Happy Wednesday folks and we’re on the cusp of the SBS Bank Tour of Southland with pre-tour schools visits underway from today – three teams of cyclists, Police, Share the Road, Sport Southland and Cycling Southland representatives are travelling for the next three days talking to pupils about cycling safety on the road and what it’s like to be involved as a serious cyclist and racer. Great messaging for our cyclists of the future and always a popular event on the Tour calendar.
Before the Tour kicks off this Sunday with our Ride with the Stars at 2.30pm followed by the Team Presentations at 3pm and Time Trial at 4.30pm check out the schedule here we have a couple of quick housekeeping bits – if you can help out you know it’s hugely appreciated:
Wanted: We are on the lookout for one or two willing helpers to assist with the signage placement at next week’s SBS Bank Tour of Southland. This involve assisting with the setting up of the finish line barriers and other equipment at each stage finish and dismantling the gear when the stage is completed. You will get to see all of the stage finishes as part of this role.
Also, we are on the lookout for some personnel to assist in erecting the SBS Bank marquee on the Gala Street reserve prior to the time trial prologue this coming Sunday. If you are able to assist with either or both, we would love to hear from you. Please give Milly a call on 217 3215 or email [email protected]
Otherwise, get ready to follow the action here
Second and also most importantly – we have just received notification today that all Friday’s track sessions between 9am and 6pm have to be cancelled.
Huge apologies for the inconvenience everyone but we have only been notified today that the Ngaputangitangi (Kapahaka Festival) is on in the Velodrome. We will still proceed with Baxter and Neilson Junior Race Night 6-8pm and Elite & U19 Squads 8-10pm will still go ahead. Cyclofit, Lunch Roll and Wheelers and Flyers have all been cancelled sorry. Please help spread the word if you know anyone who regularly attends any of these sessions. Thank you
50th Anniversary Celebrations – Register Now!
This Friday 1st November is the deadline to register for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. If anyone knows of people wishing to attend but don't have access to a computer please contact Milly at the office 217 3215 to register otherwise visit www.cyclingsouth.org.nz to register online now for the following events:
Friday 15 November: Sarah Ulmer Lounge, SIT Zero Fees Velodrome, at 7pm. Drinks and nibbles combined with era photos, and the official opening of our cycling heritage. A few other surprises on the night. Tickets $15 per person.
Saturday 16 November: UCI Festival of Speed International Track Cycling Event - Day 1, Sessions 12.30 and 6.30pm. Tickets are now available through Stadium Southland.
Sunday 17 November: UCI Festival of Speed International Track Cycling Event - Day 2, 10.30am and 1.30pm.
50th Celebration dinner to follow at the Ascot Park Hotel, 6:30pm, 3 course buffet meal, $50.00 per person (book through online registration)
For those that are extra keen, why not stay on to enjoy the Oceania Track Championships which start on 19 November and run to 22 November. 10.30am and 6.30pm sessions daily. Tickets are now available through Stadium Southland
Kelvin Hastie Memorial results
Well done to all the Southland crew who travelled to Dunedin last weekend for the Kelvin Hastie Memorial Weekend Check out the full race report here
Cycle Surgery Wednesday Worlds
This will run again tonight, report at 6pm for 6.30 race start - but will not be held next week during the Tour of Southland.
Cycling Southland History
Yesterday marked the 70th anniversary of the Christchurch to Invercargill Record set by Invercargill Amateur Clubman, Harry Hubber. Check out the great story here
Cycling Southland & BikeNZ Licensing and Memberships 2014
A reminder that BikeNZ and Cycling Southland’s 2014 licence and membership renewal starts from Friday 1 November. No online re-licencing can be undertaken through BikeNZ until then and everyone currently in their database will be sent a reminder link to do this from BikeNZ. If you choose to do a manual application through BikeNZ – they will charge you a $7.50 processing fee. If you do this directly online you will not receive the additional charge. Meanwhile, Cycling Southland’s annual membership is $50 for the coming year and the forms are now available by clicking here I am happy to process these through the office anytime from now onwards so don’t forget to get yours renewed for the coming year, which runs to 31 December 2014. Please note that standard Family memberships still apply for two U17 children and parents at just $80 and the new Wheelers/Flyers membership for just $20 also remains in place.
Track and Road Concession Cards
If you have not already considered getting a concession card for your regular track and road sessions – please seriously think about it as it is a far more economical way to pay for your rides with a variety of options available
· Junior Track/Road cards $50 for 12 rides with own bike
· Junior Track with bike hire $60 for 12 rides
· Senior Track cards $50 for $12 rides with own bike
· Senior Track with bike Hire $75 for 12 rides
· Senior Road cards $100 for 12 rides
· And now … there’s a new combined Junior and Senior Card for just $60, which offers 15 $5 fees – so either $10 senior or $5 senior track or junior track or road entries can be marked off on useage.
These cards make the sessions heavily discounted – or effectively you get two free rides so see us at the office to sort your card now – Remember we have EFTPOS but no credit card options.
Sunday Introductory Recreational Rides
After chatting with Graeme and Julie Irvine, who have done such a marvellous job with Recreational Rides over the past few years, we have collectively decided to introduce an introductory beginner ride to complement Graeme and Julie’s existing Sunday ride.
These rides will aim to cater for first timers who are just embarking on their road riding experience. Many such riders are keen to work towards joining up with a bunch, but lack the confidence to ride in a group and are therefore looking for a supportive and friendly crew to ride, learn and progress with. We are looking for someone(s) enthusiastic and friendly who might be interested leading these rides, taking on the satisfying and fun role of getting new riders up and running! Anyone interested can contact Dale at [email protected]
BMX Open Day
Check out details here
Well that’s it in a nutshell – or maybe it’s just busy and nuts! Tour time already … the office will be largely closed next week during the days but sessions will be running as per usual. We will be clearing any queries on a daily basis through my contact here at the office.
Take care out there for another week