2025/26 Results to date, as of Jan 15th
Name of rider | Gender | Grade | Total | |
Nick Knowlson | M | B | 247 | Yellow Jersey |
Andrew Lloyd | M | C | 234 | |
Jaden Kaempfe | M | A | 215 | |
Michael Leaf | M | B | 198 | |
Cyril Moorby | M | E | 197 | |
Jack Gillingham | M | A | 193 | |
Sarah-Jane Stone | F | C | 170 | White Jersey |
Dylan Rawson | M | A | 154 | |
Richard Taylor | M | A | 151 | |
Anthony Strong | M | D | 150 | |
Andrew Collins | M | C | 147 | |
Andrew Wilson | M | E | 146 | |
Cameron Wynniatt | M | B | 132 | |
Tim Plews | M | B | 131 | |
Andrew Hosking | M | D | 128 | |
Austin Fisken | M | C | 127 | |
Shiggy Takagi | M | D | 123 | |
Jihan El Labany | F | E | 121 | |
Daniel Carruthers | M | B | 120 | |
Oliver Larcombe | M | A | 117 | |
Max Gordon | M | B | 113 | |
Shannon Frost | M | D | 113 | |
Mel Stone | F | D | 108 | |
Stacey Pask | M | B | 107 | |
Harrison Craigie | M | D | 105 | |
Brad McNamara | M | A | 101 | |
Sarah Gorman | F | B | 97 | |
David Simpson | M | C | 95 | |
Greg Taylor | M | C | 90 | |
Junsel Shirley | M | D | 83 | |
Mikko Anzano | M | B | 81 | |
Ben McLeod | M | C | 77 | |
Daniel Heads | M | B | 76 | |
Reece Billington | M | D | 68 | |
Sam Shergold | M | A | 65 | |
Lachlan Haycock | M | A | 62 | |
Rikimata Massey | M | B | 62 | |
Ray Hewlett | M | 57 | ||
Glen Carabine | M | A | 55 | |
Hamish Lane | M | B | 53 | |
Tristan Haycock | M | B | 51 | |
Fraser Sharp | M | B | 50 | |
Nick Wootton | M | C | 48 | |
Liam deGrey | M | B | 47 | |
Lucy Williams | F | D | 44 | |
Justin Scholes | M | C | 42 | |
Tony Fairweather | M | C | 41 | |
Seth Aandewiel | M | A | 38 | |
Roy Sparey | 37 | |||
Ashton Guitry | M | 36 | ||
James Wilkins | M | 36 | ||
Nigel O'Neale | M | E | 36 | |
Tom Bridgens | M | E | 35 | |
Brendan Marshall | M | C | 34 | |
Robby Stewart | M | S | 34 | |
Oona Hepburn | F | 33 | ||
Anna Hull | F | D | 31 | |
David Payton | M | 30 | ||
Jacques Collumbet | M | 29 | ||
Josh Trafford | M | C | 29 | |
Anna Haycock | F | C | 28 | |
Mark Ireland | M | E | 28 | |
Reubin Stovold | M | 27 | ||
Blake Miller | M | C | 26 | |
Owen Owen | M | B | 26 | |
Harriet Steele | F | 25 | ||
Coen Nichol | M | 24 | ||
Jaxon Mair | M | 24 | ||
Trevor Knyvett | M | C | 24 | |
Juan Navarro | M | A | 22 | |
Corban Nichol | M | 21 | ||
Finley Oliver | M | 20 | ||
Thomas Winter | M | 18 | ||
Grant Clifton | M | 17 | ||
Jackie Stanton | F | S | 16 | |
Scott McDonald | M | 16 | ||
Jarred Kirk | M | 15 | ||
Pete Campbell | M | B | 15 | |
Peter Dainty | M | 15 | ||
Talbot Munro | M | S | 14 | |
Bron Healey | M | C | 12 | |
Paddy Wilkins | M | 11 | ||
Medhi Gerbeaux | 10 | |||
Rick Stone | M | D | 10 | |
Kevin Jenson | M | D | 9 | |
Macka Wagstaff | M | D | 8 | |
Patrick Johnson | M | C | 7 | |
Wim Seuren | M | S | 7 | |
Bailey Fredrickson | M | 6 | ||
Kirsty Wood | F | C | 6 | |
Sarah Lancaster | F | 6 | ||
Greg Hughes | M | 5 | ||
Matthew Hardy | 5 | |||
Nikko Ananso | M | B | 5 | |
Riley Walker | M | 5 | ||
Charlie Harvey | M | 4 | ||
Hayden Vear | M | S | 4 | |
Hamish Boyt | M | B | 1 | |
Kevin Judge | M | 1 | ||
Raewyn Cathie | F | S | 1 |
Thursday Night Race Report – 14th February, 2019
30 riders arrived for a romantic velotines ride. It was so hot there was talk of bailing to an air-conditioned pub, but the registration chocolate fish, that had been pre-melted in Jackie’s pocket, were tempting enough to keep people riding. Greg T came along to help Ray with the registration and admin (and also took notes on what was happening in the race!). Mark was dressed up in his formal bike shirt to escort Pauline and Jackie for the evening. Matt had a cleat and a flat on his bike to help with his banjaxed ankle. First lap in and we lost Lexus to horrid leg cramps, she was comforted by Greg T and chocolate fish. The second lap was getting exciting, the 3’s were given “the look” by a passing ute full of pig dogs, lucky they weren’t pigs. Sam and Bron went down with the stitch, Robby pulled out with heat stroke, the 3’s caught the 6’s and anyone who could hold on did. Into the 3rd lap and the 9’s picked up the 11:30’s. Jackie saw a tiny kitten. Pauline got over it and headed back to the start. The 3/6’s came across the 9/11:30’s on Maketu road, Aaron put a gap on the group, Hayley and Greg L went after them, Hayley stuck. Jordan retired early and came in for a fish, Matt pulled out, after being given a kind handicap for his injuries, he had chatted through his start time and had to go with his regular group. The 3’s had maintained a 2 minute gap back to the scratch. An un-named 3 minute rider made a break for the finish coming out of the Kelly road corner into the final straight. Todd and Aaron chased him down, but the rest of the peloton was coming up quick. Steve Newlove came sprinting up the road to take the gold with Todd and Aaron rounding out the podium. Lexus found a wrapped, undamaged chocolate bar on the road! Everyone headed home to have a nap on the couch till 1 am and then go to real bed (oops).
11 Minutes 30 Seconds
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Mark Lord
9 Minutes
Brett Herdman
Lexus Jump
Hayley Gallagher
Robby Stewart
Greg Long
6 Minutes
Liz McDougall
Ali Wilson
Andy Collins
Anna Dean
Matt Johns
3 Minutes
Steve Neill
Hamish Miller
Todd Davidson (2nd)
Steve Newlove (1st)
Ryan
Aaron Long (3rd)
Bron Healey
Zane Hurst
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Anthony Van de Pas
Owen Owens
Cameron Wynniatt
Jacob Beetham
Lachlan Haycock
Pete Campbell
Samuel Lord
Jordan Clare
Thursday Night Race Report – 10th January 2019
First race of the new year and people seemed lethargic to say the least. Riders turning up after the official race start time still registering, hence we didn’t get away till about 6:30. Reasonable head wind down the home straight, and overcast conditions. The 9m (should have been 12m 30s….my bad) bunch was a bit of a mish-mash of tired riders, old riders and those that wanted to cruise, but Paul announced “we will all stay together” and they generally did for the first couple of laps.The 6m 30s “The chicks” bunch, along with James put paid to the other males, who were jettisoned by about the second lap.The 3 30s and scratch was where the racing was happening, the scratch bunch certainly not lethargic once the race started. They caught the 3m 30s on the last lap and all the remnants of the other groups, to form that heaving bunch coming down Maketu Road for the last time. The 3 podiums were uncontested in the last two or three hundred metres, the peloton content to watch them fight it out. Club champ Cam took the honors ahead of the ever consistent Scott and new guy Jason was third.Big shout out to Fraser, who I insisted on going in the scratch group based on his power ride before Christmas. He rode well, contributed to the bunch before succumbing on the last lap. He didn’t look too flash at the finish, so upon Pauls Bowkers advice (who wasn’t looking too flash himself after being beaten up by the girls),I threw his quivering hunched over body and bike in the car and took him home, which itself was a pleasure as Fraser is always good for an entertaining chat.
PS all you elite riders try and be a bit more on time next week!
9 Minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Talbot Munro
Robby Stewart
Paul McLeod
Greg Long
6 Minutes 30 seconds
Sue Galpin
Keith Thompson
Anna Dean
Ali Wilson
Liz McDougall
Paul Bowker
James Boyd
Sarah Backler
3 Minutes 30 Seconds
Todd Davidson
Nathan Thompson
Ryan Van de Pas
Tony Fairweather
Steve Newlove
Hamish Milla
rMatt Backler
0 Minutes
Richard McKee
Dan Busbridge
Andrew Lloyd
Jason Creswell (3rd)
Fraser Sharp
Pete Campbell
Cameron Wynniatt (1st)
Scott McDonald (2nd)
Lachlan Haycock
Thursday Night Race Report – 20th December, 2018
Jolted rudely awake from an afternoon nap by an electrical storm, NOOOO, not on the last night of racing. Stephens soothing voice assured us it was passing by, Fraser confirmed great weather on the Kaimai’s, put on your fancy socks, we’re riding. Maketu was stunning, dry roads, no wind, warm sun, perfect way to end the year. Many regulars were partaking in festive spirits leaving only 22 riders, heavily stacked toward the thoroughbred end of the race. Pauline headed to the marshalling corner and we got underway. Bobby missed his start and headed off backwards to join the team, finding them halfway down Maketu road. The 6:30’s made short work of the 2 and a half minute gap to the 9’s and had them scooped up by the end of the first lap. A few looks of pain and tongues hanging out as Bron provided the power to the 6:30’s. The 1:30’s continued to shorten the gap on the remaining field, looking calm and comfy as a big group. Richard Mc looked like he’d never been away as he made his return from paternity leave. Murray packed it in and tootled off home. Robby was dazzled by multi-coloured Pauline on the corner and got gapped, so came back to watch the finish. Bobby made a break for the finish at the end of the third lap. New Ollie was getting a bit of kudos from Stephen for his riding. Going into the last lap there was still a wee gap between the 6.30/9’s and the 1.30’s, this would not last much longer. The 1.30’s made contact and were still accelerating. The previously compact bunches now spread over 200 metres as the front of the comet got faster. A mass of black clad riders closed in on the finish line, Dan has this one, not far ahead of Jordan and Anthony. Pete won a chocolate bar for his birthday, Heath won one for his socks. Merry Christmas, we’ll be back racing in a couple of weeks.
9 Minutes
Murray O’Donnell
George Matthews
Robby Stewart
6 Minutes 30 Seconds
Stephen Lewis
Richard Fowler
Andy Collins
Ali Wilson
Liz McDougall
Bron Healey
Ollie Larkham
1 Minute 30 Seconds
Ryan Van de Pa
sJade Stafford
Richard McKey
Heath Lett
Max Gordon
Jordan Clare (2nd)
Bobby Dean
Anthony Van de Pas (3rd)
Andrew Lloyd
Pete Campbell
Dan Busbridge (1st)
Samuel Lord
Thursday Night Race Report – 13th December, 2018
A quick check of the weather rock confirmed it was dry enough for riding, despite the daily reports of possible thunderstorms. 36 riders were ready and waiting to get underway, and Sue came back! Stephen rather rudely set the first group off after calling them “donkey’s” (clearly fast and agile donkey’s). The search party for Paul was called off when he turned up part way down Kelly road to join in. It was a night of attrition. First to go was Jamie with a tyre blow out. Dan succumbed to chocolate poisoning, which isn’t nearly as pretty as you might think. Anna pulled out with a case of the vapours, too much enjoyment of a rare sunny day. Nathan got stuck in the granny ring and didn’t fancy the 250 average cadence it would have taken to keep up. 2 laps in and our roving spy reported that the groups were very steadily coming together. George was feeling frisky and kept the pace up at the front. First to make contact was the 9’s, everyone working hard, calves bulging as they attempted the blow past. The 3:30’s had blown apart, a small voice called “Sam, wait” but Sam was fixated on the finish line only 1 lap away. Pauline and Jackie pulled out after 3 laps to go and do their woman’s work at the after match function, they were a bit tired as well. Cameron’s evening was ended with a puncture. But we still had some people racing. The renegade 3:30’s had a firm hand on the finish tonight, everyone in an aero tuck not looking behind, quietly confident that they had this, but feeling the ghosts of the scratch always in the rear vision mirror. Sam came out on top, followed by Ryan V and Tony. The annual 5 minute AGM was held at Seeka 360 where people came for a sausage and beer.
12 Minutes 30 Seconds
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Talbot Munro
George Matthews
Robby Stewart
Paul McLeod
9 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Sue Galpin
Murray O’Donnell
Brett Herdman
Keith Thompson
6 Minutes 30 Seconds
Stephen Lewis
Richard Fowler
Matt Johns
Anna Dean
Ryan Pratt
3 Minutes 30 Seconds
Steve Neill
Greg Taylor
Fraser Sharp
Troy Herdman
Nathan Thompson
Aaron Long
Ryan Van de Pas (2nd)
Tony Fairweather (3rd)
Bron Healey
Sam Brick (1st)
0 Minutes
Heath Lett
Stacey Pask
Glen Carabine
Dan Busbridge
Jamie Shields
Anthony Van de Pas
Bobby Dean
Pete Campbell
Cameron Wynniatt
Scott McDonald
Thursday Night Race Report – 29th November, 2018
A field of 38 riders, including 3 Sam’s and 2 Ryan’s, came to enjoy stunning riding weather before the weekend packs in (again). A few of our regular triathletes were MIA, presumably practicing transitions before the Tinman. The field was heavily weighted to the fast end of the peloton, Max voluntarily moving up to scratch after denouncing the whining “lady dogs” … Talbot headed to Maketu corner and Mark I took care of starting before heading to Kelly road corner for marshalling and photo’s. Only one lap in and Robby let the 10.30’s know that he could see the next 8.30’s coming in fast and the 6.30’s not far behind them. The anticipation that if you get picked up you won’t have to do any more turns on the front, coupled with the trepidation that it’s going to hurt to all bejeezus to catch on, but you’re ready, tummy strong, on the drops, big gear, faster cadence. First bridge is successfully gapped, but no time to rest before the 6.30’s come on through. The next wind up starts, taking you from the red line right into the spew zone, but again everyone is successfully on. Greg, Ryan V, and Nicole are driving the front of the group, Grant has a flat. The big bunch hits the Kelly road corner, some riders smooth and beautiful, other riders finding apex after apex. The 4.30’s have gone missing, later found at the cars. Samuel L gets a flat. The 3.30’s fly through breaking up the big group at the front, picking up a few hardy souls on the way. But the big scratch bunch is now within reach, biding their time until they are ready for the final attack. Nathan makes an early break but is shut down. The spectators are bouncing with excitement to see who will make the next break, and it’s Scott, a small gap back to Cam and Sam B from 3.30 to finish off the winner’s circle.
10 Minutes 30 Seconds
Jackie Stanton
Paul McLeod
Robby Stewart
George Matthews
8 Minutes 30 Seconds
Mark Lord
Emma Lord
Tony Jump
Keith Thompson
Kevin Giles
Brett Herdman
Lexus Jump
6 Minutes 30 Seconds
Stephen Lewis
Greg Long
Ryan Van de Pas
Grant Webber
Ryan Pratt
Nicole Cranshaw
4 Minutes 30 Seconds
Bron Healey
Troy Herdman
Liam Miller
James Boyed
3 Minutes 30 Seconds
Steve Neill
Jade Stafford
Tony Fairweather
Nathan Thompson
Sam Brick (3rd)
0 Minutes
Pete Campbell
Anthony Van de Pas
Heath Lett
Glen Carabine
Bobby Dean
Samuel Lord
Cameron Wynniatt (2nd)
Dan Busbridge
Scott McDonald (1st)
Sam Clark
Max Gordon
Andrew Lloyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 22nd November, 2018
On Taupo eve we had 29 racers arrive to enjoy the touch of winter in the air courtesy of the ubiquitous Maketu Mistral. The handicapping is now down to the final detail sanding, a bit of peer pressure used in the 0’s to encourage shy riders to reach their full potential. The bee’s next to the start line were all het up after being fed, adding an element of risk to the evening. Talbot and Stephen went to the corners, Raewyne went somewhere and Jackie set the riders off. First lap in and all of the groups were hanging together, some riders looked decidedly comfortable, others were doing it tough, but this is a team sport, no wo/man left behind. Daniel joins the 2.30’s. End of the second lap, watching the riders come up Kelly road, the teams maintain gaps between them, but these are getting smaller and occasional glimpses of your rivals ahead spur the bunches on. No wo/man left behind is now every wo/man for him or herself as a couple of riders lose contact. Hayley pulls in for a 1 lap KitKat break, Greg B heads for the couch. By the end of the third lap the 2.30’s have picked up the 6’s and Kev from the 10’s. They are treating the 8’s and remaining 10’s as a mobile chicane, Emma and Abby are chatting, Mark and Brett are buffeted by the Jetstream of the big bunch, Scott C is hobbled by a flat, Robby makes his way to the chilly bin. Coming up Kelly road for the last time the 2.30’s are firmly in front, but thanks to the magic of handicapping the 0’s are right behind them snapping at their heels and infiltrating into the front pack. Anthony makes his final attack, testing the strength of carbon fibre under pressure and he takes the win, vanquishing his opponents, but not by much, Daniel and Samuel are close behind, in danger of being swamped by the closely chasing pack.
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Paul McLeod
George Matthews
Kevin Jensen
8 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Brett Herdman
Abby Mortimer
Emma Lord
6 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Bron Healey
Troy Herdman
Anna Barrett
Scott Carly
Hayley Gallagher
2 Minutes 30 Seconds
Greg Taylor
Tony Fairweather
Anthony Van de Pas (1st)
Liam Miller
Sam Brick
Daniel Carruthers (2nd)
0 Minutes
Heath Lett
Samuel Lord (3rd)
Steve Came
Bobby Dean
Scott McDonald
Pete Campbell
Andrew Lloyd
Greg Bassam
Jade Stafford
Thursday Night Race Report – 15th November, 2018
38 people arrived to a slightly windy evening to find out who had been promoted, demoted and which start times had been diddled with, Stephen outdoing himself with the spreadsheet. Ray and Nigel were in control of “martials” law at the corners and nearly healed Talbot set us off. Just a lap down and the groups started coming together, the 7’s caught the 8:30’s who gratefully jumped on the back, the 0’s caught the 2’s who alsoclambered onto the back, not quite so grateful at that speed, Shane succumbed to a puncture. Lap 3 and more groups were joining, the 5:30’s joined the 8:30/7’s and picked up the pace from mildly uncomfortable to reasonably painful, although there is no headwind sitting at 19th wheel… Pauline and Jackie decided to do lady’s hours and puddled back to the cars to watch the finish. The 0/2’s picked up the 3:30’s and rode the legs off anyone who dared hold on. The big group at the front splintered, driven by the 5:30’s horse power. The clouds of testosterone wafting up the race track were the first indication that the 0/2/3:30’s were about to take control of the race. The spaceship hum of carbon wheels racing up behind them put the willies into the 7/5:30’s, spurring them on. The bunches shattered into pieces, around the final corner, ignoring all safe breaking points the 0’s have left the hitchhikers behind. Glen and Jamie were locked in battle for the finish line, head to head, but Glen had just a touch more power, Jamie said “Merde” or an English equivalent as he crossed in second. Scott finished off the podium for the evening a couple of bike lengths behind. It was a long finish tonight with riders straggling in. A couple of people were walking like the tinman, testament to a bike well ridden.
