3 Day Tour  (photo's from last year)

 
Day One: Box Hill Khandallah to Masterton

130km plus Admirals Hill Climb Option Wgtn to Featherston

8:00am              Meet at Monteiths for loading gear, safety briefing and Photo op’

8.15am              Compulsory Safety Briefing

8.30am              (no later)      

Departing Monteiths in split groups. Proceed on usual Hutt Valley route to toilets at Harcourt Park on Akatarawa Road for first re-group before departing for summit of Rimutakas via Gemstone Drive. Riders then proceed at their own speed in single file to the summit for the next re-group. A lead bunch may set off for Featherston before the final riders come in. Once the tail end vehicle has arrived in Featherston we then depart Featherston for lunch at the Wine Centre in Martinborough Featherston to Masterton

 Depart for Masterton - continuing on eastward route past golf course (anti clockwise TT route) and re-grouping at Admirals Road junction. Those that would like to do the climb depart for the top at their own best speed taking their own time if desired and return to the junction for group departure back to Masterton and Chanel Court Motel. If you are unsure if you can make it up the hill, give it a crack! If its too much just turn around and freewheel back to the start.  Admirals Hill

 Day Two: Masterton to Palmerston North

130km Masterton to Palmerston Nth

Departing from the motel at 8am, we have a 100km ride to the “Beyond the Bridge Café”. We will be using the same route as last year encompassing very rural countryside going through Alfredton and Pahiatua. Today has long stretches of false flat (slight uphill) so fitness and spinning is the prerequisite. Please note that the lunchtime café is well past Pahiatua and since we have an ETA for lunch, we have to be mindful of the pace resulting from delays but will be having a few roadside stops for refuelling and stretches.

 This year we have added an added challenge for the Mountain goats amongst us. After lunch and dependent on the wind, weather and general condition of everyone interested, an optional group will depart for Palmerston North via the Saddle Road route Saddle Road Route.

This route encompasses the pass over the Ruahine range north of the Manawatu Gorge and passes the Wind turbine farm. It has sections of climb pitching to 9% !!! It then descends to Ashurst with a long flat ride into Palmerston North but probably into a steaming head wind. This route is no longer than over the Pahiatua Track but has to be worth a once off visit…

 Day three: Palmerston North to Wellington

 153km. Palmerston nth to Wellington

This could be a tough day for many as we travel a fair distance down busy SH1 after morning tea at Murrayfield Tourist Centre. Will also have a few rest/re-groups before exiting SH1 at Waikanae and heading toward the Akatrawas where we have lunch prior to ascending the hill at Potters Kiln, Reikorangi. Unless it’s a pristine day, no-one need stop at the summit but can continue on to the Brown Owl at the junction with SH2 for re-grouping before departing back to Khandallah. If the winds are fair, it could be a reasonably quick ride, if they are southerly, it could be very tough indeed.

 General Guidelines for Riding

• OTB ethos and etiquette applies at ALL TIMES  ETHOS
• Organising committee, will nominate ride/bunch leaders on the day
• There will be no racing other than some hill climb challenges – this is an early season training ride designed for endurance and conditioning not for race practice.
• This is a great opportunity to engage in conversation and getting to know your riding buddies better. Other than hill climbs and designated single file riding, you should be able to engage in conversation easily.
• Some individuals may be asked to take leads in particular sections. Please don’t be offended if you are not asked, we are just trying to ensure safety in some of the higher risk areas such as SH1 and also to maintain a comfortable pace for the whole bunch.
• On busier roads, we will split into two or three groups, riding in a single file.
• If the conditions are tough and someone punctures, a larger group is required to stop for the rider to assist with their repairs/recovery and help to catch up with the bunch. It may be desirable for the whole bunch to stop, the leader at the time will make the call. Otherwise, normal rule of minimum 2 riders stop with puncture victim – those beside and pair immediately behind.
• There will be a lead vehicle and the van will act as trail safety vehicle and sag wagon. If you are struggling please make use of the vehicles to recuperate – volunteer drivers are always welcome.
• On busy roads, the vehicles will be parked off the road ahead of and behind the bunch to warn other road users. On quieter rides, they will be riding in closer proximity however the trail vehicle in particular needs to have a reasonable distance between it and the bunch to warn vehicles approaching from behind with enough time for them to react safely. DRIVERS PLEASE NOTE that on busy or narrow roads, park the vehicles off to one side WELL clear of the bunch so as not to impede traffic – please do not attempt to follow at a slow pace.
• FITNESS: Whilst this is a training ride, a reasonable level of fitness is required to enter as the distances are long and there are some challenging hills each day, and after having already completed a good distance before climbing them. So if you are wondering if you are up to it, don’t risk it, you need to get out there now and get some miles under the saddle. While there will be space for a couple of people in the van, if we have people taking long term seat warming positions, it leaves less capacity for others in genuine and unexpected need.
• If any of you have First Aid certifications, please let us know.

Other Matters

• Cycle Fitness – please ensure that your bike is up for the 3 days. We urge you to have it checked over at Penny Farthings if you are at all unsure Pennys Service . Ensure your tyres are in good condition as well as the tubes. Our expectation is that you will have new or near new tyres – it is not fair on your fellow riders to turn up with tyres that are a puncture waiting to happen.  You should also carry a good pump and multi-tool. I would also recommend carrying a tyre patch should your tyre be cut and unable to hold the tube in although I am sure that Shane will have some spares available for purchase.
• BAGGAGE – Space is very limited in the van so please pack CONSERVATIVELY – its just 2 nights away so PLEASE THINK MINIMAL and then toss some back! One very modest overnight bag and one SMALL day bag.  You need minimal and informal clothes for Friday and Saturday night – this is not a fashion show.
• Cycle Clothing. You will need to pack cycle clothing for ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS. Generally one set per day but it may be possible to wash at each overnight stop. You should pack in your day bag (SMALL backpack):

-          wet weather jacket,

-          warm jacket to wear during lunch stops

-          dry change if necessary,

-          chamois cream etc

-          any particular health requirements such as pacemaker batteries, blood pressure pills, EKG machine etc

-          any personal nutritional requirements

-          wallet/money etc

-          spare tubes – you should carry two on you anyway!

 any questions or suggestions please communicate with Digger, Westie or myself.

 
All the best

Diesel.