Hello everyone and we’re still blowing and raining through another week of October – it would be remarkable if it blew and rained itself out in time for the SBS Bank Tour of Southland in less than two weeks – imagine that!!
Firstly welcome back Mega Mum Erin from the Worlds Masters Track Champs in Manchester – Our Rainbow regalia-ed world champ and the entire Criglington/Jamieson clan finally got to fly into Invercargill last night after a 24 hour delay and we can all say how extremely proud we are of you Erin – you so deserve the colours and medal haul you came home with. Also well done to all the rest of the Southland Worlds crew – Neil, Rog and Simon – you left your marks on the boards in Manchester – well done! It will be great to see you all back in action at home and can’t wait to hear all the stories as they unfold Check out the champ here
Congrats BikeNZ Team Members
While we’re in congratulatory mode, big congrats to Southland sprinters Eddie and Matt, along with endure Piet Bulling who have all been named in the BikeNZ Manchester World Cup squad yesterday. They will be joined by Michael Culling, Nick Kergozou, Sophie Williamson and Laura Heywood for the Oceania Track Champs next month. Read all about the selections here and Bulling back on track here
Road Race this Labour Weekend – Dependant on Numbers
This weekend’s road race at Gorge Road, will only run if we have sufficient numbers (i.e. 45+ riders) at the time of entry close at 12pm on Thursday, so if you’re intending on racing, make sure you get your entry in!
This is simply because if we have fewer riders than that, then we won’t cover the cost of running the race.
Wednesday Worlds
Fingers crossed the weather is kind to us for tomorrow’s Wednesday Worlds! We will definitely be having four Divisions from now on (and everyone will do one lap), so if you were worried about racing in Division 3, then come along and race in Division 4!
Junior Baxter & Neilson Racing
Race night 5 in the 8-race series was held on Friday night for the Junior Baxter and Neilson Race Night and what a night of racing it was! check out the report and results here Junior Racing this Friday, 6-8pm, will be ‘normal’ racing (not Baxter & Neilson!), so it would be great to see everyone down there!
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 relicencing 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]
Cycling Southland 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Registrations close 1 November so 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.
On Track Coaching Sprint Festival
Date: 2nd November 2013
Time: 9am – 1pm
Entry Fee: $20
Age Restriction - Must be 2nd year U17 or older to race (male and female)
Format: Racing starts at 9am prompt with a flying 200m qualification to seed the riders. The riders will then be divided into groups to run through first round of match sprints, then semifinals and finals.
Entries will be strictly limited to 16 riders and there are a few spots left so enter by completing an entry form and payment to Melissa at the Cycling Southland Office (cash payment only - entry forms available at the office or by clicking here
Southland@Heart Milford to Invercargill Charity Ride
Fundraising is underway again for this year’s Milford Sound to Invercargill Fundraising Ride for the Southland@Heart Charity. This year’s ride takes place on Saturday 16 November, leaving Milford at 6am sharp and there are still some places up for grabs. Read more about it here you can also get online and support this worthy cause - Cycling Southland stalwarts Ray Robinson http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/RayRobinson/ and Allan Dunn http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/AllanDunn/ are your first port of call as part of the crew to back and support. It’s a great cause to support the kids with heart defects.
Reminder: there are no track sessions on Monday 28 October due to it being Labour Day – the Velodrome will be closed.
Happy long weekend everyone! It will be the last one before a busy few weeks ahead – bring it on!
Take care