8 Minutes 30 Seconds
Jackie Stanton
George Matthews
Paul McLeod
Robby Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
7 Minutes
Mark Lord
Mark Ireland
Hannah Lowe
Brett Herdman
Taryn Moor
Abby Mortimer
Grace Blissett
5 Minutes 30 Seconds
Stephen Lewis
Matt Johns
Greg Long
Hayley Gallagher
Richard Fowler
Liz McDougall
Ali Wilson
3 Minutes 30 Seconds
Aaron Long
Troy Herdman
James Boyd
Nick Wotton
2 Minutes
Sam Brick
Greg Taylor
Tony Fairweather
Steve Newlove
Wayne Campbell
Jade Stafford
Shane Plummer
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine (1st)
Samuel Lord
Bobby Dean
Max Gordon
Andrew Lloyd
Scott McDonald (3rd)
Pete Campbell
Jamie Shields (2nd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 8th November, 2018
Numbers were down to a svelte 33 this week, some people resting up for Taumarunui and others put off by the untimely 5pm shower that passed through. The rain cleared and left a heavy blanket of humidity over the race trace, the all directions headwind providing a bit of a cool relief. The mountain biking young guns formed a new group, off a tougher handicap than previous, but had Ali to keep them in line. Ray and Raewyne heading to the marshalling points and Talbot got everyone underway. First lap, everyone was settling in, getting your race song underway, something with a nice high cadence (baby shark do do do do dammit!). Shane turned up a bit late so joined in with the 12’s for a casual meander. Stephen’s refined handicaps were working out well, the groups stayed nicely separated from each other, for the first few laps. The new course is proving to be a bit of a winner with no long horrible sections like Kaituna road, although the fourth lap takes a bit of getting used to. The scratch team were having a nice quiet ride, putting time into the 5’s just ahead until half way through the last lap when they made contact. But a couple of the 5’s had their thumb out, showed a bit of leg and managed to hitch a ride on the back. The 7’s were making some good time up on the 12’s and thought they were gaining for a bit coming up Te Tumu road, but the 12’s had a secret weapon, deployed the big ring and hit the afterburners and took off down Maketu road. The herd separated, Mark and Emma disappeared with Shane, leaving vulnerable gazelles, Brett, Jackie and Paul at the mercy of the gaining lions behind them. Into the last corner, Mark and Emma were going to be home free, Mark L putting Emma in her place (second) to be Lord of the bikes for the night. Brett and Paul had third place stitched up, but the sound of a heart breaking resonated across the Maketu lowlands as the 12’s had their own Jack Bauer moment and were swamped just 200 metres out by the 7’s, scratch and 5’s. There were lots of happy, pink people at the prize giving before heading home to the couch to suffer through post race river dancing legs for the evening.
12 Minutes
Paul McLeod
George Matthews
Mark Lord (1st)
Jackie Stanton
Brett Herdman
Emma Lord (2nd)
Robby Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
7 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Stephen Lewis
Mark Ireland
Matt Johns
Kevin Jensen
Greg Long (3rd)
Anna Barrett
Liz McDougall
Hayley Gallagher
Scott Carley
5 Minutes
Troy Herdman
Angus Riordan
Zane Hurst
Aaron Long
Ali Wilson
Steve Newlove
Jacob Beetham
1 Minute 30 Seconds
Dan Busbridge
Samuel Lord
Mitch Hopping
Max Gordon
Bobby Dean
Pete Campbell
Jordan Clare
Cameron Wynniatt
Guest Starring
Shane Plummer
Thursday Night Race Report – 25th October, 2018
The weekly Thursday afternoon phone call from Dad:“Jack, it’s Thursday and it’s looking pretty windy out there (cackle, cackle)”“Thanks Dad”
A respectable field of 36 this week, a few regulars missing due to the K1-4 on this weekend. A nice headwind made itself felt on the “uphill” section of the new track. Stephen had further reviewed the handicaps for the week (final version 2). Ray and Nigel headed to the corners, Talbot got us underway. The 14s bunch were feeling frisky and alive, impromptu flexing of muscles and deep conversations. They had the rare opportunity to pass the scratch as if they were standing still, but the scratch were standing still, waiting on the start line. Scratch started and disappeared quickly, restoring the natural order, although an attempt at motor pacing by Tony was noted. The 9’s were riding like a tight knit unit, most riders hanging in, a couple succumbing to general tired and jetlag. Dan was our next casualty, also afflicted with the general tiredness. The race had split in 2, the 14’s and 9’s in one race, the 0’s, 2’s and 5’s in another. The 0’s worked well as a small unit to reel in the 2’s. As the race got closer to the end everyone was testing the limit of their tyres to get into the Kelly road corner, the carefully approach of the first lap now giving way to aggressive leans and fast swooping. Maketu road was fast, heading down for the last time, the 9’s had eyes on the 14’s. The 14’s had one last trick up their sleeves and sent Tony and Mark L to the front to wring out the last few ounces of speed. Greg was the first to make contact, blasting to the front, but Hayley was not going to let him get away. Phil waved to the stragglers as he went flying past. Into the Kelly road corner at 30 degrees, and the pack slowed down a little, caught breath and then charged for the finish. The junior girls Emma and Lexus got down and dirty in the finish mosh pit. Hayley was fast and low, focussed on the white line, and score! A woman to take out the bunch sprint, with Tony and Brett rounding out our podium. After prize giving the fast train to Papamoa headed home down the cycleway, ablaze with flashing lights.
14 Minutes
Emma Lord
Lexus Jump
Jackie Stanton
Paul McLeod
Mark Lord
Robby Stewart
Tony Jump (2nd)
Brett Herdman (3rd)
9 Minutes
Stephen Lewis
Gordon Oakley
Richard Fowler
Bron Healey
Greg Long
Mark Ireland
Anna Barrett
Hayley Gallagher (1st)
Phil Browne
5 Minutes
Tony Fairweather
Ryan Pratt
Steve Neill
Ryan Van de Pas
Shaun Pahina
2 Minutes
Anthony Van de Pas
Sam Brick
Pete Campbell
Nathan Thompson
Max Gordon
Andrew Lloyd
Jade Stafford
Jordan Clare
Jacob Beetham
0 Minutes
Samuel Lord
Dan Busbridge
Scott McDonald
Jamie Shields
Bobby Dean
Thursday Night Race Report – 18th October, 2018
A new race day dawned, showing much more promise than the abominable forecast of the previous week. 43 riders were sorted into Stephens revised handicaps, the 10 minute group was looking particularly racy, and huge representation from the whippets in the 2 and 0 groups. Ray and Pauline headed down to the safety corners and the 16s led everyone out. Deborah forgot that we follow Beyonce’s rule (to the left, to the left) at the first corner and headed right, but did a 180 and caught back up with her waiting group. Thanks to the shorter course the 16’s were able to pass the 2’s as they waited to start. A couple of laps in and the bunches were all together, working hard in what looked like a hot pace. By lap 3 the 0’s had caught the 2’s, it sounded like a swarm of anodized Chris King bee’s as they flew through the start finish line. Heath had a memory lapse on the number of laps in the race as he slowed after finishing lap 3, just for long enough to let the big bunch open up a gap. Steve C needed F1 style mechanical help, from Jackie, on the sideline for a quick untangle of the race number that had gone through the brake and round the seat post. New Nathan had a near miss in the Kelly road corner, off his bike enough to be off, but not quite enough to hit the road, whew. The 16’s were feeling the heat from the 10’s but put up a valiant fight holding on for a good 3.5 laps before succumbing. From the finish line the spectators could see a big bunch rounding the corner for the final sprint. As we watched a rider in black broke away on his own. Coming into focus we could see Aaron head down, laser lock on the finish line. A small gap back to Troy who was chewing the bars trying to catch Aaron. The main chase bunch wasn’t making up any gap and it was Aaron who claimed victory, followed by Troy and new Andrew K. Stephen took notes on average group speeds to further fine tune the handicaps, everyone compared wheels then disappeared into the dusk.
16 Minutes
Grace Blissett
Andrew Kennedy (3rd)
Lexus Jump
Robby Stewart
Paul McLeod
Peter Swan
10 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Andrew Wilson
Brett Herdman
Troy Herdman (2nd)
Kevin Giles
Stephen Lewis
Greg Long
Aaron Long (1st)
Grant Webber
Anna Barrett
4 Minutes 30 Seconds
James Boyd
Hannah Wells
Deborah Paine
Steve Newlove
Tony Fairweather
2 Minutes
Terry Hart
Steve Neill
Max Gordon
Jordan Clare
Pete Campbell
Bobby Dean
Jacob Beetham
Steven Nadollek
Todd Davidson
Nathan Thompson
0 Minutes
Stacey Pask
Jan Litchwark
Heath Lett
Steve Came
Owen Owens
Samuel Lord
Dan Busbridge
Jamie Shields
Greg Bassam
Cameron Wynniatt
Scott McDonald
Lachlan Haycock
Thursday Night Race Report – 4th October, 2018
We’re back for another season, resplendent with a new course and 5 metres of climbing (as confirmed by Mark I). A whopping 44 riders turned out for the first race, no doubt enticed by the perfect riding conditions, slightly overcast and no wind, there were some tense moments when we thought the rain was coming, but all clear. Most riders looked they had been training hard all winter, a couple might have been lying to their Garmin about their current winter weight. The new course is a bit shorter than the old one, so Stephen got out the slide rule to recalculate how the handicaps would work. After shepherding the riders into their respective groups, the slightly shortened race (concerns about light) was ready to go. The 8’s were the first to launch into the new track, knee’s groaning, Lexus not really able to breathe, and Paul trying to reign in his shiny new steed. First lap down and the groups mainly stayed together, the first people were just starting the painful bungee off the back, and everyone put a little bit of time into the bunch ahead. The corner into Kelly road was a bit tighter than it first appeared, everyone having to lean it in and trust the grip in their tyres to make sure they weren’t the first rider to find the fence on the wrong side of the road. The second lap continued, more people were popcorning off the bunch and the bunches were getting to within touching distance. By the third lap into the “uphill” section of Kelly road and there appeared to be a massive comet flying up the road, the 2 minute riders controlling the pace and everyone else pedalling furiously to keep in touch. The scratch team wasn’t too far behind, but in such benign wind conditions they were going to have a hard time making up the gap. The group accelerated through to Maketu road leaving a broken wake of riders behind them. Coming into the final stretch a couple of local pedestrians were herded onto the safety of the grass verge to clear the way. The quadzilla’s muscled up to the front for a final push with Samuel, Todd and Chris getting to the line first. Talbot finished his ride with a nice walk after a tyre explosion, his second puncture for the evening.
8 Minutes
Lexus Jump
Mark Lord
Paul McLeod
Gerard Eagar
Talbot Munro
6 Minutes
Keith Thompson
Abbey Mortimer
Emily Kneale
Liz McDougall
Anna Barrett
Greg Long
Aaron Long
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
4 Minutes
Grant Webber
Kevin Giles
Oliver Larkham
Nick Wotton
Ali Wilson
Kevin Jensen
Hannah Wells
Sam Brick
James Boyd
2 Minutes
Steve Came
Steve Neill
Tony Fairweather
Bobby Dean
Chris Willett (3rd)
Todd Davidson (2nd)
Wayne Arthur
Max Gordon
Andrew Lloyd
Jordan Clare
Liam Miller
Samuel Lord (1st)
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Stacey Pask
Richard McKey
Owen Owens
Jan Litchwark
Lachlan Haycock
Jamie Shields
Cameron Wynniatt
Scott McDonald
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Thursday Night Race Report – 22nd March, 2018
The last night of the racing season rolled in, and luckily enough the weather man was wrong again. All fine weather and kind wind directions were going to make excellent racing conditions. Retro night saw some very fancy jerseys made of itchy, non-breathing, sweat holding fabrics. We also had a few fancy old school bikes, which resulted in their owners being given special start times. The first lap was lovely for the 15’s, have a chat, pick up Tristan and do skids in the gravel (Graham). Back at the serious end of the race the bunches were working hard, big time was put into each preceding group during the first lap, with the 6’s making contact with the 8’s during the first lap. The 12’s had a near miss with a driver who was a bit sketchy on how a one way bridge worked (biggest vehicle first in NZ?) the group being split in two by the wayward driver. The riders who got through first were reminded of the gentlemanly cycling rules by Stephen, the group reformed. The 12’s caught the 15’s early into the second lap and disappeared off quickly into the chicane. The 6’s went past even faster on their way to catching the 8’s late in the second lap. Next was the scratch blowing past near the end of Kaituna road, no time for chatting in their bunch. About this time Graham and Jackie called it quits so they wouldn’t be late for dinner. Back at the pointy end of the race the 6, 8 and 12 minute groups had all combined into a massive rolling force. Slower riders were starting to lose touch and having to do desperate solo sprints. Bugs were inhaled into gaping fish mouths and faces got pinker as the corresponding watts went higher. Coming into the Te Tumu road for the last time and most of the 6/8/12 was still together, the 6’s came together to put one last hurt on the big bunch, Pete made the break first, but Ali was there all the way keeping close on his wheel. Rick was foiled by the uphill finish line and Kev J was able to take 3rd place. We had a special retro prize giving, Kevin G, best bike, Greg, best shirt, and supreme retro winner was Steve. Honourable mentions to Andrew and Stephen for some excellent old shirts. Real prize giving was held then we went to the pub for dinner and drinks to celebrate an excellent season of racing.
15 MinutesGraham MuggridgeJackie Stanton
12 MinutesGrant WebberRobby StewartSimon WellsStephen LewisPaul McLeodKevin Giles
8 MinutesAndrew WilsonGreg LongAaron LongBron HealeyAnna BarrettLiz McDougall
6 MinutesRick Emerson (4th)Andy CollinsKevin Jensen (3rd)Matt JohnsHannah WellsAli Wilson (2nd)Steve NewloveGreg TaylorPete Campbell (1st)
0 MinutesKurt PennoBobby DeanJan LitchwarkCameron WynniattScott McDonald
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Thursday Night Race Report – 15th March, 2018
With Stephen still MIA, last seen in a pub at Kumara, Mark and Jackie were left in charge to sort the 25 riders. Matt Johns took a promotion to the 6’s on the back of his excellent recent form. The 0’s had a plan that each rider was in charge of gaining a minute back to the 5’s. The weather was back to its usual pattern, head wind on Kaituna road, but it didn’t seem quite as bad as usual, or perhaps we’re just stronger now. Talbot lead out the field, alone again. Paul lined up 50 metres from the line to get a rolling start. Tony and Steve had an unsuccessful charm offensive to try to start a bit earlier, and the 0’s actually did get to start 22 seconds earlier to avoid a car tangle, but they promised to ride slowly for those 22 seconds. First lap in and the teams stay intact, the time gaps are shortened considerably, but no-one has made contact yet. As Talbot rolls through to the second lap, Jackie joins him and leaves Merv and Raewyne in charge. Matt is doing a stonking job for his first outing with the 6’s, far more than just “holding on”. Somewhere in the second lap people start to make contact. The 5’s have made up their minute and joined the 6’s. The 12’s have clawed their way onto the 8’s as they come past. Lexus was finding the pace hot every time the guy in the red shirt (Kev) went to the front, but found some help in the rolling wind block that was Robby. Talbot and Jackie remain clear of everyone for now. Third lap in and things are picking up in pace. Turning the corner into Kaituna road for the last time and Talbot can now see the 8/12’s, they’re coming fast, but the calls of “jump on” ring loud, and no-one would turn down that invitation. Half way down we see the 5/6 group coming on, the big surge comes from the power units at the front of the 8/12/20 and the group breaks up. The 5/6’s catch the first stragglers on the Te Tumu bridge. Rick loves his group! Jordan rides into the grass, and back onto the road. Still accelerating they head for the 8/12’s. The 0’s are in sight, but needed another 20 seconds in the handicapping. The remaining 8’s are just clear enough, elbows are out, some riders are strategically boxed. Kev’s got the power today, with Zane and Rob making sure he works hard for it all the way home. Mark and Jackie admire their own handicapping. Next week is the last race and retro night, followed by dinner at Molly’s in Te Puke.
20 MinutesTalbot Munro
12 MinutesPeter SwanRobby StewartPaul McLeodLexus Jump
8 MinutesRob Huggins (3rd)Zane Hurst (2nd)Liz McDougallKevin Jensen (1st)Mark IrelandGraham MuggridgeAnna BarrettAli Wilson
6 MinutesAndy CollinsRick EmersonMatt JohnsJordan ClareJacob Beetham
5 MinutesTony FairweatherSteve Newlove
0 MinutesOwen OwensScott McDonaldCameron WynniattBobby DeanJan Litchwark
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Thursday Night Race Report – 8th March, 2018
Toasty warm sun, and bugger all wind, this was looking like a nice night. Just 23 riders doing 3 laps and the fast guys winning, nothing to see here. Little did we know there would be a scandal looming larger than Clenbuterol tainted Argentinian beef. Mark I slotted us into various groups and got the racing underway. Mark L had a rather unusual looking aero wheel, perhaps we should have been suspicious, maybe x-rayed it? But under the NZ Bill of Rights Act (1990) everyone is innocent until proved guilty, so this is now a suspected motor doping! So we’ve now had an e-bike at Thursday night racing, and it looked fun. With that sort of helping hand you were going to be expected to do a fair few turns on the front. Andrew managed to get a puncture and have a tubeless fail all in one, spraying no tubes gunk over his team mates. The 4’s picked up the 6’s, the 12’s picked up the 15’s. The 8’s remained an untouchable island in the middle. The 4/6’s very quietly sneak past the 8’s and manage to leave them in the dust, next stop the 12/15 group. The 4/6s try another stealth move on the 12/15’s halfway down Kaituna road, but the 12/15’s had a couple of sentries on duty and were expecting the attack, except one rider who got a hell of a fright and nearly rode into the drain. Most of the 12/15’s jumped on the back, including Mark on his e-bike, although once the speed limiter kicked in, it becomes a road bike with a 15kg weight in the back wheel. Some riders hung on, some riders popped off. Into the last bridge and we could watch the 4s start their attack, quickly shedding any interlopers. The big sprint finish comes up quickly, and Scott wins again, closely followed by Bobby and Samuel. During prize-giving people take turns at whizzing up and down the road with big smiles on the e-bike. Then it was off home to enjoy the thunderstorm from the couch. Only 2 more races to go, and club champs are on this Sunday (11th).
