need to purchase more tea bags, her mentality and cognitive function appears to rapidly decline without the daily tea consumption. It has been a difficult tea-less week for her.

Saturday- Race in ijssimuilden (or something similar). We had a 125km classic today, what fun! 160 starters, a course beginning in a shopping centre and then completely structured on dykes and pathways. The directions from the team manager where simply “make it into the first fan”, which is what they call an echelon here; but when there is only room for 12 of you since the roads are so narrow, those where very very hard instructions to follow. Ashleigh got herself into about group 6 with another Ruiter rider, 2 others made group 3, one spent all day in no man’s land, another crashed out and we all enjoyed the comforting love that only Chocomel can bring you post race. The race also went through ‘Kampen’ which for Hannah van (from) Kampen, was even more exciting than Kempen.

And finally here we are, wrapped up warm on another winters day in summer, after a bit of a 2 man Sunday bunch this morning The glorious stream of weather we have had, has been enough to build the tan lines once more and leave the body expecting heat. Although sadly it has been punctured by all too frequent overcast days, all to similar to the cold winter days of NZ. At least the forecast looks up! Bring it!

Send us your Tour de France must dos! Or inspirational ideas. 

Ashleigh and Hannah

Hastings Sunday Ride June 3rd

2012-06-02T08:28:00.001+12:00

Leaving outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street Hastings 8:00am
Short Ride: Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill and Return 50km
Long Ride : Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill, Te Onepu Road, Te Aute Trust Road returning via Middle Road 90km

Ramblers Feature in Road Cycling Mag

2012-06-02T08:24:00.001+12:00

Click to see Ramblers Feature http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/club-feature-ramblers-cycling-club.html

Saturday Racing, 2nd June 2012

2012-05-31T17:15:00.003+12:00

Circuit: Apley Circuit

A-E 2 laps

F 1 lap

G 1 lap (handicapped start)

Venue: Puketapu School

Race Briefing: 1:45pm

Race start time: 2pm

Race Starter: Helen Mackenzie

Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895

Race Protocol

2012-05-31T17:15:00.001+12:00

Please note that we will be having race briefings 5 minutes earlier at 1:45pm. Please ensure you are there, even if you have ‘heard it all before’. It is vital for compliance issues that all riders are briefed prior to every race we hold.

Due to ongoing issues with dropped riders, it is now required that dropped riders do NOT join other grades – even to just ‘sit on the back’. If you have been dropped, you may not join other grades. Instead, you must ride back to the venue on your own, or with other dropped riders.

Do NOT cross the white line – just to scoot around someone, just to “see”, just because... You are jeopardising everyone elses’s chance at being able to continue using the roads in the way we currently do.

Ramblers Riders in a Bad Way

2012-05-31T17:14:00.004+12:00

Last weekend was a tragic weekend for two Ramblers families.

On Saturday, Dave Joyce and Sirpa Lajunan, were hit from behind by a vehicle on Poihipi Road near Taupo. Both received significant injuries, and Sirpa has five damaged vertabrae which will need surgery. Dave and Sirpa used to own Revolution Bikes, and their son, Sean, rode through our ranks as a junior. Our warmest thoughts are with Dave and Sirpa as they face this life-altering challenge, and with Sean as he supports his parents.

On Sunday, the Taradale Clock Tower bunch were out for their usual training ride when two bicylces connected. Sadly, this resulted in up and coming junior, Holly Atkins, being air-lifted to Hastings Memorial Hospital with head and pelvis injuries. Holly has been in tremendous form this year, and our love and thoughts are with her as she faces this huge set-back. We are also thinking of her family, sister Lisa and parents Carolynne and Philip, as they support her through her recovery.

Cyclocross Training

2012-05-31T17:14:00.002+12:00

Sunday 3 June, 9am Eit Carpark

Last training session before the first cyclocross race of the year to be held at Blackbarn Sunday, June 17.

Sessions will run for approx 2hrs including skills sessions, remount/dismount practice, race pace efforts, carrying methods etc.