15 MinutesJackie StantonClive Chester
12 MinutesBrett HerdmanTroy HerdmanPaul McLeodMark LordKeith ThompsonRobby StewartGreg Long
8 MinutesGrant WebberKevin GilesAndrew WilsonAli WilsonGraham MuggridgeAaron LongPhilip Browne
6 MinutesAndy CollinsTony FairweatherJan LitchwarkRick Emerson
4 MinutesScott McDonald (1st)Bobby Dean (2nd)Samuel Lord (3rd)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 1st March, 2018
Heavy black rain clouds, disappearing Papamoa hills and peak wind gusts of 50 km/h were pretty tempting conditions for the 23 riders that needed a good blow out. The Herdman’s took a promotion to the 9 minute group, Samuel rode in flats and baggies, Bobby’s dog popped along for a short visit. Mark I reshuffled the handicaps to suit the limited number of riders, Mark L volunteered to be the starter. Riders pushed out into the wind. A normally comfortable Kelly road was gusty and uncomfortable, the wind swirling around and pushing you back. Maketu road, not much better. Kaituna road with a tail wind is just fun, and even better now that there are a few patches at the cow crossing. The 9 minute group weren’t pfaffing about and made contact with the 12’s in the first lap. Samuel and Graham were decidedly frisky on the front taking the pace from pleasantly painful to red line, making it hard for the 12’s to jump on. Everyone just picked a bum they liked the look of and held on. The 5’s had made up the 2 minute gap to the 7’s within the first lap, a few hardy 7’s had a go at jumping on, wound up to 50 km/h and valiantly held on for a couple of minutes. Jordan’s first outing was nearly ended by a sliding seat post, but a quick hunt for an allen key and a ride in the opposite direction to pick up a bunch got him going again. 2nd lap into Kaituna and the 9/12 minute group was stretching longer and longer, riders popping off the back, some dribbling with the exertion of holding on. And then the 5’s come past so fast that everyone might as well be standing still, it seemed fairly clear that they would be winning tonight. Into the third lap, the 5’s are long gone, the 9/12’s will hold off the attack from the 7’s until midway down Kaituna road, Talbot has finally been caught. The sprint within the 5’s for the finish line gets underway, you’re sure they’re working hard but they make it look so effortless, Scott crosses first, followed by Shane and Cameron. The battle is not over though, the minor placings for gloating rights within your bunch make for a great spectacle for those on the side line. A few minor showers started for the ride home but we got lucky and stayed pretty dry all night.
20 MinutesTalbot Munro
12 MinutesJackie StantonLexus JumpEmma LordPaul McLeodRobby Stewart
9 MinutesBrett HerdmanTroy HerdmanGraham MuggridgeSamuel LordMark Ireland
7 MinutesGrant WebberKevin GilesMatt JohnsKevin JensenPhilip BrowneJordan Clare
5 MinutesSteve NewloveBobby DeanBlake MillerShane Plummer (2nd)Scott McDonald (1st)Cameron Wynniatt (3rd)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 22nd February, 2018
Just an hour before the racing was due to start a rain downpour of biblical proportions hit the coast, but cleared just in time for our 38 racers to arrive. Mark I swept the first corner ensuring no rocky surprises for any rider after the hole shot. Talbot and Raewyne lead out the grand depart, but Raewyne arrived back just minutes later, with a flat (1). Not her flat, she had done a quick wheel change with Talbot to keep him rolling. Robby stayed behind to change Raewyne’s tube, with a tube that was also holey (2). Pete missed his start time whilst but his team mates said “don’t tell him, he’ll catch up”. Down at Kaituna road, the cow crossing claimed its first victim. Aaron L puncturing on one of the many potholes (3), Mark L headed out in the sag wagon but everything was under control. Laura came riding through moments later and found another sharp pothole, another flat (4). Robby jumped in with the 12’s as they came past, and Ryan joined in with the 8’s for a lap. All riders with inflated tyres were looking good. The 4’s were looking particularly racy as they came through, looking like a team who had ridden together for years. Dan jumped in with the 8’s (?) rode for a while then disappeared into the sunset. Anna joined in with her massive backpack for a quick sprint. 2 laps in and the teams were getting closer, everyone enjoying the still air for a nice change from the usual Maketu hairdryer blast. The 0’s had lost their usual advantage of superior headwind ignoring ability and weren’t making up quite as much time as usual. Kevin came limping back towards the cars with a puncture (5), we nearly had enough damaged tubes to start a reasonable bonfire. The groups started joining together in the third lap, everyone digging deep to find that extra kph to stick on the faster group. Aaron L got another puncture (6). Gray, local hero and good Samaritan stayed to help him out. Back at the finish line we can see the bunch approaching, black silhouettes on the horizon, its big and in some places 5 riders wide. The big wide bunch starts to stretch out into a long conga line as the stronger riders put the pace on to get to the final sprint. It’s looking very much like a young gun sprint off with Troy, on fat knobbly tyres just outsprinting Nicole and beating his Dad, Brett, to take the win. Mark I and Jackie make a list of missing people who haven’t arrived back at the finish line and still have fancy new race numbers. But all riders make it back with their numbers.
20 MinutesTalbot MunroRaewyne Cathie
12 MinutesTroy Herdman (1st)Brett Herdman (3rd)Emma LordKeith ThompsonPaul McLeodAaron LongRobby StewartLexus JumpMorgan Ball
8 MinutesMatt JohnsNicole Cranshaw (2nd)Laura PattieMike WottonLiz McDougallAli WilsonGraham MuggridgeKevin Giles
6 MinutesAaron CranshawNick WottonAndy CollinsGeoffrey EmslieGrant WebberPhilip Browne
4 MinutesChris WillettTony FairweatherGreg TaylorShane PlummerPete CampbellSamuel Lord
0 MinutesScott McDonaldAndrew LloydStacey PaskJan LitchwarkLee McLeanCameron WynniattBobby Dean
Guest AppearancesWendy McLeodRyan PrattTony JumpDan BusbridgeAnna Barrett
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Thursday Night Race Report – 15th February, 2018
The northerly blew in some sun for a welcome change from the cyclones of late. The gorgeous Kaituna tail wind of last week had long gone, but a solar recharge was appreciated by the 32 riders. Stephen, Mark I and Talbot were all MIA so Jackie, Pauline and Ray had a go at the handicapping. Steve attempted to corrupt the handicapping, but this is not FIFA, and Pauline was offered no chocolate, 3 minutes will stand. Pauline set everyone off, down to Maketu road corner where Ray delighted in letting us know that we were in for a hard time with the gusty wind, ignorance is bliss no longer an option for weary riders. The 12’s were off to a hot start, eyes on the 15’s in the first lap, picking them up early in the second lap. The attrition rate was high tonight, by the second lap 10 riders had joined the spectators on the side line. Chris was taking pictures down on the Te Tumu bridge leaving Samuel and Steve to battle the elements alone. Into the third lap the sun got lower, and the heat was causing a bit of sweat blindness, riders were having to work out where the edge of the road was by touch. A few new patches of gravel along the back straight added to the excitement. Wayne and Shane from 6 had picked up the 8’s and were coming at the 12/15’s on Kaituna in the 3rd lap. Keith was up on his toes ready to get the big bunch for the wind up towards home. The groups joined together, a big snowball rolling faster and faster, then someone (I have my suspicions) forgot that the bridge is slightly narrower than the road, one minute following a wheel, next minute following the solid concrete side of a bridge. The big group split in 2, riders appreciating how much energy you burn towing from second wheel. The 6/8/12 group opened a gap up on 8/12 remainder, now to hold on. But very quietly we hear the 0’s approaching. The big group has rounded the last corner and the 0’s are gaining. Stacey looking strong after a rest, Bobby riding well after Coast to Coast. The acceleration and momentum that the 0’s could hold meant they were going to get this one, but who would it be? Spectators watch on, and it’s Scott, from Cameron and Stacey. Sun and a bike race, well this might be the best day ever.
15 MinutesJackie StantonClive Chester
12 MinutesRobby StewartPhoebe BromileyGreg LongMark LordEmma LordHayley MeredithPaul McLeodMorgan BallKeith ThompsonLiz McDougall
8 MinutesZane HurstAaron LongAndrew WilsonNathan HurstAli WilsonKevin GilesPete Newton
6 MinutesRick EmersonWayne CampbellJade StaffordShane Plummer
3 MinutesSteve NeillSamuel LordChris Willett
0 MinutesStacey Pask (3rd)Jan LitchwarkScott McDonald (1st)Bobby DeanJamie ShieldsCameron Wynniatt
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Thursday Night Race Report – 8th February, 2018
Coast to Coast, dynamo, boating or a nice jaunt the length of New Zealand kept our numbers low at only 25, but what a night for riding, the temperature was perfect and we had huge tail wind down Kaituna road. First group sets off, riders aiming for the hole shot into the first corner, hit the loose gravel and go in slide-ways. Kelly road head wind is not too bad with the orchard hedges providing a bit of shelter. Down into the intersection, a nod and wave to Ray on corner duty. Head for Kaituna road, the cow crossing has become so degraded there almost isn’t a line through there anymore. Then we hit the unfenced farmlet, ducks and chickens everywhere, quite reluctant to move. All obstacles removed, the racers move down into bike nirvana. Almost 3km of straight road tail wind to unleash your big gears, it felt good, everyone had a big smile. Second lap was even better, all roads clear, and the 8’s were making good progress on the 15’s. The 8’s caught the 15’s just before the Te Tumu bridge, 17 people needing to funnel through a sharp left hand turn into a one lane bridge with a car inexplicably stopped in the middle. Obstacle surmounted and we continued our racing. The 6’s had the mixed blessing of being picked up by the 3’s, yay more team mates, but ouch they’re fast. With just a lap to go people lost contact with the big groups. The remaining 3/6’s were closing the gap on the 8/15’s, it was going to be close. Simon blew out a tube and tyre ending his race for the evening. The last stretch of Te Tumu road and the last few 3’s were now within reach of the remaining 8’s. But Kev had been training specifically for this purpose. He was up and out of the saddle, head low, just about ripping his handle bars off the stem, Aaron was right on his wheel, this was not going to be an easy finish. The 3’s were in the danger position, Cameron and Scott just about close enough to crush the front 8’s. But Kev, Aaron and Andrew stayed on top of the pedals and got home to fill up the podium. Prize giving and post race analysis was conducted, and everyone got to ride home with a tail wind.
15 MinutesJackie StantonLexus JumpGreg LongPaul McLeodSimon Wells
8 MinutesNatasha Collins.Liz McDougallAndrew Wilson (3rd)Ali WilsonWarren CrombieMark IrelandNathan HurstZane HurstAaron Long (2nd)Kev Jensen (1st)Graham MuggridgeKevin Giles
6 MinutesRick EmersonAndy CollinsBron Healey
3 MinutesTony FairweatherSteve NewloveJan LitchwarkCameron WynniattScott McDonald
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Thursday Night Race Report – 25th January, 2018
The Maketu racecourse had been transported into tropical North Queensland, high temperatures and frizz causing humidity abounds, but we still managed to rattle together 31 racers. The 15 and 5 minute groups were looking rather skimpy this week which was going to make the evening a bit more difficult. Stephen set everyone off before tyres melted into the road. The first lap was hot, sticky agony, sweat mingling with sunscreen, helpfully blinding everyone. The tail wind didn’t feel as taily as you would hope. The cracks in the bunches were evident early on in the race, riders who couldn’t hang on were shed fairly early in the piece. Raewyne was down at the farmlet keeping geese and pigs clear of the riders, avoiding the carnage of the previous week, excellent Goose Whispering. The first lot of riders gave up after a lap, some rather unladylike language directed at the handicapper… The 8 minute group were riding strong, working well together, the 3’s were putting good time into the 5’s, the 12’s were still staying well clear of the field. Dad Tony did a rescue mission to save Lexus from long ride alone. End of the second lap saw more pink faced riders collapsed on the side of the road, gasping in the hot air. The third lap was on for anyone still in the race. The racing snakes were putting eyes on the 3’s who had made a good job of blowing past the 8’s and 12’s. Coming into the final straight Todd made his attack, about a kilometre out and he was up out of the saddle, this was going to be a long sprint to hold off the attacks. The finish line spectators were holding their breath waiting to see if Todd was going to crack. No cracks here, Todd got to the line first, Tony was just a short distance back and Cameron was fastest snake on the day to take third.
15 MinutesClive ChesterTalbot MunroPauline Schrafft
12 MinutesSimon WellsJackie StantonLexus JumpPaul McLeodMark LordRobby StewartKeith ThompsonPhoebe Bromiley
8 MinutesMark IrelandStewart PerryKatrina TulipAndrew WilsonKevin JensenZane HurstPete Newton
5 MinutesAnna BarrettAndy CollinsWayne Arthur
3 MinutesTony Fairweather (2nd)Mitchell HoppingBron HealeyPete CampbellRichard TaylorTodd Davidson (1st)
0 MinutesIan TaylorBobby DeanOwen OwensCameron Wynniatt (3rd)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 18th January, 2018
On an evening when even the dog politely declined to go outside, 12 riders turned up at race night. A small break in the weather gave everyone a dry warm up lap, but as promised the rain turned up at 6:20pm. We had a rider to official ratio worthy of a Lions rugby tour, people happily huddled under Mark I’s vast collection of wind proof brollies to watch the racers. The 15’s lined up with their game plan, stick together, no man left behind, how very American military. The 9’s and 7’s attempted to negotiate a shorter lead time (tangible bribes people!). Rolling spectator Wendy came in from her lap to tell the side line crew that it was fantastic riding conditions, really good wind, we looked at her soaking wet outfit unconvinced. The 15s rolled through after the first lap, no man left behind had already been superseded as a damp, dejected Talbot threw in the towel for the night. Jared pulled out but was harangued by the spectators to keep Wendy company for another lap. Mark L walked back from Kelly road with a flatty. The 9’s had already made up 2 minutes on the 15’s in just a lap, but this rate wasn’t going to be quite enough to get there, they would need a couple more workhorses to catch up. Luckily the 7’s were already lining up the 9’s heading into the second lap. Greg popped out of the mist alone, pulled over to take his raincoat off and continued up the road, a good gap opened up on his group. The remaining teams were working well together, but the great team joining was inevitable. Coming down Kaituna Road for the last time, all groups were together, taking advantage of the slight tail wind. Into Te Tumu road, everyone is still together, the tail wind a bit stronger. Now only 300 metres out and Samuel makes the break, Greg is quick to go after him with Kev and Katrina cranking out the watts to go after them. Samuel comfortably got there first, followed by Greg and Kev in third, just edging out Katrina. Everyone won a prize for being mad enough to ride in the rain, and we all marvelled at just how much water a chamois can actually absorb before running to the cars. Except Steve, who rode home, kudos.
15 MinutesMark LordJared LordRobby StewartPaul McLeodTalbot MunroGreg Long (2nd)
9 MinutesMatt JohnsKatrina TulipKevin Jensen (3rd)
7 MinutesSteve NeillAndy CollinsSamuel Lord (1st)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 11th January, 2018
The mercury was pushing 28 degrees at 5:30pm and with holiday season still in full swing, would there be any riders? But 44 hardy souls arrived including a massive contingent from Papamoa/Mount. Stephen was back at the helm, aided by Ray and Pauline, ready to hand out the stunning new race numbers, resplendent with buckles and long(ish) ties. Number 1 was reserved for the reigning club champ, Cam. Everyone was keen to get riding lest we devolve into melted puddles on the road. Pink faces everywhere you looked, a real concern that you may not have enough sweat glands to cope, the heat quickly overcame some riders and there was already a small gathering of DNF’s just one lap in. The rolling spectator group was good for morale boosting and cheering. The second lap was looking better, the wind on Kaituna road had picked up a bit, and the -30’s were gaining 5 minutes a lap on the 15’s, very quietly dealing to the 2.5’s and the 6’s before they had a chance to react. Robby put his head down and wound up a big gear, putting a gap on the 15’s, he suddenly realised he was alone and looked back to see the grinning faces of his team as they rotated behind him. Robby was in the third lap mindset but only 2 laps in. The 8’s had a run in with the goslings early in Kaituna road, no-one wanted to squash a baby bird, but one unfortunate rider found a baby under his bike and a blonde lady with mad skills (Liz?) did well to avoid the potential pile up. Second lap done and we’re up to 13 DNF’s. Third lap now, the 15’s are starting to feel quietly confident, no riders in sight, yet. But Stephen had the handicapping spot on and closing in on the Te Tumu bridge the 8’s came crashing through the 15’s elbows and handlebar touches, they snatched the lead and forged up Te Tumu road with most of the 15’s on the back. It looked like the 8’s were going to get this, watching from the back as they jostled, niggled and attacked each other. But 1.5 km out the minus 30’s came very quietly and very fast. They integrated into the 8’s group and then smashed out of the front doing their very best motorbike impersonations. Cam came out victorious over noob Reuben and Bobby.
15 MinutesClive ChesterSimon WellsTalbot MunroBrenda WottonJackie StantonPeter SwanPaul McLeodLucy BartlettRobby Stewart
8 MinutesMatt JohnsMike EpaparaRachael ThomsonGraham MuggridgeRob HugginsMark IrelandZane HurstNathan HurstBernie RyanGordon OakleyKevin JensenLiz McDougallGerard Eager
6 MinutesKevin GilesGrant WebberPhil RaynerHannah KnightonAnna BarrettTilly LawrenceAli Wilson
2 minutes 30 secondsChris WillettBlake MillerBron HealeyTony FairweatherPete CampbellMax Gordon
Minus 30 secondsDan BusbridgeLeyton TaylorCallum AubreyReuben Thompson (2nd)Lachlan HaycockRichard McKeyTristan HaycockBobby Dean (3rd)Cameron Wynniatt (1st)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 14th December, 2017
The penultimate ride of the year brought 37 riders out to Maketu. The heat of the previous days had settled to a far more comfortable mid-20’s. There was much discussion on the mystery of the shrinking race number straps as we head into the season of eating. The countdown was on, and the riders were off. First lap underway, Sarah finds herself with a remarkably high percentage of time at the front of the group. Zane, Nathan and Gray are keeping the 11’s riding at a slightly uncomfortable but particularly awesome speed. Cycle Obsession kit is fashion of the day, represented in nearly every bunch. Kaituna road is surprisingly lovely on the wind front, everyone is feeling pretty racy down here. Then the turn into Te Tumu Road, and the wind up and ninja kicks you in the chest. Six foot plus riders suddenly find themselves with a tail of shorties all huddling behind for protection. Round we go again, Ray cheering us all on at the corner, Pauline finding herself with a flat. The 11’s have made short work of the 3 minute gap to the 14’s and blow past, picking up Robby on the way. The 1’s pick up the 3’s. Greg T is mysteriously seen riding the wrong way. Gray picks up a couple of damsels in distress for a tow into the 3rd lap. No-one has seen Talbot and Rachel in all of the excitement. Quietly working away, keeping under the radar. By the time they come into site, it is too late, a fine lead out by super domestique Rachel and the mountain of man muscle, Talbot, is ready for his glory sprint finish. Outpacing Dan and Scott to the finish line, Talbot and Rachel take a well-deserved first and second spot. After racing we all headed down to Seeka 360 where Jim and Wayne had dinner cooked and cold beers.
20 MinutesPauline SchrafftTalbot Munro (1st)Rachel Kilgour (2nd)
14 MinutesJackie StantonRobby StewartClive ChesterMorgan Ball
11 MinutesPaul McLeodSimon WellsBruce LysaghtNathan HurstZane HurstGraham MuggridgeMurray O’Donnell
8 MinutesMark IrelandDeirdre O’DonnellKatrina TulipMatt JohnsAnna BarrettSarah BacklerGreg KilgourRick Emerson
3 MinutesAndy CollinsSteve NeillChris WillettMatt BacklerGreg TaylorPete CampbellBron HealeyGrant Webber
1 MinuteDan Busbridge (3rd)Heath LettGlen CarabineScott McDonaldBobby DeanOwen OwensMatt Markby
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Thursday Night Race Report – 7th December, 2017
It was a hot summers night for the 37 riders that arrived at the weekly thrashfest. The wind was fairly negligible and a welcome relief from humidity. The 20 minute group were lined up early, pawing at the ground with impatience ready to go. The 11’s splintered early, riding two by two from the first lap, Murray/Jack, Paul/Simon, Phoebe/Jackie, Morgan/Emma. The 8’s had no trouble holding it together, the 6’s had put a minute and a half into the 8s in the first lap, but took another lap to make up that last 30 seconds. Into lap 2 and its getting hotter and hotter, zips come down to give the chest rugs an airing. Stragglers start to get picked up by the bigger groups, Paul and Simon into the 8’s, 8’s into the 6’s, 3’s into the 1’s. Steve gives a cry for help as the pace creeps up. We’re pushing harder and faster down into Kaituna road, zips are back up for aerodynamics. Talbot is the last solo rider to succumb to the avalanche of riders pushing down Te Tumu road. The 1’s appear to be playing with the big bunch, how can they be so fast, with such calm, serene faces. The spectators are leaning in with anticipation, we can see the massive group rolling in, but the 1’s have made their attack. Cameron and Scott are coming thundering up the road, Samuel has broken formation and come in for the big sprint finish. The remaining peloton all finish within a tight time frame, some fantastic handicapping by Stephen to get everyone finishing so close. The post match prize giving is abuzz with excited riders, impressive stats and analysis of performance.
20 MinutesPauline SchrafftWendy McLeodTalbot Munro
11 MinutesPhoebe BromileyJack DerryPaul McLeodSimon WellsEmma LordMorgan BallMurray O’DonnellJackie Stanton
8 MinutesDeirdre O’DonnellMark IrelandPete NewtonNatasha CollinsGlen KivellKevin JensenKevin GilesGraham Muggridge
6 MinutesLaura PattieGrant WebberJim SmithAnna BarrettMatilda Lawrence Bron Healey
3 MinutesTony FairweatherBen McLeodSteve NeillPeter WilsonSamuel Lord (3rd)Bobby DeanTristan Haycock
1 MinuteDan BusbridgeJames GreyScott McDonald (2nd)Owen OwensCameron Wynniatt (1st)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 30th November, 2017
Light winds, warm temperatures, 45 riders - the scene was all set for another great night of racing at Te Tumu. Just one small problem. No Stephen or Jackie. So we dragged out the emergency spares - Talbot and Mark.
Requests for easy handicaps literally fell on deaf ears as the memory banks struggled to match names to faces. How does Jackie remember everyone? With only seconds to spare, everyone was locked and loaded, last minute adjustments to handicaps were made to allow for the big group of Scratchies - some real firepower in this bunch.
With the riders dispatched, a full independent audit of prize draw tokens was conducted. The conspiracy theories were quickly debunked... it is definitely just good old fashioned bad luck if you don't get a prize.
End of Lap 1, all bunches come through, still in their original formation. First DNF for the night was Troy, a dodgy rear derailleur leaving him stuck in the small gears, but he did well to stick with his bunch for a lap.
End of Lap 2, the 14s have been engulfed by the 8s, the 6s are closing fast, the Scratchies have the 3s in their sights. In between, the stragglers search for a friendly wheel to suck them around the final lap.
End of Lap 3 - tonight there is no wondering if that figure on the horizon is a rider or just that letter box that looks like one. Instead its a heaving, pulsating mass coming through the shadows of the shelter belt. It widens, it thins, it stretches and then breaks up - this is an awesome sprint. 100m to go, Aaron launches at the line, looking to his left to cover a fast approaching Angus, unaware that Scott has fired down the outside. 5 metres from the line and too late, Aaron realises his mistake, his "expression of dismay" almost distracting the spectators from Scotts impressive win.
Scott takes first, Aaron 2nd and Angus 3rd, with almost the entire field following close behind. Morgan coaxed Talbot into a fast final lap and very soon everyone was across the line.After a small hiccup, where the granny-knot-from-hell left a rider trapped in their race number, it was on to the prizegiving and then off into the setting sun for the homeward journey.
We have three more races left this year:7th December14th December (followed by the traditional end of year BBQ)21st December
14 minutesClive Chester Robbie Stewart Paul McLeod Talbot Munro
11 minutesGlenn KivellLuke KivellBrett HerdmanTroy HerdmanJack Derry Lexus Jump Nathan Hurst Morgan Ball Zane Hurst Michael Wotton
8 MinutesAngus Riordan 3rd PlaceGraham Muggridge Deirdre O'Donnell Nick Wotton Greg Long Bruce Lysaght Henry van MilKevin Jensen Kevin Giles Anna Barrett
6 MinuteAaron Cranshaw 2nd PlacePete Wilson Jade Stafford Bron Healey Grant Webber Mike Epapara
3 MinuteAndy Collins James Grey Pete Campbell Bobby Dean Todd Davison
ScratchGlen Carabine Scott McDonald 1st PlaceDan Busbridge Stacey Pask Heath Lett Peter Meffan Cameron Wynniatt Owen Owens Andrew Lloyd Tristan Haycock
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Thursday Night Race Report – 23rd November, 2017
A sleek peloton of only 28 riders came along on the eve of Taupo. It was a nice warm night and the wind seem really good from the safety of the sideline. Handicapping became quite the negotiation and a couple of attempted hostile takeovers, but we got there and everyone was ready. Except Doug who got a flat on the start line. The spectators wait to get a glimpse of the groups finishing up the first lap, the 20’s come past, looking good, all still together, bit of a wait, and then the 7’s turn up! Somehow they have gained 3 minutes on the massive 10 minute group in only a lap. The 10’s come through in two packs and pick up Henry who missed the start due to enthusiastic warming up. Then the 6’s who, on their rest day, did not look particularly restful. A full scale civil defence emergency was called when Lexus managed to get two punctures out the back of the race track. Graham was providing on the scene mechanical skill, Troy did a recon to find our distressed lady, Tristan, Merv and Tony went scouting. A wheel wagon was sent, Lexus did a bike swap with Dad and was on her way again. The 20 group used all the excitement to continue their push for the white line. New groups were forming as everyone joined back in. Tash was seen racing along with Andrew in a very nice ride. Now we were waiting for the winners to arrive, peering down the road, and we can see the 20’s. Robby has gone for the early breakaway, down in an aerotuck thundering toward the finish line, small backs back to Jeff and then to Nick and they were going to comfortably take the winning places. The 7’s weren’t far behind having made up a 13 minute gap to the 20’s.
20 MinutesDoug Lyon (DNS)Nick LyonTalbot MunroRobby StewartJeff Shields
10 MinutesBrett HerdmanLexus JumpJack DerryKaia DorrGraham MuggridgeGlenn KivellMorgan BallEmma LordAaron LongNatasha CollinsMark IrelandZane HurstHenry Van Nil
7 MinutesSamuel LordDaniel CarruthersTony FairweatherJamie ShieldsPete Campbell
6 MinutesOwen OwensMatt MarkbyScott McDonaldAndrew LloydStacey Pask
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Thursday Night Race Report – 16th November, 2017
Thursday night rolled in again, a stunning night for a bbq, or perhaps a race for the 45 riders. Mark and Ray made short work of the handicapping and sign in, and Ray headed to the marshalling corner, we were ready to go. Talbot and Pauline led the peloton out with an unenviable bunch of 2. Stephen was singing the praises of Samuel who had put out a strong lead from start of the race, towing the 6’s who could keep up for a fair percentage of the evening. The 6’s who found themselves off the back in the early part of the race were gladly picked up by the 4’s. Aaron was providing the horsepower for the 14’s, a man on a mission, although he did find himself boxed in on the second lap by a team mate so they could have a rest. Third lap and we’re at the business end of things; all of the groups are now coming into sight. The 11’s make a move on the 14’s on the little uphill of Kelly road, but they’re such a large group that the 14’s are sucked into the vortex. From the start of Kaituna road the 20’s are visible ahead and the remaining 6’s and 8’s are close behind. Pauline and Talbot succumb to the big group near the end of Kaituna road, Pauline adamant they could have won “if Talbot didn’t slow them down every time he went to the front”. Samuel and Stephen have ridden of the front of their group and hip and shouldered their way to the front of the 11/14/20’s. Into Te Tumu road, Anna, followed by Matilda, Greg L and Jim head for the pointy end of the big bunch. Talbot was hit by a rabbit attempting to jump through his back wheel, the wheel is ok. The finishing bunch is massive riders are boxed in all over the place and the massive surge comes on for the finish line. Samuel breaks through for the win with Troy and Jack on his tail. Graham came in to a standing ovation with his sexy pose.
20 MinutesTalbot MunroPauline Schrafft
14 MinutesEmma LordJackie StantonPaul McLeodRobby StewartAaron LongSimon Wells
11 MinutesPeter SwanWayne TorrieBrett HerdmanAngus RiordanTroy Herdman (2nd)Jack Derry (3rd)Glen KivellLuke KivellNathan HurstLexus Jump
8 MinutesNatasha CollinsPaul RiordanBarry PearsonGreg KilgourZane HurstAnna BarrettMatilda LawrenceGreg Long
6 MinutesStephen LewisKevin GilesBernie RyanKevin JensenGraham MuggridgeJim SmithSamuel Lord (1st)Grant Webber
4 MinutesRick EmersonAndy CollinsJames GrayGreg TaylorRichard TaylorBevan Spratt
1 MinuteHeath LettGlen CarabineFergus HamiltonScott McDonaldOwen Owens
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Thursday Night Race Report – 10th November, 2017
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that on a sunny day, one must race their bike. So that is exactly what 57 riders did, we’re going to need a bigger board. Mark I sliced and diced us into handicap groups. Kevin bundled off for a warm up ride pre-race and came back to find he had missed his departure time, lucky for him he could join in with the 4 minute group. Teenage boy enthusiasm had the 11 minute group bolting out of the gate, possibly inspired by the Melbourne cup, leaving a couple of the older nags wondering what the hell was going on at the front! Mountain bikers were laughing at the roadies for avoiding the potholes and gravel patches. The 7’s joined the 8’s, the 1’s joined the 2’s, the 4’s and 17’s remained isolated islands, for now. If you had suffered the indignity of a first lap drop, then all hope was pinned on the next bunch coming. Tummy strong, good breathing, wind up the legs, then the shouts come, jump on, jump on. Oh balls, they’re gone, nothing left now but to admire the beautiful rainbow that all of the multi coloured shirts made as they disappeared. The big group passed the 17’s, and Pauline was on! The 11’s are still leading the race, not showing any signs of slowing up. The 4’s pass the line into the 3rd lap, followed by the 1 and 2’s all dressed black on black as bike ninja’s. The 11’s were well clear of the field coming into the last straight, dropping off the last couple of riders as they upped the ante a couple of km from the finish line. Using wide handle bars as weapons the boys fought hard to the line, Troy coming in first, followed by Luke and Samuel.
17 MinutesPauline SchrafftTalbot MunroLucy BartlettBron Healey
11 MinutesJack DerryBrett HerdmanTroy Herdman (1st)Luke Kivell (2nd)Nathan HurstStephen NewloveSamuel Lord (3rd)Mark LordEmma LordPhoebe BromileyRobby StewartPaul McLeodJackie StantonMorgan Ball
8 MinutesZane HurstWayne CampbellNatasha CollinsGreg LongHenry Van NilMatt JohnsKaia DorrAaron LongLaura Pattie
7 MinutesJosh CollinsJulian ClementsGrant WebberKevin GilesPete NewtonAngus RiordanGraham MuggridgeCameron HillBernie RyanJim SmithLiz McDougallStephen Lewis
4 MinutesDaniel CarruthersJames GrayHannah WellsRick EmersonWayne ArthurSarah BacklerAli WilsonRichard Taylor
2 MinutesNick BerryBevan SprattTodd DavidsonPete CampbellLachlan HaycockBlake MillerJamie Shields
1 MinuteOwen OwensScott McDonaldCameron Wynniatt
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Thursday Night Race Report – 2nd November, 2017
Talbot stood by the board, pen at the ready, braced for the onslaught. 46 came, damp riders from Te Puke, dryish riders from Papamoa and the Mount, and the utes and cars from further afield. The 10 minute group was bulging with riders, so Mark I and Stephen cast an eye over it and redistributed the riders over several new hybrid groups. The 16’s rolled up to the start line, ready to lead out. The rain inched closer. Heading down into Kelly road, a raised eyebrow at your neighbour that says, “this feels like a bit of a head wind”. Next corner into Maketu road, this is definitely a head wind, that can only mean one thing, tail wind on Kaituna! The 7 minute group are riding strong, making short work of the minute gap between themselves and the 8’s, Laura “the Animal” Pattie keeping the average kph up in the bunch. The 11 minute bunch were the next to fall to the combined 7/8’s, the mountain bikers spinning furiously to latch on to the back. The 2 minute group split into pieces, Scott, Cameron W and Bobby with an hasta la vista to the rest of the bunch. Cameron H had the sad walk of mechanical failure back to the cars. In the midst of the chaos there was a lone man. The 16’s were looking back hoping not to see anyone coming, and there he was, just one man. Getting closer and our solo rider turned out to be noob James who had ridden off the front of his group at some point and was fixated on the finish line, with still a lap to go. Nathan, Jeff and Jack jumped on his tail and left Emma, Lexus and Jackie in the dust. But it wasn’t all over then, the 7/8/11 group stamped their authority all over the race track and hauled in the lone wolf and his tail. It was all getting so exciting there are barely any words adequate, but the big wind up came on Te Tumu road, a tail wind making this the best sprint night for a while and James came out on top closely followed by Angus and Grant. Just before prizegiving we all got to sing Happy Birthday to Brett and eat birthday cake baked by Emma.
16 MinutesEmma LordLexus JumpNathan HurstJackie StantonJeff Shields
11 MinutesMark LordJack DerryBrett HerdmanTroy HerdmanLuke KivellPhoebe Bromiley
8 MinutesSimon WellsZane HurstNatasha CollinsGreg LongAaron LongGarry BurtJulian ClementsPete NewtonJess DeanAnna BarrettGraham MuggridgeKaia Dorr
7 MinutesBarry PearsonMark IrelandJosh CollinsLaura PattieBruce LysaghtStephen LewisGrant Webber (3rd)Angus Riordan (2nd)James Gray (1st)
4 MinutesWayne ArthurJim SmithCameron HillHannah WellsJamie Shields
2 MinutesTony FairweatherNick BerryAndy CollinsRick EmersonTodd DavidsonBron HealeyScott McDonaldCameron WynniattBobby Dean
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Thursday Night Race Report – 26th October, 2017
Thursday night racing continues its growing popularity, managing 48 riders, including 9 noobs, plus cameo appearances from Bron and Matt W. The weather was behaving like a hairdryer down the back straight, hot and windy. The MTB crew were big enough to have their own start group, escorted by coach Tristan, they whirred off on their knobbly tyres (they like big bikes and they cannot lie…). To counter the forces of the massive groups ahead of them the 3’s were given an extra minute this week to even the playing field. Shortly after all the teams had left, Scott and Simon came ripping up the highway, hurriedly parking and getting ready and riding off backwards to pick up their respective groups. 1 lap in and the mighty were falling. The 16 minute group had broken clean in half and several riders retired with broken ribs (previously acquired) and broken spirits. Mark I could see a bad moon rising in his bunch, motivation to stay on the front coming in the form of a slightly sheer pair of bike shorts on a team mate. Birthday boy Zane attempted a nose manual in his bunch, but managed to get the back wheel safely onto the tarmac. Lap 2 came around and we were going to have to build a grandstand to accommodate the riders pulling out, the Maketu hairdryer proving particularly cruel to anyone losing contact with the back of the bunch. But the remaining riders were putting on a great show for anyone spectating, smooth and fast, the gaps between the groups were getting smaller. Last riders went through and Mike came back from corner duty with news the bunches were about to converge. The 7 minute ladies (Hannah and Ali) were giving the boys a bit of a lesson in hard ass riding. Coming up Te Tumu road and the spectators are waiting, is that the letter box or a rider? Finally it was a rider, looks to be one person chased by a medium peloton. A bit closer and it looks like Scott followed by the 4’s. Scott is looking back over his shoulder, has he gone too early? No, Scott hasn’t gone to early, he powers over the finish line, a nice gap back to Jamie and Lachlan.
16 MinutesClive ChesterPauline SchrafftEmma LordLexus JumpMerv HurstNathan HurstChris WottenBrenda WottenGreg LongAaron LongTalbot Munro
12 MinutesBrett HerdmanTroy HerdmanGlen KivellLuke KivellPaul RiordanAngus RiordanJack DerryTristan HaycockMark Lord
10 MinutesMark IrelandMatt JohnsGraham MuggridgeMorgan BallAnna BarrettZane HurstBruce LysaghtLiz McDougallHenry Van NilStephen LewisJosh CollinsNatasha CollinsPaul McLeodRichard FowlerSimon Wells
7 MinutesHannah WellsNick WottenAli WilsonRichard TaylorJim Smith
4 MinutesRick EmersonChris WillettMitch HoppingBlake MillerGlen CarabineLachlan Haycock (3rd)Jamie Shields (2nd)Scott McDonald (1st)
Cameo AppearancesBron HealeyMatt Williams
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Thursday Night Race Report – 12th October, 2017
Better weather brought a bigger field this week, 45 to be exact. Riders lined up to plead their case with Stephen, why they deserved a nicer handicap, but Stephen believes in us all and we go in the group we’re told. Mike headed down to the corner to do flag duty, and we started rolling. Such large groups were going to span the range of abilities and fault lines began to show quite early. After 2 weeks of no wind, Kaituna road was a bit of a rude awakening, the wind was back to its usual tricks, blowing straight down your snout, now was the time to make sure you weren’t inline behind a whippet. Phoebe was giving the 15’s an absolute schooling in power output, keeping the pace up the whole way round. Two laps in and a couple of riders thought this would be a good time to finish, not fancying another beating from the wind. Coming into the third lap, Stephen let the 15’s know they were clear, this could be a win. This proved very motivational, speed picked up, grimaces turned to smiles. Maketu road, still clear, Kaituna road, AHH CHICKENS, playing… chicken. We’ve got this. BUT, we don’t have this, because the 6 minute group had been making enormous gains, the tri-club boys (Blake, Liam, Jade, Nick W) working together, passing the 15’s as if they were standing still, taking Phoebe, Garry and dreams of victory with them into the sunset. But not far behind was the 3 and 1 minute bunch looking at home in their natural habitat. Oxygen deprivation means the race all got a bit fuzzy from here, but somewhere from the mist, Blake and Jade duked it out for first and second, followed by Hannah and Nick B who were so close we would need a significant investment in technology to separate them for third. Gray got a puncture right on the finish line, and Simon had a brake pinching for the whole race. Thank you to our volunteers who keep this race running so smoothly.