Carl Paton wants Guinea-Pigs

2012-05-31T17:14:00.000+12:00

“I am looking for A-C grade riders (must be able to complete a 25km road TT in under 40minutes) who are willing to commit to 4 lab training sessions over a 4-5 week period. Sessions require the rider to complete a laboratory based computer simulated hilly 20km Time trial lasting between 35-40 minutes (depending on fitness of course). Each testing session takes around 90 minutes including preparation and warm up. You will receive feedback on performance and muscle balance and pedalling technique.”

Anyone interested should contact Carl Paton at EIT or cpaton@eit.ac.nz

Reminder: NZ Secondary Schools Championships

2012-05-31T17:13:00.002+12:00

These dates for this event are 30th June for the time trial and 1st July for the road races. If you are interested in participating, please contact your school or the Event Organiser, Sandra Carter 021 477 686 or mscarter@xtra.co.nz

Entries close Monday 18th June 2012.

RCC Club Winter Dinner

2012-05-31T17:12:00.003+12:00

When: Saturday 21st July, 2012

Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier

Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)

Guest Speaker: Gordon MacAuley

Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.

Upcoming Events

2012-05-31T17:11:00.001+12:00

17th June: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North

30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge

1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge

6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier

6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier

8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier

22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings

12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North

August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru

16th Septemeber: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride

22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago

2nd September: Clearview Winery, Napier

16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings

30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu

5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill

14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings

4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake

THE CHESTERHOPE MAGPIE RETURNS

2012-05-30T07:29:00.001+12:00

Readers may recall that in the last issue of Ramblin On, I wrote an article about the ‘Chesterhope Magpie’ aka Ramblers Chairman Gavin Bush. Unknown to me, at least until I received my copy of the magazine (which is about to go electronic), Roy Van Panhuys had also written an article about the Chesterhope Magpie just before his untimely death.
That was rather ironic, but as soon as I read Roy’s story, I knew his creation needed to live on, and indeed he does.You see the Chesterhope Magpie (‘Chepie’ for short) has been at it again. He can’t help himself. He sees something and he picks it up and he runs off with it, or on this occasion, walks off with it.

As you will see from the accompanying photo, the object that drew his attention this time was a large red cone. It is not clear what he does with them, or how many he has stored away, but during the recent National Club Championships hosted by Ramblers, Chepie could be seen carting off red cones every day.

Acting like an investigative reporter, I tailed Chepie for the four days of the Nationals. I took several hundred photos, which are on the Ramblers website, as a decoy. If Chepie thought I was taking photos, supposedly for Ramblers and Bike NZ, he would not suspect I was spying, I mean, checking on him. And so it came to pass. The photos were taken and downloaded by Steve Watson for all to enjoy, using something he calls Picasso, or whatever. Some of the ITT photos are upside down, just for artistic flare. Actually I have no explanation for this other than the fact investigative reporting can sometimes turn your world upside down.
But let’s get back to the main story. It has now been confirmed that Chepie engaged the help of Chepie 2 (real name Ken McKenzie) and Chepie 3 (real name Brett Hooker). Chepie 2 and Chepie 3 were also seen gathering red cones and other objects as well, such as microphones, clipboards, walkie talkies and so on during the Nationals.

Not everyone will appreciate Chepies, but in fact the club owes these three Chepies, and several helpers they swooped on during the Nationals, for organizing and running an event that can only be described as a resounding success and something special. These Chepies have brought a lot of credit to Ramblers, which Bike NZ has publicly recognized. The photos of the Nationals are testimony to the magnitude of the event these guys were in charge of, and so the finding of my undercover investigation is that they are deservedly the first recipients of the Roy Van Panhuys Chesterhope Magpie trophy, awarded to those who pick something up and run with it successfully. So congratulations Gavin, Ken and Brett, for a job well done. I am sure Roy would have been one of the first to say so.Now if only I could remember where I put that trophy…..