15 MinutesTalbot MunroMatt WilliamsJackie StantonPaul McLeodChris WottenSimon WellsPhoebe BromileyGarry BurtRobby Stewart
10 MinutesNatasha CollinsMark IrelandBarry PearsonGraham MuggridgeMatt JohnsHenry Van Nil
6 MinutesJim SmithJade Stafford (2nd)Nick WottenGreg and Rachel KilgourNick Berry (3rd=)Hannah Wells (3rd=)Liam MillerBlake Miller (1st)Grant WebberKevin GilesDean Roberts
3 MinutesRick EmersonChris WillettPete CampbellLachlan HaycockJamie ShieldsMitch HoppingTony FairweatherWayne CampbellBron HealeyBobby DeanGreg Taylor
1 MinuteFergus HamiltonDan BusbridgeTristan HaycockScott McDonaldOwen OwenMatt MarkbyCameron WynniattAndrew Lloyd
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Thursday Night Race Report – 24th November, 2016
It was a hot summer night and the beach was burning, there was fog crawling over the sand… (Meat Loaf, 1977). Hot though it was, and just two sleeps until Taupo, we still managed 31 riders. The unusually even wind on all four sides of the track meant we were going to get some mighty fine times. The three minute group was stacked for performance if they could just keep the testosterone surges under control. First lap in and Bron had already launched an attack on his bunch, riding that bike like he stole it, driven on by the sight of the 3’s already making up ground. But neither the 5’s nor 3’s knew the greater danger lay behind them, apex level predators who had left a wee bit early, Stephen feeling kind during handicapping. Into lap two and the 10’s had made some good ground into the 15’s head start. The 5’s were valiantly holding onto the back of the 3’s, Trevor’s smile at times faltering into a grimace. The 7’s had been picked up by the rolling maul, relief at having more people to share the load with turning to despair as the pace picked up faster and faster, a cruel application of perpetual motion. As the masses went through the start finish line the 1’s attacked, turning the peloton into a comet like structure, Glen, Dan and Heath barrelling through and a long streak of riders holding on and letting go behind them. The 15’s and 10’s were going to need lightning fast reaction times to get a chance at this group. Rachael had ridden well through the pain barrier with her broken ribs, trying not to move, or breathe hard and still stay in the bunch, massive effort well executed. The bunch was spotted up the final straight, four spotters got into position, this was going to be a balls out sprint. Dan burst out the side of the bunch, he was looking good to take the win, but Glen is not one to turn down a challenge and hit his warp speed button. Glen and Dan flew over the line with Pete very close behind to finish off the top three.
Clive Chester
Jared Lord
Mark Lord
Talbot Munro
Tyler Steiner
Zane Hurst
10 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
Laura Pattie
Wendy Boyce
Murray O’Donnell
Graham Muggridge
7 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Mark Ireland
Rob Huggins
Deirdre O’Donnell
Rachael Thomson
Sue Galpin
Kelly Shaw
5 Minutes
Bron Healey
Trevor Hurley
Andrew Wilson
3 Minutes
Samuel Lord
Chris Willett
Richard Taylor
Pete Campbell (3rd)
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
1 Minute
Heath Lett
Glen Carabine (1st)
Dan Busbridge (2nd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 17th November, 2016
Persistent rain and occasional hail put off all but a few hardy riders. 19 of us arrived to find a beautiful black cloud curtained amphitheatre to ride in at the Maketu micro-climate. It may not have been the night for Lee to wear pristine white shoes with wet conditions underfoot. Agreements to have a leisurely ride quickly went out the window as adrenalin levels picked up, we were amping. Riding hard into the corners, sometimes managing to hit up to four apexes (oops) then coming up to the cow crossings team mates were very genteel, offering to take the lead, no-one wanting to be at the back being splattered with green “mud”. The effort of staying with the group was making some riders make a lot of noise with exertion, it was sounding like a ladies tennis match in the 15 minute group. Into the second lap Pauline was down at the corner helping Ray and timing the gaps between the bunches. Two brains, 4 legs and one bike made Greg and Rachel a force to be reckoned with, ably supported by Greg H and Kelly; they closed in on the 11’s in lap 2, picking them all up, another step towards Thursday night domination. The 15’s were feeling good, Mark was riding into new territory, doing a third lap and we hadn’t seen anyone behind us… yet. Riding past Pauline she said they’re 500m behind, NOOOO! Heads down, cadence up, maybe we wouldn’t be caught. Aggressive into the Kaituna road corner, this is no time to think of knee skin, sneaky look back up the road, there are now 2 bunches in view. Bodies tense, not daring to peak behind in case you lose some aerodynamic advantage (club racing is serious), and then the call from Rachel and Robby. My beating heart ripped out and ridden over, the 15’s weren’t going to have a landmark win. Brian and Mark jumped on the back of the 8 and 11 group. The 3’s weren’t far behind, riding with German precision and efficiency. Greg and Rachel had the feeling tonight, wound up to the max they launched an indefensible attack on the finish line to take the hard earned chocolate bar, followed up by Greg H and Kelly.
Brian McAuley
Paul McLeod
Jackie Stanton
Mark Lord
11 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Tyler Steiner
Graham Muggridge
Bex Hughes
7 Minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (1st)
Greg Hughes (2nd)
James Wilkins
Kelly Shaw (3rd)
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Richard Taylor
Tristan Haycock
Chris Willett
Samuel Lord
Lee McLean
Fergus Hamilton
Thursday Night Race Report – 10th November, 2016
52 real men, and women, arrived in Maketu ready to ride. Tristan was on fine form at arrival, having impressed the ladies with his skinny tyres on the way out. Conditions were vastly improved on the previous week, a gently cooling sharki making it much more likely to hit a PB. Silver tongued Stephen encouraged people to maximise their full potential by going in the group they were capable of. Ray went down to marshall the corner, and the hunt was on. The 15 minute group led the way, Jared having a fine ride, cornering like a boss. The 12 minute bunch fractured through the middle early on, Bex, Wendy, Garry and Richard F powering off the front, boxer engine formation. Heading into the second lap the 7.5 minute group was looking strong, powering up every kilometre, the over 20 year olds cracking the whip to keep momentum going, it was going to be hard work for the 5’s 3’s and 1’s this week to bridge the gap. Kaia had a steezy powerslide moment heading slideways through gravel. The breakaway 12’s caught the 15’s going into the Te Tumu bridge, a couple of wiggly moments as we joined together. Quick wave to Bron as he headed home, then wave to Fergus who was back at the carpark. Another wind up for the 7.5’s had Jim powering past the 12 breakaway/15 hitchhikers, followed closely by the rest of the 7.5’s and the second half of the 12’s. Down to the chicane on Maketu road where some halfwit had left their car just around the corner, a nice snake movement by the peloton to avoid it. Riders were starting to pop, small gaps becoming gulfs. The 5’s could see the big group ahead, but were going to have to find a supersonic gear to catch. A couple of stragglers had a brief moment of euphoria as they thought they had caught onto the 3’s, it was a beautiful metre. Back up at the pointy end of the race the tri-club had worked out a sprint tactic and were going for it, Nick proving to have the top end speed, followed closely by Jim and Kaylee. Stephen did a great job with prize giving helped by Rachel.
Pauline Schrafft
Talbot Munro
Clive Chester
Jackie Stanton
Jared Lord
Mark Lord
Paul McLeod
12 Minutes
Tyler Steiner
Robby Stewart
Richard Fowler
Matt Williams
Wendy Boyce
Bex Hughes
Graham Muggridge
Garry Burt
Murry O’Donnell
7.5 Minutes
Matt Johns
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Gareth Gregg
Deirdre O’Donnell
Natasha Collins
Greg Hughes
Kaia Dorr
Jim Smith (2nd)
Harry Low
Kaylee Mudgeway (3rd)
Ryan Young
Nick Wotten (1st)
Greg Walker
Kelly Shaw
James Wilkins
5 Minutes
Ryan Pratt
Cole Burmester
Rick Emerson
Samuel Lord
Ben McLeod
Dominic Rogerson
Blake Miller
Kevin Giles
Bron Healey
3 Minutes
Tristan Haycock
Fergus Hamilton
Richard Taylor
Todd Davidson
Shane Plummer
Pete Campbell
1 Minute
Cullen Browne
Heath Lett
Lee McLean
Dan Busbridge
Jan Litchwark
Stacey Pask
_Thursday Night Race Report – 3rd November, 2016
Having a pre-race look at the weather forecast, one might be wondering what a “freshening” westerly means. 43 riders found out that “freshening” is like riding into a Rolls Royce jet engine wake. Stephen was marshalling riders into groups; no sympathy was given to victims of man-flu (flowers to be sent to your widows). Ray headed to the corner and we were ready to roll. The attack starts from the very start, 0 to OMG in 0.4 seconds, if you don’t get your foot in no-one is going to wait. Kelly road and Maketu road were riding well, the 3 minute group managing a casual 57 km/h. Getting into Kaituna road was interesting, putting full trust in your tyre manufacturer and hoping that the centripetal forces were going to keep you upright, we entered the wind tunnel. It felt like a bit of spray was coming off the drain, although it could have been sweat blowing off a riding bud. Into Te Tumu road and everyone was leaning to starboard to stay on the bike until we were back in the safety of the shelter. The attrition rate for riders was high, bee stings, ITB’s, and just don’t want to ride any more, we were close to having half the field cheering on the remaining hard-ass riders. Most of the groups had fallen apart and regathered, strange combinations as people grabbed onto any chance not to ride alone. The remaining 3’s were looking strong, this might be their night. Peering down the road to see who was coming up the final straight, make sure it’s not that tricky letterbox that looks like a rider, it is the 3’s! Game faces on for the 5 remaining, Bobby made an early break for the line, but Chris wasn’t going to make it easy for him. Matt looked to be getting a hand from Richard T, he was gaining on Chris. Bobby had the legs to take the win and Chris held Matt off by the smallest of margins. Battered riders came rolling in, ones and twos over the line, kudos to all who finished.
Talbot Munro
Clive Chester
Jared Lord
Mark Lord
Zane Hurst
Paul McLeod
Jackie Stanton
13 Minutes
Brian McAuley
Robby Stewart
Wendy Boyce
Richard Fowler
Graham Muggridge
7 Minutes
Peter Swan
Sue Galpin
James Wilkins
Natasha Collins
Greg Walker
Trevor Hurley
Kelly Shaw
Mark Ireland
Deirdre O’Donnell
Emily Kneale
Garry Burt
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
5 Minutes
Samuel Lord
Kevin Giles
Jim Smith
Rick Emerson
Wayne Campbell
Deano Roberts
3 Minutes
Bron Healey
Wayne Arthur
Andy Collins
Tony Fairweather
Matt Lochhead
Chris Willett (2nd)
Richard Taylor
Matt Backler (3rd)
Bobby Dean (1st)
1 Minute
Fergus Hamilton
Lee McLean
Heath Lett
Richard McKey
Thursday Night Race Report – 27th October, 2016
A punchy head wind and plenty of riders heading to the Coromandel for K2 usually means a down turn in race numbers, but there we were with 47 starters to sort. Everyone was keen to make sure they had a big group tonight, except Richard who got the unenviable group of one. Ray and Pauline headed off to the corner and we set off, nothing too much to see here so far, until we hit what felt a bit like Mount Maketu on Kaituna road.The wind giving you a smack in the face anytime you ventured out from the safety of the pack. Tiny fractures were appearing in the seven minute group, such a bell curve of abilities was going to make it hard to stick together. The 3 minute group and Richard were making steady progress, coming up behind the 5’s late in the second lap with the stealth of a hungry Labrador, they shattered the group into a couple of factions taking the fastest along with them. The tiny fractures in the 7 minute group were widening, people riding off the back and rubber banding between no-man’s land and the back of the bunch. Things were going to get interesting, we had ourselves a convoy. The 1’s, 3’s and 5’s were picking up fallen 7’s and 10’s and quickly closing in on the 15’s. We could see the whites of Ray and Pauline’s eyes as 38 people attacked the corner, everyone well into the red zone, unwilling to put even an ants toenail between themselves and the wheel in front. The night was alive with the sound of foo foo valves busting up the final straight, but not for Richard, Fergus and Nick, who rode superbly to win the chocolate bars for the night. Then it was off home to rest the legs for the weekend ahead.
Clive Chester
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Brenda Wotten
Chris Wotten
Jared Lord
Mark Lord
Paul McLeod
Zane Hurst
Merv Hurst
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Matt Williams
Brian McAuley
Phoebe Bromiley
Gerrard Eagar
Kaia Dorr
Graham Muggridge
7 Minutes
Sue Galpin
Natasha Collins
Mark Ireland
Pete Newton
Greg Walker
Anna Barrett
Laura Pattie
Harry Low
Kaylee Mudgeway
Hamish Miller
Nick Wotten (3rd)
Deirdre O’Donnell
Kelly Shaw
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
5 Minutes
Cameron Hill
Aaron Cranshaw
Samuel Lord
Rick Emerson
Blake Miller
Dean Roberts
Ryan Pratt
Andrew Wilson
3 Minutes
Fergus Hamilton (2nd)
Chris Willett
Dan Busbridge
Matt Backler
Greg Taylor
Tony Fairweather
Bobby Dean
1 Minute
Richard McKey (1st)
--------------------------------------------------------
Weather conditions were better than expected, just enough humidity to add a pleasing volume to the hair of the 42 strong peloton. Handicaps were slightly rearranged to even out the groups, but the 3 minute group looked like the ones to put money on. The 5 minute group was looking a bit skimpy, so those riders “volunteered” to go up to 3 minutes. Mark and Jared led out the race, and were scooped up into the 15’s in the second lap, a very welcome extra couple of riders to help out. Somewhere along the way Fergus had a tyre blow out and retired to the start finish line for cheerleading duties. The big 7 minute group were on their usual tidal wave approach, Rachael T providing some serious horsepower, eating up any group along the way. By the end of the third lap, we had a combined, 13, 9 and 7 pack charging up behind the 15’s, a call of INCOMING, several JUMP ON’S, and YEEHA, there must be a spot for everyone in the 100 m long convoy. No there wasn’t a spot for us all! Talbot took the better offer and disappeared. But big Jackie kept on turning; proud Pauline kept on burning, and watched the red lights get further away. But the big bunch wasn’t going to have it all their way, the 3’s were off the chart insane tonight. Looking like a Time Trial team that had been together for years, they rolled over the top of the peloton like they were standing still, Greg and Rachel got amongst it, but it just got too hot. It looked like a bush fire charging up the final straight, but a closer look revealed it to be Shane, Andy and Clint, elbows out, chocolate bar in sight, to take out the coveted podium positions. The best bit of race night must always be the analysis at the end, and then we headed off as the rain came in. Knot tying classes will be available for anyone struggling with race numbers.
Mark Lord
Jared Lord
15 Minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Talbot Munro
Brenda Wotten
Chris Wotten
Jackie Stanton
13 Minutes
Matt Williams
Robby Stewart
Brian McAuley
9 Minutes
Greg Walker
Phoebe Bromiley
Joe Harris
Graham Muggridge
7 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Rachael Thomson
Barry Pearson
Pete Newton
Kaylee Mudgeway
Emily Kneale
Hamish Miller
Harry Low
Nick Wotten
Anna Barrett
Kevin Giles
Kelly Shaw
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
3 Minutes
Andy Collins (2nd)
Chris Willett
Matt Lochhead
Trevor Hurley
Bron Healey
Todd Davidson
Wayne Arthur
Cameron Hill
Shane Plummer (1st)
Bobby Dean
Clinton Stanshall (3rd)
0 Minutes
Dan Busbridge
Fergus Hamilton
Glen Carabine
Lee McLean
___________________________________
Thursday Night Race Report – 13th October, 2016
The sun’s magnetic rays worked their magic, enticing 47 riders out to the race track. We were all action even before racing started, Matt J giving the first corner a good sweep. A surreptitious meeting just around the corner of two people, no disabled toilets in the area so only a guess as to what was happening there. The start was slightly delayed due to the influx of riders needing to be sorted, but finally we were off. Noses running, bile rising, this is definitely how fun feels. Robby’s race ended early with a tyre blow out, so he bunked in with Ray on flag duty. Cameron lost a chain early in the race and spent the rest of the night achingly close to his bunch, just unable to make contact. The 10’s launched a furtive attack on the 15’s late in the second lap; Paul and Talbot were able to make contact and were very happy to take the better offer. The 8’s weren’t far behind though. Greg and Rachel were making tactical decisions for the group and went for the blow past, picking up more riders on the way. The 5’s weren’t going to make it easy for them, a large bunch of tri boys under the watchful eye of chaperone Andrew L were working hard, one rider (perhaps a Miller) fish tailing through the kitty litter on Maketu road. The scratch team picked up the 2’s; Richard politely reminded them of their obligation to help in the rotation. It was all on at the finish line, Greg said we’re off, and Mark though this was his ticket home. Natasha and Anna weren’t going to pass this opportunity up and went with them. Mark slingshotted off the big rig and went for the finish line, claiming the gold medal. Natasha and Anna finished off a great ride with second and third position all stitched up. There was a palpable buzz in the air, lots of endorphins and happy riders for the prize giving, run by Stephen.
Pauline Schrafft
Paul McLeod
Clive Chester
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
10 Minutes
Graham Muggridge
Matt Williams
Bex Hughes
James Wilkins
Garry Burt
Jamie Burt
Robby Stewart
Greg Walker
Joe Harris
8 Minutes
Sarah Blackie
Matt Johns
Anna Barrett (3rd)
Mark Ireland (1st)
Deirdre Lack
Natasha Collins (2nd)
Rachael Thomson
Kelly Shaw
Gerard Eagar
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
5 Minutes
Cameron Hill
Kevin Giles
Harry Low
Trevor Hurley
Blake Miller
Wayne Campbell
Hamish Miller
Nick Wotten
Wayne Arthur
Todd Davidson
Dean Roberts
Liam Miller
Andrew Lloyd
Rick Emerson
Andrew Wilson
2 Minutes
Tony Fairweather
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
Lachlan Haycock
0 Minutes
Lee McLean
Cody Cooper
Fergus Hamilton
Richard McKey
Thursday Night Race Report – 6th October, 2016
I’m fast
I’m faster than you
My bike is clean
My kit is brand new
12 Minutes
Jackie Stanton
Paul McLeod
Talbot Munro (4th)
Robby Stewart
5 Minutes
Wayne Campbell
Matt Johns
Mark Ireland
Graham Muggridge
2 Minutes
Andy Collins (2nd)
Cullen Browne (1st)
Andrew Wilson (3rd)
___________________________________
The penultimate Thursday night race for the season has arrived already, 34 riders turning up with their raincoats hoping that the promised rain and possible electrical storms would stay away. This was well worth the risk, with near perfect riding conditions. Henry made his comeback to Thursday night racing, approximately 13 years after his last race, this time bringing son Sean along to see what this business is all about. Mark I just couldn’t be faffed riding, so hitched a ride out to the flag corner with the 15 minute group. Bex, Rachael and Samuel all made voluntary requests to be promoted up the handicap list without needing any weasel words or sales techniques from the handicappers. This was shaping up to be a fast night, with good sized groups and friendly rivalry ready to be tapped into. People were willing to put themselves into all sorts of pain to get a good time, but pain is just weakness leaving your body and there was plenty of weakness shed. Fraser made a brief cameo appearance, flying backwards around the track shouting encouragement to all the riders. The 8 minute group must have wondered what was going on when noob Sarah got onto the front, head down, powering around the course, eyes on the podium from the start. The peloton started coming together in the third lap, halfway down Kaituna road, small groups and a smattering of individuals closing in on the finish. Sarah had made a decisive break away from the remains of the 8’s, and it was the 2 minute group that were putting the acid on to push Bobby and Richard into the final 2 medal positions. Some people partook in a quiet beer in honour of St Patrick’s Day, and the big bunch rode off home in a flash of disco lights.
Sean Bydeley
Henry Bydeley
15 Minutes
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Paul McLeod
Clive Chester
Mark Lord
Suzie Welford
10 Minutes
Bex Hughes
Rob Huggins
Matt Williams
Graham Muggridge
Adam Jones
Laura Pattie
8 Minutes
Harry Low
Sarah Backler (1st)
Toni Power
Matt Johns
Emily Kneale
6ish Minutes
Louise Burton
5 Minutes
Rachael Thomson
Chris Willett
Matt Backler
Lachlan Haycock
Rachel & Greg Kilgour
Samuel Lord
2 Minutes
Andy Collins
Fergus Hamilton
Matt Lochhead
Gordon Oakley
Stacey Pask
Richard Taylor (3rd)
Bobby Dean (2nd)
Greg Taylor
--------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night blew in for 40 riders. The wind conditions were back to old tricks, ideally suited to blade shaped people, particularly on Kaituna road. Massive flies were out in force, smacking into foreheads, getting stuck in helmets and the occasional protein injection straight down the throat. The ride started sensibly enough, all the groups getting down to business, ticking off the kilometres, steady as she goes. This was all a bit uneventful for Talbot, whose race ended with sustained loss of traction, fishtailing on his flat tyre early on Kaituna road, sending Jackie shrieking into the grass (don’t look at the drain). Camp Mother Raewyne was dispatched for a pick up. Composure regained, the 8 minute group was seen closing in quickly. Closer inspection saw there were two 8 minute groups, Rachael T being leader of the pack in a breakaway of three people. The second larger bunch of 8’s picked up the 15 minute hitch hikers. Things were looking up; a nice big group heading for Kaituna road, wind won’t be an issue. The combined 3 and 5 minute group had been operating on full stealth mode, no-one heard them coming towards the end of Kelly Road. Some of the 8’s managed to stick onto the back, the rest of the peloton were seen have minor explosions all along Maketu road as legs, hearts and spirits gave up trying to keep contact. The scratch group was given a hard task, only 3 riders working to try and get over the top of the peloton, and they nearly did it, the race just a couple of kilometres short. The 3’s and 5’s had this race all stitched up. Tactical jostling for final position, making sure you don’t get boxed in, and they were off, Richard T had this nailed, taking the win from Matt L and Pete.
Jackie Stanton
Louise Burton
Talbot Munro
Clive Chester
Jeff Shields
Paul McLeod
8 Minutes
Harry Low
Matt Johns
Samuel Lord
Mark Ireland
Emily Kneale
Greg Walker
Matt Walker
Rachael Thomson
Kelly Shaw
Laura Pattie
5 Minutes
Chris Willett
Kevin Giles
Jamie Shields
Lachlan Haycock
Blake Miller
Damian Haupt
Stefan Gabel
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Mitch Hopping
Pete Campbell (3rd)
Jim Smith
Matt Lochhead (2nd)
Ryan Young
3 Minutes
Fergus Hamilton
Andy Collins
Greg Taylor
Bobby Dean
Tony Fairweather
Clinton Stanshall
Richard Taylor (1st)
Justin Scholes
0 Minutes
Stacey Pask
Richard McKey
Fraser Sharp
__________________________________-
Thursday Night Race Report – 3rd March, 2016
The weather was cool and comfortable with the merest sniff of wind for the 38 riders this week. Numbers were slightly down with the Ironman pinching a few of our regulars this weekend, but we had some fantastic groups, the 3 minute handicap being the pick of the bunch. Mark I and Dean handled the starting and took in a couple of backwards laps checking out the racing action. The 15 minute group rolled out, having this working as a team business sorted, nice, hard, uneventful ride, blissfully unaware of the battle playing out behind them. Right up until the third lap when the mastodonic combined 8, 5 and 3 minute group smashed past them, Jeff jumping on the back, knowing he had a better offer. How did it all get tangled up like this? Reports from the 5 minute group had the old guard punching out the km’s, keeping to a respectable pace, trying to reign in the young bucks from blowing the group to pieces. Up in the 3 minute group, Mark C was carefully policing the rotation, ensuring everyone got to spend even amounts of time at the front. Charles was given a Madison sling into the middle of the scratch group, thank you Willie. Home James (Johnson), and don’t spare the horses, and James did not spare the horses, with the 3 minute group catching the 8’s and 5’s they controlled the end of the race propelling James, Shane and Fergus off the front to take the winning positions. Graham M was left out on the course with an untimely third lap puncture, back just in time for the end of prize giving.
Paul McLeod
Jackie Stanton
Clive Chester
Jeff Shields
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Graham Muggridge
Matthew Johnson
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Stefan Gabel
Peter Cook
Matt Johns
Greg Walker
Matt Walker
Laura Pattie
5 Minutes
Kevin Giles
Fergus Hamilton (3rd)
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Jim Smith
Jamie Shields
Ryan Scholes
Ryan Young
Matt Lochhead
3 Minutes
Gordon Oakley
Willie Bos
William Milburn
Andy Collins
Mark Carter
Charles Johnson
James Johnson (1st)
Graeme Roberts
Justin Scholes
Richard Taylor
Shane Plummer (2nd)
0 Minutes
Lee McLean
Cody Cooper
Heath Lett
Glen Carabine
Tom Carter
___________________________________
We have a real report! Written by our President Greg
hi Jackie I do not know who came third but I aware that he came from 8 or 10 minute group so I will refr to rider x. hope that this will provide some help.
Great evening with a head wind down Kaituna road. Big Willy called it quits B4 we started claiming a flat battery on his shifter was not keen to ride as. A single speed. Its flat Willy!
All groups got away. In the three minute group of five Sergio alias Mark Carter had obviously had a can of spin-age and when lapping out did not slow when he got to the front and he quickly got rid of Gordon O and Greg T. The scratch group of three worked hard and made serious inroads early. Tony F from the three minute group latched on to the scratch boys and was staying like a mother in law until Glen C gave him the look to do some work or disappear. Tony decided to get back in his comfort zone and slinked back where he belonged.
Unfortunately The Burgler alias Stephen Lewis had a crash down the back straight and lay prone on the road for some time. A quick call had the sand buck along with flashing lights which brought the locals out for a look. Stephen was taken to hospital were he is now recuperating. Meanwhile at the sharp end of the race Heath L took line honours from Glen C with rider x tacking on to finish a close third which shows he will need to move up a group or two.
The Grey Beard alias Talbot was heard muttering that he was going to retire the bike and take up lawn Bowls after getting dropped. Rachael and Greg gave Stephen's wife the news and drove his car home which almost had Raewyne c helmet in it. Be carefull out there.
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Thursday Night Race Report – 18th February, 2016
Trees were bending gracefully towards the ground, wind howling and low clouds sitting over the Bay of Plenty, surely no-one will be out tonight. But there we were, 10 people all lined up ready for a ride, Shane and Graeme so confident it wouldn’t rain that they rode out. Kelly was sent to do a recon lap to test out conditions; bit of wind was the conclusion. Tonight was declared a fun ride, but winning is fun, so a quiet 2 lap tootle became a 3 lap race. Robby and Jackie were busy chatting so missed the mass start. And the wind was … OK, until Kaituna road when it was just plain scary, the cross winds blowing bikes about, smaller riders felt like they were on highly strung, Japanese race horses, larger riders were rolling wind blocks. Te Tumu road made us all feel like sprint pro’s, it might have been time to bust out the 56 ring. Light was fading and the rain felt closer, Shane and Kelly had ridden home, it was time to finish, Stephen had his head down sprinting for the end chased by Graeme and Matt. Prize giving was conducted quickly over a beer with everyone disappearing as the horizontal rain came in.
Talbot Munro
Robby Stewart
Jackie Stanton
Louise Burton
Matt Williams (3rd)
Graeme Muggridge (2nd)
Paul McLeod
Shane Plummer
Stephen Lewis (1st)
Kelly Shaw
Thursday Night Race Report – 11th February, 2016
Pre-race banter had started well before warm-up tonight and even with people away at Coast to Coast and Kinloch there was still a respectable 41 riders. Greg and Matt drew the short straw and ended up with an unenviable bunch of 2. Tactical team talks were the order of the day, heard from the 1 minute bunch (paraphrased):
Racing snake 1: “We’ll go really fast”
Racing snake 2: “Then we’ll go faster”
Racing snake 3: “I’ll hold on”
Alessandro made it to the very worst place to have a massive tyre blow out in the first lap, exactly the longest distance from the start line, and then the start of a long walk home, a quick rescue tube from Jim, another flat, and then Jim going out in the rescue car to pick him up. The 5 minute bunch broke in half early; Willie was riding Remona like he stole her, aided ably by Shane and Mark, right up until an untimely third lap flat, jacknabbit. Clint found a swarm of wasps on Kaituna road, nimbly catching them in his helmet, no stings luckily enough. Fraser and Glen had body mechanicals, legs giving up as the 1 minute bunch carried out the team plan, Andy was able to hold onto the back for of the 1’s for a while, but Daniel has discovered the secret to perpetual motion and just kept speeding up taking the win from Tom and Heath.
Brian McAuley
Alessandro Carvalho
Pauline Schrafft
Louise Burton
Paul Gilmore
10 Minutes
Matt Williams
Greg Walker
8 Minutes
Rachael Thomson
Natasha Collins
Samuel Lord
Chris Bosselmann
Roger Keys
Matt Johns
Kelly Shaw
Garry Burt
Paul Bowker
Quintan Moore
Peter Cook
5 Minutes
Kevin Giles
Willie Bos
Mark Taylor
Shane Plummer
David Baker
Jim Smith
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Stephen Lewis
Sarah Gempton
3 Minutes
William Milburn
Tony Chudley
Tristan Haycock
Andy Collins
Todd Davidson
Ben McLeod
Clinton Stanshall
1 Minute
Richard Taylor
Tom Carter (2nd)
Richard McKey
Fraser Sharp
Daniel Molyneux (1st)
Glen Carabine
Heath Lett (3rd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 4th February, 2016
Thursday night rolled back around, 45 riders keen to see if the most feted Kaituna tail wind was real, woohoo, it was. Deirdre’s number was dusted off after waiting patiently for her return. Rachael T and Garry made a step up to the 8 minute group with the merest hint of cajoling, and handled the move admirably. Murray looked after starting in Raewyne’s absence. The scratch bunch was looking formidable indeed; this was going to take some work to keep them tamed. As we all set off this night was looking like it was going to be fast. The 8 minute group were working well together they blew apart the 10 minute group only picking up a couple of hitch-hikers. Then came the 5’s, working like a pro-team, to pick up the next bunch, James W was riding like a beast looking strong when they were caught by the 5’s. But it just got better, the scratch group came on through with most of the 3 minute group on the back all heads down, legs going, heart rate monitors beeping warnings. There was a great view of the race going into Kaituna road on the third lap, the scratch guys making a break away, stalking their prey towards the finish line. Who dares wins, and tonight it was Tom, rising to the top to take the win from Richard M and Lee. Speaking to the reporters in each group everyone had the same story, FAST. Ray came back from flag duty saying “hell, they were going fast, must have been close to 60kph”. Prizes were handed out, then a brief and successful search for Laura’s keys before home time.
Jackie Stanton
Suzie Welford
Clive Chester
Pauline Schrafft
Jeff Shields
Paul McLeod
10 Minutes
Rob Huggins
Matt Williams
Robby Stewart
Emily Kneale
Matt Johns
Graham Muggridge
8 Minutes
Deirdre Lack
Natasha Collins
David Baker
Rachael Thomson
James Wilkins
Jamie Shields
Harry Low
Garry Burt
Kelly Shaw
Laura Pattie
5 Minutes
Willie Bos
Jim Smith
Lachlan Haycock
Trevor Hurley
Chris Willet
Quintan Moore
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Stephen Lewis
3 Minutes
Steve Neill
Fergus Hamilton
Tristan Haycock
Tony Chudley
Andy Collins
Shane Plummer
Amanda Jamieson
Richard Taylor
Clinton Stanshall
1 Minute
Lee McLean (3rd)
Heath Lett
Glen Carabine
Richard McKey (2nd)
Tom Carter (1st)
Fraser Sharp
Thursday Night Race Report – 28th January, 2016
Thursday night rolled in for 41 racers, so hot and humid it felt like riding in a damp winter weight duvet. Stephen was on a rest day so took over the handicapping most assertively. The 15 minute group got the race underway, lead out by Talbot right up until the first corner when he punctured. Race over for the night Talbot headed to the corner for banderita duty. The 8 minute group was upping the ante tonight with the Greg, and his babe on the back, Rachel providing some tactical nouse and serious horse power. The 8 minute group picked up some of the 10 minute riders and formed a formidable bunch. Meanwhile Tristan and Ben muddy from a day at the Redwoods decided to have a wee blowout to stretch the legs, bouncing like Tigger over curbs and corners, the happiest people on bikes. The combined 8 & 10 minute group were seen closing the gap to the 15 minute group. A quick plan was formed on how to handle this, Bex, Wendy and Clive executed the plan brilliantly and jumped on the back, for the third lap, but we had the 5, 3 and 1 minute groups coming up fast behind, nicely handicapped Stephen. Coming into the final kilometres the pace was picking up, people were dropping off the back of the bunch, everyone trying to find a spot where they weren’t going to be boxed in for the final sprint. Garry was feeling it tonight, taking the win, only just from Greg and Rachel, with Todd coming in to finish off the top three. Prize giving was held, with a nice cold beer and everyone headed off home.
15 Minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Clive Chester
Paul Gilmore
Paul McLeod
Bex Hughes
Wendy Boyce
Jeff Shields
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Brian McAuley
Matt Williams
Jamie Burt
Joe Harris
Garry Burt (1st)
Greg Walker
Karen Shaw
8 Minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (2nd)
Natasha Collins
Harry Low
James Wilkins
Matt Walker
Anna Barrett
5 Minutes
Steve Neil
Ricky Ngatai
Trevor Hurley
Dean Roberts
Kelly Shaw
Jamie Shields
Lachlan Haycock
Jim Smith
Todd Davidson (3rd)
3 Minutes
Tony Chudley
Greg Taylor
Matt Lochhead
Andy Collins
Terry Hart
Clinton Stanshall
1 Minute
Fraser Sharp
Shane Plummer
Bobby Dean
Richard Taylor
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night Race Report – 21st January, 2016
Thursday night blew in again, stifling hot for the 50 strong peloton. It was bring a noob night, there were a few new faces amongst the many regulars. The 11 minute group was proving so popular that Stephen was having to sweet talk a few people into the 8 minute group, Laura, Matt W, James and Hannah all taking the step up. Racing all started well, with the usual sprint to the first corner with a nice power slide into the gravel, right up until the one minute group was due to start. Half of the group started, while the rest of them missed the final departure call and the waves from the starting ladies, eventually making it back to the start 2 minutes late. Meanwhile on the course, groups were splintering apart, rogue factions forming. There were a couple of retirements early in the race, Pauline and her racy heart, Rachel K with an angry ITB, Rob with a broken spirit, Darryl just lost the urge, and Fraser stopped to have a chat with Ray after missing the start. The three minute group were having a great night, catching groups’ way before anyone expected them and just blowing people out the back, they were not going to let those podiums slip away this week. Richard T, riding with broken ribs, kicked it up another gear for the final sprint, out dragging Bobby and Shane for the winner’s chocolate. The minor place sprints were hard fought, Talbot chasing Cullen and Ian over the line. Stephen changed into his good shoes for prize giving, with some extra chocolate prizes donated by Darryl.
Talbot Munro
Paul McLeod
Pauline Schrafft
Louise Burton
Wendy Boyce
Bex Hughes
Clive Chester
10 Minutes
Peter Cook
Rachael Thomson
Greg Walker
Matt Johns
Robby Stewart
Rob Huggins
Emily Kneale
Kaylee Mudgeway
Emily Irvine
Jeff Shields
Adam Jones
Suzie Welford
Darryl Gove
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Matt Walker
Laura Pattie
Anna Barrett
Paul Bowker
Harry Lowe
James Wilkins
Kelly Shaw
Hannah Knighton
5 Minutes
Ben McLeod
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Stephen Lewis
Lachlan Haycock
Pete Campbell
Jamie Shields
Chris Willett
3 Minutes
Mark Carter
Andy Collins
Shane Plummer (3rd)
Richard Taylor (1st)
Bobby Dean (2nd)
1 Minute (and -1 Minute)
Lee McLean
Mark Parry
Richard McKey
Cullen Browne
Matt Lochhead
Tristan Haycock
Ian Taylor
Fraser Sharp
Andrew Lloyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 14th January, 2016
Overcast with a light to moderate north easterly greeted the 43 riders for this edition. Andy Collins was in danger of having no friends to ride with....again....but with some late arrivals and some redistribution of the groups (well done to Fergus and Matt for joining up with this group), all were off under the watchful eye of Jackie Stainton, who chose to sit out tonight and do the officiating for us. Talbot & Raewyne were away boating somewhere, along with our 5minute stalwart Kelly Shaw (apparently being told, if he’s got a new boat, he better use it!).
The pace was fast tonight with all groups shedding riders at some stage. Bex Hughes will be eligible for a re-grade next week! Cody Cooper lost the will to ride after 2 laps. Paul Bowker, who never stopped grizzling after his elevation to the 5 minute group, will be also eligible for a regrade next week. Not you though Quinton!! You did all right.
Pretty good handicapping saw the remnants of most of the groups, all in the home straight together. A strong 11minute group tonight was able to hold off the hard charging 4m, 5m and scratch bunch to take the glory , young Matt walker leading his group home.....well done Matt,
I left the results photo at work so please fill in who came 2nd and 3rd!
15 Minutes
Paul McLeod
Martin Ihlefeldt
Pauline Schrafft
Clive Chester
11 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Jamie Burt
Garry Burt (3rd)
Greg walker
Matt Walker (1st)
Adam Swallow
Bex Hughes
James Wilkins (2nd)
Laura Pattie
Rachael Thomson
Matt Johns
Chris Willett
Kaylee Mudgeway
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Mark Ireland
Jim Smith
Anna Barrett
Shane NcConigly
Emily Kneale
Willie Bos
5 Minutes
Trevor Hurley
Pete Campbell
Greg & Rachel
Ricki Ngatai
Stephen Lewis
Paul Bowker
Quintan Moore
Greg Thompson
4 Minutes
Matt Lochhead
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
Fergus Hamilton
Jan Litchwark
1 Minute
Richard McKey
Lee Mclean
Cody Cooper
Fraser Sharp
Ian Taylor
Stacey Pask
Thursday Night Race Report – 7th January, 2016
After the season of eating, 27 riders came along for the first race of the New Year. Numbers were down on usual due to the Elite Nationals, Half Ironman and MTB Cup series all being on this weekend, and a few regulars MIA. Handicapping all in place, Ray headed to the corner for marshalling duty, and Willie was designated Responsible Adult in charge of starting. The groups started, wind under our tails, everyone keen to get the hole shot into the first corner and establish the hierarchy. The 5 minute group was looking strong, benefiting from have a couple of the regular 3 minute riders to provide a bit more horsepower, they were closing in on the groups ahead, maybe even looking good to supply us with the gold medal winner? But then along came Richard, head down in his lone wolf bunch. The 15 minute group were starting to get excited when they had made it to halfway through the third lap without being caught, it could be our turn to win... Richard went flying past, serene faced, later assuring us that his calm exterior hid the pain within, no-one was going to catch him tonight. A combined 5 and 11 minute group weren’t far behind, accelerating towards the finishing straight, people popping off the back as it got faster and faster. The final sprint for second and third came down to Ian and Matt, with Ian managing to take the silver medal. Raewyne had the prizes all ready to go, and Talbot ran the prize giving. After a post-race analysis everyone disappeared home. Good luck for all of the TRCC riders competing this weekend.
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Paul McLeod
Martin Ihlefeldt
Pauline Schrafft
Louise Burton
Clive Chester
11 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Graham Muggridge
Jamie Burt
Garry Burt
Matt Williams
Robert Huggins
Laura Pattie
Kaylee Mudgeway
8 Minutes
Matt Walker
Greg Walker
Adam Swallow
Willie Bos
5 Minutes
Trevor Hurley
Pete Campbell
Chris Willett
Matt Lochhead (3rd)
Ryan Young
Andy Collins
Ian Taylor (2nd)
4 Minutes
Richard McKey (1st)
Thursday Night Race Report – 17th December, 2015
The last race of the year rolled in, followed by big black rain clouds, but nothing was going to stop the 40 riders from getting in their weekly sufferfest. The 3 minute group had a resurgence in popularity with 11 riders compared to the usual 2 or 3. Ray headed to the corner for marshalling duty and we were ready to roll. Lap 1 passed, no incidents, all tyres remaining inflated, this was looking good. Even the rain was only mildly irritating and not too much of it. Lap 2, and the 10 minute group had been swept up into the 8 minute group, everyone working hard, the threat of riding alone into the wind ensuring no gaps were appearing. And then the 3 minute group came zipping through, looking like they had been to a team building exercise during the week, surely they had practiced together? The remaining 5 minute group was not far behind, Kevin and Carol having been picked up, giving them a two tandem advantage. Coming to the end of the race, the teamwork was over, every man for himself to have a shot at the chocolate. Matt L got there first, pipping Andy at the post, with Ben rounding out the top 3. Then we were off to Seeka Transpack for the race prize giving, AGM and BBQ. There were lots of race prizes tonight, Rachel had donated lots of extra Moro’s. Jim and Wayne had the BBQ going to feed the hungry 30ish people that turned up. The AGM bit was done in 5 minutes so that we could get to the major spot prizes for the evening. Darryl, from Gove Sports Group, had donated heaps of prizes, including sports assessments and entries into the Kiwi Crusade multi day MTB event. Tim from Avanti and Victor from Ride Bikes donated vouchers, and the Club donated café vouchers. The races start again on January 7th, 2016. Merry Christmas.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Martin Ihlefeldt
Paul McLeod
Louise Burton
13 Minutes
Kevin and Carol Jerome
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Darryl Gove
Graham Muggridge
8 Minutes
Matt Walker
Greg Walker
Adam Swallow
Emily Kneale
Willie Bos
Jim Smith
Karen Shaw
Ben McLeod (3rd)
5 Minutes
Stephen Lewis
Rick Emerson
Ryan Pratt
Kelly Shaw
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Shawn Savage
Shane Plummer
3 Minutes
Greg Taylor
Tony Fairweather
Andy Collins (2nd)
Fergus Hamilton
Courteney Lowe
Laura Jorgensen
Matt Lochhead (1st)
Tony Chudley
Gordon Oakley
Nathan Oakley
Mark Carter
0 Minutes
George Payne
Tom Carter
Andrew Lloyd
Stacey Pask
Thursday Night Race Report – 10th December, 2015
38 riders made an appearance tonight to discover a new world order at the sign in board, Stephen was in charge and democracy has been cancelled! Everyone was assigned there group, which seemed to work pretty well. It may have been mentioned before that it can be mighty windy out at Maketu and there was no exception tonight. The large army of spectators were given jobs and Ben went down to the corner for flag duty. Back at the start line the riders were begin to line up, frisky racehorses at the ready. The 15 minute group had to bail at the Maketu/Kaituna Road intersection after finding a truck doing a u-turn, riders going freestyle over the curb and into the grass. The 11 minute group was seen in lap 2, Darryl riding off the front, giving people a hand as he rode past. The 8 minute group was looking strong, making good time into the wind down Kaituna road. Something happened in the group resulting in two black hawks down at the back. Kaylee, Emily, Paul and Louise provided traffic control and Kevin popped up out of the 5 minute group, who weren’t far behind to provide medical assistance. It looks like all riders are ok apart from grazes and bruises, but some nice ninja rolls seem to have prevented any broken bones. The race was able to continue for most people. Shane thought he was racing Todd for third place after seeing the tri-girls just up ahead, but Emily and Kaylee were finishing their second lap and Shane, Todd and Darryl got the nice surprise that they were the winners.
Jackie Stanton
Louise Burton
Melissa Pratt
Julia Oellinger
Paul McLeod
11 Minutes
Darryl Gove (3rd)
Robert Huggins
Tracy Lloyd
Graeme Muggridge
8 Minutes
Jim Smith
Jamie Burt
Robby Stewart
Anna Barrett
Garry Burt
Rachael Thomson
Kaylee Mudgeway
Emily Kneale
Matt Walker
Greg Walker
Paul Jones
Alessandro Carvalho
5 Minutes
Ryan Pratt
Kelly Shaw
Kevin Giles
Mitch Hopping
Rick Emerson
Greg Thompson
Paul Bowker
Todd Davidson (2nd)
4 Minutes
Shane Plummer (1st)
Courteney Lowe
Bobby Dean
0 Minutes
George Payne
Stacey Pask
Andrew Lloyd
Matt Lochhead
Tristan Haycock
Ryan Young
-------------------------------------------------------
Riders were arriving at the sign in board requesting kinder handicaps after being enfeebled by hard Taupo efforts or ravaged by illness, but they were soon swept up by the enthusiasm of the sprightly masses. The wind wasn’t too bad for what turned out to be a pretty fast night for everyone. Ray took charge of the marshalling corner. Riders lined up on the start, had a brief team talk about tactics and took off. Willie and Rachael must have had some pretty awesome tactics because they made a very decisive attack off the front of the 13 minute group, catching the 15’s in the first lap and never looking back, Pauline stepped the cadence up to about 220 to catch on to the back but decided this was not for her. David had a long walk back to the car, shoes in hand after a puncture, and Darryl’s night ended after a lap with a couple of broken spokes. Going into the third lap, everyone was working hard to stay with the group, oxygen debt was causing some memory lapses in the 8 minute bunch, the group turned left into Kaituna road, but not Pete, he was head down off to Maketu, surprising everyone and having to do a power slide to get back on track. Back at the finish line, Rachael was once again proving to be an unstoppable force, taking the gold medal, the 8 minute group not far behind to provide the second and third place getters, Trevor and Lee. Darryl donated some fancy chocolate to the prize table.
I forgot to take a picture of the board last night, apologies if I have missed anyone off the start list or have you in the wrong group.
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Pauline Schrafft
Louise Burton
Paul McLeod
Kevin and Carol Jerome
13 Minutes
Willie Bos
Rachael Thomson (1st)
Alessandro Carvalho
Brian McAuley
Darryl Gove
10 Minutes
Garry Burt
Jamie Burt
Laura Pattie
Richard Fowler
8 Minutes
Anna Barrett
Graham Roberts
Chris Willett
Lee McLean (3rd)
Trevor Hurley (2nd)
Hamish Millar
Mark Ireland
Shawn Savage
Pete Campbell
Greg Walker
Matt Walker
David Baker
Graham Muggridge
5 Minutes
Jim Smith
Stephen Lewis
Kelly Shaw
Rick Emerson
Fergus Hamilton
Tristan Haycock
Greg Thompson
Ricki Ngatai
Ryan Pratt
Stephen Andrews
Kevin Giles
Ben McLeod
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Steve Neill
Gordon Oakley
Nathan Oakley
0 Minutes
Stacey Pask
Fraser Sharp
Cody Cooper
Andrew Lloyd
Bobby Dean
Mark Carter
George Payne
Thursday Night Race Report – 26th November, 2015
The upcoming Taupo Cycle Challenge thinned the field down from its peak mass, but 26 riders still made up a good sized peloton. The wind was back to its normal tricks, straight up the snout on Kaituna road, and the humidity added a nice tropical feel to the evening, even the spectators had a ladylike glow. Stephen hot footed it down to the marshalling corner and Raewyne got the race underway.
Cracks started to appear in a couple of groups in lap one. Rachael and Natasha had taken control of the 8 minute group, truncating Mark and Graham off the back. By lap two the three minute group had blasted its way to the front, Fraser and Chris putting attacks on the group, the rest of the race field following behind in a 6 kilometre long tail. It was all getting very exciting to be a spectator peering down the road waiting to see who would arrive first. And they came, two cyclists in the mist, not wanting to attack too early and not giving an inch to their rival. The two cyclists finally came into view, winding up faster and faster, Bobby vs Fraser, one final push and Bobby got there first. And then not long behind another sprint battle for third was unfolding, Chris vs Andy for the final chocolate bar, Chris winning this one.
15 Minutes
Ray Schrafft
Talbot Munro
Louise Burton
Paul McLeod
10 Minutes
Adam Jones
Tracy Lloyd
Alessandro Carvalho
Robby Stewart
Laura Pattie
Matt Williams
Richard Fowler
8 Minutes
Graham Muggridge
Natasha Collins
Mark Ireland
Rachael Thomson
5 Minutes
Ben McLeod
Mark Thomas
Kelly Shaw
Greg Thompson
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Chris Willett (3rd)
Andrew Lloyd
Trevor Hurley
Tristan Haycock
Bobby Dean (1st)
Fraser Sharp (2nd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 19th November, 2015
The TEL cycleway just keeps delivering, with 54 people turning up to the race, including some noobs and a few returning club members who have been laying low. Mark was a multi-tasking machine, looking after registration, sweeping the first corner and marshalling the second corner.
Raewyne got the racing underway, sending everyone off in their respective groups. The 13 minute group made a rather early appearance sneaking past the 15 minute duo before they knew what happened. From the second lap the groups were all working hard, looking sharp and about ready to peak for Taupo next week. The 5 minute group were smited by act of dog in Kelly road, everyone showing some very natty bike handling skills to avoid the dog and stay upright, particularly Paul who bunny hopped over the dog. Thank you to Rachel K and the Greg’s who made sure the dog was ok and reunited with its owner. And then a cat obstacle, luckily Puss was a bit smarter than the dog and got out of the way, this evening was turning into Pamplona. Meanwhile back in the race, Rachael T was smashing herself through all pain barriers heading for the finish line. The groups were closing in and it was going to be hard to hold on can she do it….
Yes, she can, Rachael held on after that huge effort to hold off Natasha’s stealth attack for second, with Mike coming in third position. Prize giving for the podium positions was slightly delayed by our missing winner having a sneaky vomit behind the shelter.
Paul McLeod
Jackie Stanton
13 Minutes
Laura Pattie
Matt Williams
Robby Stewart
Brian McAuley
10 Minutes
Martin Horne
Peter Cook
Natasha Collins (2nd)
Rachael Thomson (1st)
Anna Barrett
Katie Rollins
Murray O’Donnell
Greg Walker
Bob Yuill
8 Minutes
Graham Muggeridge
Sue Galpin
Deirdre Lack
Matt Webb
Chris Willett
Kaylee Mudgeway
Tracy Lloyd
Jim Smith
Matt Walker
David Baker
Shawn Savage
Ryan Pratt
Willie Bos
5 Minutes
Paul Bowker
Quintan Moore
Kevin Giles
Mark Thomas
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Cole Burmester
Stephen Lewis
Kelly Shaw
Todd Davidson
Greg Thompson
Rick Emerson
3 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Tristan Haycock
Andy Collins
Gordon Oakley
Ryan Young
0 Minutes
Fraser Sharp
George Payne
Mike Serafin (3rd)
Stacey Pask
Tom Carter
Mark Carter
Richard Taylor
Richard McKey
Bobby Dean
Andrew Lloyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 12th November, 2015
It was the best of nights, it was the worst of nights. Conditions looked promising for the 51 riders that were racing. Tail winds had been spotted along Kaituna Road by the warm up lappers. Warnings were issued at the start line to make sure people made it onto the Te Tumu Road bridge in such racy conditions, but that was cruelly replaced with the crosswind by the second lap, oh shame.
Something was brewing in the 5 minute group, spurs and whips at the ready; Prince of Penzance was not ridden as hard as the steeds in this group. They wound up into a big gear to blow past the 8 minute group, a few bravely bridged the gap but most were rubber banded until they rode off the back. A few calls of “jump on” as they went past the 15’s, but the air pedalling was in vain. The scratchies were putting together an attack to get past the 5 minute group, each person working to the limit, but couldn’t quite get there. After 2 laps Wayne and Alessandro decided racing was over and took the French line back to the chilly bin. Jackie was kindly offered a Madison sling by Graham, but did not have the balls to accept. Chris’ band of triathlon racing snakes was looking very strong and comfortable in their groups. Back at the finishing straight the 5 minute group were clearly going to produce the top 3 on this evening. Todd, Tristan and Tony made a break into the head wind, going at it hammer and tongs, Tony was the first to let go, and just metres from the finish line Tristan sat up, leaving Todd to take the first place chocolate bar.
Carol Marshment
Ray Schrafft
13 Minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Paul McLeod
Louise Burton
Pauline Schrafft
10 Minutes
Garry Burt
James Wilkins
Robby Stewart
Alessandro Carvalho
Wayne Harris
8 Minutes
Graham Muggridge
Dave McLaren
Martin Horne
Anna Barrett
Jim Smith
Willie Bos
Natasha Collins
Joe Harris
Chris Willett
Matt Webb
Emily Kneal
Kaylee Mudgeway
Harry Low
Matt Lochhead
Ryan Young
Gerard Eagar
5 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Stephen Lewis
Dean Roberts
Steve Neill
Kevin Giles
Chris Bosselmann
Todd Davidson (1st)
Tristan Haycock (2nd)
Lachlan Haycock
Kelly Shaw
Nathan Oakley
Rick Emerson
Cole Burmester
Tony Fairweather (3rd)
Andy Collins
0 Minutes
Lee McLean
Stacey Pask
Fraser Sharp
Jan Litchwark
Richard Taylor
Richard McKey
Bobby Dean
Andrew Lloyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 5th November, 2015
61 riders joined the race for Guy Fawkes Night out to prove their mettle against the ice-tinged southerlies. 8 minutes proved to be the cool group and quickly ballooned to 20 people, the same as our entire race tally for last week.
The 15 minute group set off at a scorching pace, driven by Paul on his new bike, and Louise who was determined to make the rest of the peloton hurt to catch them. The wind brought starting to a halt with the board falling over and stopping the clock, but all got going again and the 13 minute group punched off into the wind. The 8 minute group slithered its way around the race course, a Lernaean Hydra in its approach, surely unstoppable until the finish line. The 5 minute group was feeling good and working hard, finish line fever coursing through their veins. Going into lap 3 the remaining 8’s and 5’s had joined together and were humping along at a rate of knots. Riders were seen walking/running back to the finish line after an outbreak (5) of flat tyres. The 2 minute and scratch groups shot past the remaining stragglers on the course, still able to see the mega-group ahead on Kaituna road. Harrison and Stephen clearly finished first and second, but there was some debate about who was the third place getter, Mitch it is.
Louise Burton
Darren Finucane
Carol Marshment
Ray Schrafft
Paul McLeod
Kevin & Carol Jerome
13 Minutes
Clive Chester
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Alessandro Carvalho
Suzy Welford
Scott McDonald
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Sue Galpin
Graham Muggridge
Matt Webb
Chris Willett
Martin Horne
Laura Pattie
Adam Jones
Deirdre Lack
Murray O’Donnell
Joe Harris
Emily Kneal
Hamish Miller
Anna Barrett
Matt Williams
Garry Burt
James Wilkins
Matt Walker
Greg Walker
Adam Swallow
Harrison Mudgeway (1st)
5 Minutes
Kevin Giles
Mitch Hopping (3rd)
Stephen Lewis (2nd)
Mark Ireland
Kelly Shaw
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Shawn Savage
Dean Roberts
Greg Thompson
Jim Smith
Rick Emerson
2 Minutes
Fergus Hamilton
Greg Taylor
Courteney Lowe
Steve Neill
Tony Fairweather
Gordon Oakley
Matt Lochead
Jamie Shields
Ryan Young
Bobby Dean
Shane Plummer
0 Minutes
Lee McLean
Stacey Pask
Mark Carter
Andrew Lloyd
Richard Taylor
Late People
Wayne Harris
-------------------------------------------------------
A nervous afternoon was spent watching the Rain Radar, trying to decide if it was worth making the trek out to Maketu, but the decision was made and 20 riders showed up. Stephen and Pauline handled the starting, huddled under a brolly, probably not too unhappy about being on a rest day before K2.
The race got underway, tiptoeing carefully through the slippery corners and avoiding painted lines. Sub battles were held within the groups, each rider trying to be first over the cow crossings to avoid being covered in green spots. The 15 minute group sighted the 10 minute group near the end of the second lap. Team tactics were quickly decided upon and we were ready to bridge the gap when the blow past came. And we stuck! A bit of Father/Son rivalry between the Walkers kept the pace up at the front of the group, but through the mist a lone figure in black (Mitch, was that you?) was seen attacking the gap, making steady gains along Kaituna Road. As the end of the race drew closer, the 8, 5 and 2 minute groups could be seen closing in. In what seemed like a long way from the finish line, Brian launched from the middle of the 10 minute group, Cavendish style, with Matt, Greg and Louise chasing after him. Brian had timed his attack perfectly and was able to hold on for the win with Matt and Greg rounding out second and third. All of the green spotted riders agreed this was one of the best wind nights we’ve had for a long time, and then disappeared off home to dry pants and post-race pancakes.
Ray Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Louise Burton
10 Minutes
Laura Pattie
Matt Walker (2nd)
Greg Walker (3rd)
Brian McAuley (1st)
Robby Stewart
Alessandro De Carvalho
8 Minutes
Kaylee Mudgeway
Peter McLeod
Ryan Young
Chris Willett
5 Minutes
Mitch Hopping
Mark Ireland
Kelly Shaw
2 Minutes
Tristan Haycock
Matt Lochead
Ben McLeod
Lachlan Haycock
Thursday Night Race Report – 22nd October, 2015
Black clouds gathering around the hills scared a few people off, and a couple of others were resting up for the Whaka 100, but 41 riders packed up their raincoats to come along for a ride. And a good choice that was, because the wind kept the rain away. Andy and Rick were left bewildered on the start line wondering what happened to the other 3 people in their group; they had departed with the 5 minute starters. The groups got down to business, remaining in tight-knit coteries for much of the race. Slowly but surely, smaller groups were cannibalised by the juggernauts. The 5 minute group managed to absorb most of the 8’s to form a dominant force of nature. From the gully of Kelly road the 15 minute group thought they had a B-Train hurtling towards them only to find a huge long group of 5’s and 8’s coming screaming up behind them. Everyone looked like they were having a bang-up time, with plenty of beaming/pained smiles and cheeky shouts. Power to weight ratio (more power, less weight?) looked to be the winner on the day, with Ryan, Matt and Fergus duking it out to the finish to claim their hard earned chocolate bars. Poor Hamish was seen walking back to the finish line with a flat tyre. Russell came along to enjoy the racing from the sideline after his unscheduled break from cycling, and was able to look after the starting and finishing with help from Wayne and Ray.
Krystal Walker
Louise Burton
12 Minutes
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Clive Chester
Robby Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
Greg Walker
Matt Walker
Suzie Welford
8 Minutes
James Wilkins
Joe Harris
Garry Burt
Jamie Burt
Kaylee Mudgeway
Hamish Miller
Brian McAuley
Adam Swallow
Peter McLeod
Adam Jones
Kevin Jensen
5 Minutes
Martin Horne
Mark Ireland
Dean Roberts
Graham Muggridge
Greg Thompson
Gordon Oakley
Kelly Shaw
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Mitch Hopping
Kevin Giles
Stephen Lewis
Ryan Young (1st)
Matt Lochead (2nd)
Fergus Hamilton (3rd)
Andrew Lloyd
2 Minutes
Andy Collins
Rick Emerson
1 Minute
Glen Carabine
Richard McKey
Aidan Dunster
Thursday Night Race Report – 15th October, 2015
Not quite a record breaking night, but we still managed 55 riders, out to enjoy the sun. The evening’s race began benignly enough, with Pauline looking after the starting and late comers. Two thirds of the way through the first lap the 15 minute group noticed what looked like a large tornado approaching. This was in fact the 9 minute group closing in fast. The 15’s were swept up into the fold and pedalled valiantly to hold on. The evening came to an abrupt halt with a reasonably serious single rider crash into Kaituna Road (good news, he is OK). The club members who witnessed the accident reacted superbly, with the good sense to ensure all traffic was slowed to protect the helpers and injured rider, and the ambulance was called. A very big thanks to Kevin Giles who was our Doctor on the scene. The race was able to continue for most people and all groups came together in the final lap for what eye witnesses called a massive sprint finish, which was won by Richard with Gareth and Aidan pushing him all the way to the line.
Don’t forget the 5 Angels Time Trial on Saturday, registration opens at 7:15am and closes at 7:45am.
15 Minutes
Raewyne Cathie
Paul McLeod
Simon Wells
Robyn Wells
Louise Burton
12 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Tristram Milhav
Alessandro De Carvalho
Clive Chester
Talbot Munro
Malcolm Buchanan
Jackie Stanton
Russell Jackman
9 Minutes
Darryl Gove
Sue Galpin
Stewart Turner
Brad Watt
Dave McLaren
Deirdre Lack
Murray O’Donnell
Jamie Burt
Rachael Thomson
Natasha Collins
Graeme Rodley
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
6 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Kevin Giles
Ricky Ngatai
Stephen Lewis
Gareth Gregg (2nd)
Paul Bowker
Shawn Savage
Martin Horne
Dean Roberts
Shane Lye
Matt Webb
Steve Neill
Kelly Shaw
3 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Tony Fairweather
Rick Emerson
Bron Healey
Andy Collins
Callum Aubrey
Harrison Mudgeway
Ryan Young
Lachlan Haycock
Andrew Lloyd
Cole Burmester
Fergus Hamilton
Bobby Dean
1.5 Minutes
Richard McKey (1st)
Aidan Dunster (3rd)
Lee McLean
Thursday Night Race Report – 8th October, 2015
Thursday night racing was an interesting social experiment of 69 riders with heavy rain, lightening and a touch of hail. Chris from Perimeter Coaching brought a large swag of his Triathlon trainees, and their cheerleaders, to gain some bunch cycling experience and test out the wet weather handling skills. With such large numbers of people to arrange, Talbot graciously opted out of racing to be the Ringmaster for the evening.
The racing started, with such large groups forming a decorous rolling maul through the Maketu countryside. Unfortunately about 15 minutes in the weather unleashed with an electrical storm which turned into hail. And we rode on, ladies delicately skirting the puddles, gentleman storming through them. One chap then had a mishap and was ambulated back to the cars by Rachel and Greg. The storm finally subsided and left everyone to finish the ride in peace, the wind conditions were some of the best that we ever get on race night, with barely a breeze to speak of. Going into the third lap breakaways were forming leaving a lap long tail of riders behind them. Noob Todd was the winner on the day, followed closely by Shawn and Bron. Prize giving was run as quickly as possible to let the shivering riders head home to slip out of their wet clothes and into a dry martini.
Gaylene Jessiman
Suzie Welford
Adam James
Robyn Wells
Nina Stewart
Louise Burton
12 Minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Malcolm Buchanan
Darren Finucane
Simon Aubrey
Greg Walker
Matt Walker
Rachael Thompson
Brian McAuley
Robby Stewart
Ale Caluvolho
Chris Wotten
Chris Willett
Sarah Mortimer
Abbie Mortimer
Grace Blissett
Sarah Ensor
Caitlin Franklin
9 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Katrina Tulip
Keith Thompson
Paul Jones
Gerard Eager
Mark Wyatt
Shane Lye
Shawn Savage (2nd)
Dave McLaren
Garry Burt
Jamie Burt
Nick Wotten
Emily Kneale
Jade Stafford
Matt Webb
6 Minutes
Greg Thompson
Kevin Giles
Paul Bowker
Mitch Hopping
Bron Healey (3rd)
Mark Ireland
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Kelly Shaw
Todd Rowan (1st)
Hamish Miller
Liam Miller
Blake Miller
Emily Irving
Kaylee Mudgeway
Paul Miller
Simon Wells
3 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Andy Collins
Tony Fairweather
Dean Roberts
Greg Taylor
Jamie Shields
Fergus Hamilton
Lachlan Haycock
Hamish Knighton
Harrison Mudgeway
Andrew Lloyd
1.5 Minutes
Aidan Dunster
Mark Carter
Ryan Young
Thursday Night Race Report – 1st October, 2015
44 riders climbed aboard the pain train for the first Thursday night race of the 2015/2016 season. Conditions were pretty good, with the wind being reasonably kind and the dark clouds helpfully forming around the outside of the race area. Stripes were the fashion of the day, with heaps of people looking very fancy in the new TRCC kit.
After the riders were herded into their respective handicaps the race got underway. There was no easing back into it; everyone was off like a scalded cat, keen to get the hole shot into the first corner. Large groups reformed into smaller sub-groups, working together doggedly until the third lap. From the beginning of the 3rd lap the rules of survival changed. The 7 minute group upped the ante and formed a snowball picking up anyone who could hold on along the way and spitting people out the back. BUT hot on their heels were the 2 minute group who could see the big group as they closed in along Kaituna road. Ultimately the 2 minute group took control and raced off towards the finish line with Jan, Mark C and Christian cleaning up the medal positions. Martin turned up a short while later after having a most enjoyable scenic ride around the sights of Maketu. Prize-giving was a boisterous and enjoyable affair with plenty of prizes and much race analysis.
Don’t forget there is a race at Paengaroa on Saturday, register by 12:45pm for a start of 1pm.
15 Minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Nina Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
Laura Pattie
Gaylene Jessiman
Keith Thompson
Greg Walker
Louise Burton
Jamie Burt
Darren Finucane
11 Minutes
Dave McLaren
Wayne Harris
Shaun Savage
Kevin Giles
Simon Wells
Paul Jones
Garry Burt
Mitch Hopping
Hannah Lowe
Joe Harris
Katrina Tulip
Brian McAuley
7 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Paul Bowker
Quintan Moore
Willie Bos
Jim Smith
Greg Thompson
Natasha Collins
Anna Barrett
Greg & Rachel Kilgour
Martin Horne
Chris Bosselman
5 Minutes
Andy Collins
Rick Emerson
Stephen Lewis
Shane Plummer
Clinton Stanshall
2 Minutes
Jan Litchwark (1st)
Mark Carter (2nd)
Christian Biedrowski (3rd)
Tim Mills
Bobby Dean
________________________________________
Thursday Night Race Report – 26th March, 2015
Only the hardiest few came along to the last race with the threat of rain constantly nagging, but apart from a few spits in the warm up lap we got lucky. Raewyne handed out Easter eggs pre-race to give everyone some sugar to race on (Yum, thanks!). The 15 minute group headed off, riding with the strength and agility of a young Nadia Comăneci, avoiding ruts, pot holes and wayward team mates. Pauline and Joe were closing in late in the second lap, the countdown was coming, they were 35 seconds out, next look, the combined 12, 11, 7 and 5 minute groups were suddenly bearing down and then disappearing up Te Tumu road, the 5 minute group sitting at the front in control, keeping the pace up and hurting the people holding onto the back. Joe made an unscheduled stop to re-tie his race number and joined back in with the 15’s. The 2 minute group were a well-oiled machine picking off the lone cyclists in pursuit of the combined juggernaut not far ahead. In the bunch things got heated, everyone was packed in tight together, handlebars touching. Accusations of wheel sucking wafted gently on the night breeze. Riders jockeyed for position in the final kilometres, opening up gaps where they didn’t necessarily exist. This week Stephen had his timing spot on and took out the win, followed closely by Mark and Steve. Prize giving was quick and most people headed into Te Puke for dinner and drinks, with fine conversation and regular checks of Cric Info.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Manny Tӧlke
Melissa Pratt
12 Minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Joe Harris
11 Minutes
Anna Barrett
Robby Stewart
7 Minutes
Mark Ireland (2nd)
Jess Dean
Ryan Pratt
5 Minutes
Steve Neill (3rd)
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Gordon Oakley
Kelly Shaw
Stephen Lewis (1st)
2 Minutes
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
Richard Taylor
Fraser Sharp
Thursday Night Race Report – 19th March, 2015
It was a slightly nippy penultimate race night for the 29 riders who came along. The usual scratch bunch was off racing about Northland, but we had a 2 tandem teams to add to the excitement. Pauline and Clive were promoted to the 12 minute group, which left the 15’s a bit down on the usual numbers. Not far down Kelly road the 15 minute group was accosted by an overexcited staffy, all riders avoided contact and no dogs were hurt, thankfully she was brought under control by the time the next group came along. Raewyne’s race ended prematurely with a broken spoke. The 12 and 11 minute groups joined forces in the first lap and kept the tidal wave attack from the 7 minute group at bay until later in the second lap. Riders were gap jumping (lots of steez) the increasingly humpy bridges as the pace heated up. The 5 and 2.5 minute groups were working hard to close the gap up to the 7 minutes and got so close towards the end. Stephen is no longer going to be chivalrous after offering the ladies a wheel in an early breakaway attempt only to be swamped a bit further down the road. Kelly had a party to get to after the race so he cracked the whip and took off after Brent with Darren not far behind to round out the podium. Prize giving was held and gave everyone a chance to congratulate Jess and Bobby on their fantastic Ironman performances. Pauline donated some home-grown broccoli to the prize table. Next Thursday (26th), is the final race night and will finish with dinner in Te Puke at Mollys.
Jackie Stanton
Raewyne Cathie
Wim Seuren
Yvonne Manson
12 Minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Kevin and Carol Jerome
Clive Chester
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
11 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Garry Burt
7 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Sue Galpin
Graeme Shanks
Brent McKay (1st)
Stephen Lewis
Neil Barback
Kelly Shaw (2nd)
Jess Dean
Darren Peacock (3rd)
5 Minutes
Greg Taylor
Gordon Oakley
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Rick Emerson
Cole Burmester
2.5 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Bobby Dean
Andy Collins
Fraser Sharp
Thursday Night Race Report – 5th March, 2015
Thursday night rolled in again, and brought with it 39 keen riders out for a bit of pain and elation. Greg and Rachel swept the first corner making it safer for nervous riders and just plain fast for everyone else. Russell had put his racing pants on tonight, channelling his inner Cancellara. He took off for the hole shot and never looked back, sailor language was heard in the 15 minute group as they tried to pull him back in, but then disaster struck and Russell was left to walk back to the car with a flat tyre. The 8 minute group were an intimidating force with elbows sharpened and heads down they caught the 12’s minute group in the second lap and only seemed to accelerate from there. The 5 minute group worked well together, nudging the pace up in the last kilometres of the race, seemingly oblivious to any wind, the 15’s and 8’s in sight. But then came the scratchies, all teams pushing harder to get those line honours. The remaining 3 riders of the 15 minute group were bone achingly close to that finish line when the 8’s rolled over the top of them, Stephen taking the number 1 spot followed by Natasha and a tie for third when Deirdre and Darren couldn’t be separated by the spectators. The prize cupboard has diversified a bit and some people could celebrate with lashings of ginger beer. Victor from Ride Bikes donated a $25 voucher as a spot prize which was won by Greg W. There are 3 more races for this season.
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Malcolm Buchanan
Russell Jackman
Pauline Schrafft
Clive Chester
Yvonne Manson
Wim Seuren
Greg Walker
Raewyne Cathie
Manny Toker
12 Minutes
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Garry Burt
Robby Stewart
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins (2nd)
Deirdre Lack (3rd)
Sue Galpin
Darren Peacock (3rd)
Mark Ireland
Brent McKay
Graeme Shanks
Kelly Shaw
Greg Thompson
Randal Warner
Graeme Rodley
Stephen Lewis (1st)
5 Minutes
Steve Neill
Kevin Giles
Shane Plummer
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Andy Collins
Clinton Stanshall
0 Minutes
Rick Lowe
Heath Lett
Nik Ansorge
Glen Carabine
Tom Carter
Fraser Sharp
Thursday Night Race Report – 26th February, 2015
Inclement weather was building over the Papamoa hills but held off long enough to get our record peloton of 46 riders around the race track. The local corporate teams were out in force with Ride Bikes, Perimeter Coaching, and Seeka Kiwifruit all well represented. Stephen wasn’t riding tonight so he had the onerous task of handicapping all of the riders, including all the first timers to Maketu. And then we’re off, dodging the giant flies, and one bee, that get caught up in helmet vents, and hearing the odd group mate retching as they swallow a bug. Robert successfully circumnavigated the course without getting lost. Robby got a bit crossed up avoiding the edge of the road where there was a bit of a drop off to the gravel. Sub groups were forming with stronger riders breaking away while others bungeed on and off the back until giving up and joining with other stragglers. In the third lap along Kaituna road the groups started coming together for the final push with a bit of bump drafting in the larger mergers. The combined 5 and 7 minute groups were seemingly in control coming up the final straight, but the 1 minute group of Glen, Nik and Bobby, used the stealth advantage of the dips in the road and snuck past to take the top 3 positions. It was a big prize giving night with such a large group, and then we had the bike computer data comparison, because, after all, if you didn’t start your Garmin, did the ride even happen?
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Yvonne Manson
Talbot Munro
Raewyne Cathie
Manny Toker
Russell Jackman
10 Minutes
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Robert Huggins
Garry Burt
Robby Stewart
Clive Chester
7 Minutes
Jess Dean
Sue Galpin
Natasha Collins
Darren Peacock
Callum Aubrey
Deirdre Lack
Simon Fitzpatrick
Matt Johson
Matt Shaw
Kelly Shaw
5 Minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Jim Smith
Hans Van Kregten
Greg Taylor
Brent McKay
Graeme Shanks
Kevin Giles
Steve Neill
Ben McLeod
4 Minutes
Jim Tavendale
Chris Willett
Shane Plummer
Damien Haupt
Matt Lochhead
Ryan Young
Joseph Welton
James Johnson
2 Minutes
Andrew Jamieson
Fraser Sharp
Andy Collins
1 Minute
Glen Carabine (1st)
Nik Ansorge (2nd)
Bobby Dean (3rd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 19th February, 2015
32 riders looked out the office window to see beautiful calm riding conditions and arrived at Maketu to find the usual wind. Much debate was going on at the start line on the relative age to body shape ratio to determine which handicap was going to work best. Young(ish) blade shaped people were given tough groups. The 15 minute Silver Foxes quickly disposed of Jackie and worked hard to hold on to nearly the end. The 5 minute Greg Group were having a great ride, until Greg and Rachel hit a rock that Talbot threw into their path. Jim came in for a quick bike change part way through his race, but had a few steering head issues. Wayne was taken by a surge of optimism, convincing himself he was feeling good as he jumped on the back of the 1 minute group for a full 400 metres. Near the end of the third lap 1 minute group had caught the combined 8’s and 5’s, but had been boxed in. Nik and Tom pulled out and fair hoofed it towards the finish line, leaving the rest of the peloton wondering what had happened. It was a great night to be a spectator, and the 10 minute group, minus Robby who was still riding, were there to watch the head to head sprint play out, with Nik narrowly securing the victory over Tom, with Heath and Fraser not coming in not too much later. Talbot looked after the prize giving and a quiet beer was enjoyed to celebrate the Year of the Goat. Xīnnián hǎo ya!
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Clive Chester
Yvonne Manson
Wim Seuren
Gary Barbour
10 Minutes
Peter McLeod
Anna Barrett
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Robby Stewart
7 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Jess Dean
Deirdre Lack
Simon Fitzpatrick
Darren Peacock
Katrina Tulip
Kelly Shaw
Kevin Giles
5 Minutes
Greg Taylor
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Greg Thompson
Stephen Lewis
Jim Smith
Steve Neill
1 Minute
Fraser Sharp
Andy Collins
Heath Lett (3rd)
Bobby Dean
Tom Carter (2nd)
Nik Ansorge (1st)
Thursday Night Race Report – 12th February, 2015
A record 39 riders, including 5 noobs, were out to enjoy the gentle zephyr in stark contrast to last week’s wind tunnel conditions. Some great battles were played out on the race course, workmate vs. workmate, father vs. son (sons won, 2 – 1), Pauline vs. Talbot. The 15 minute group lead out the race with a strong group able to keep the pace up and hold off being caught until the third lap. All the action was happening further back in the field when the 8 minute group caught some of the 10 minute riders unawares and a rogue faction of 8’s and 10’s formed and took off. Valiant efforts were made by the remaining riders to catch back on in a display of bulging neck veins and speed snot, but the new group took off and disappeared into the sunset. The remaining 8 & 10 minute riders caught the 15’s on the last lap in Maketu road, and picked up a few hitchhikers for the remainder of the race. The 2 minute group were being driven hard by Jan who was on a mission, being able to see the groups all closing up on Kaituna road. The rogue group were closing in on the finish line; Deirdre had a plan to set Jess up for the win, followed by Stephen and then herself. BUT… in direct contravention of the team orders reminiscent of the F1 with Vettel and Webber, Mark broke ranks. Mark, who would apparently push his own mother over for a podium, dropped an elbow to Deirdre and raced off for third, the lure of a chocolate bar just too strong. The post-match analysis was animated and prize giving was rounded off with a tuneful rendition of Happy Birthday for Talbot.
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Malcolm Buchanan
Raewyne Cathie
Russell Jackman
Pauline Schrafft
Wim Seuren
Joe Harris
10 Minutes
Sheree Horton
Wayne Harris
Robby Stewart
Sue Galpin
Rainer Ansorge
Rachel Smith
Deirdre Lack
Mark Ireland (3rd)
8 Minutes
Katrina Tulip
Stephen Lewis (1st)
Callum Aubrey
Darren Peacock
Matt Shaw
Kelly Shaw
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Jess Dean (2nd)
Greg Thompson
5 Minutes
Jim Smith
Steve Neill
Cole Burmester
Gordon Oakley
2 Minutes
Fraser Sharp
Andy Collins
Chris Willett
Lee McLean
Pete Campbell
Jan Litchwark
0 Minutes
Bobby Dean
Nik Ansorge
Tom Carter
Glen Carabine
Thursday Night Race Report – 5th February, 2015
Metservice has issued strong to gale force south westerly wind warnings, it must be Thursday night and time for the bike race. 32 riders came to test their mettle against the conditions and it was a great night of racing. Small riders were buffeted by the wind, particularly into the corners. Tall riders turned from spinnakers in the Kelly road tail wind to sea anchors on Kaituna road. The earlier groups splintered and reformed during the course of the race, and a few riders who had ridden off the back of their groups couldn’t face doing another lap so came in to watch the action from the safety of the cars. The 1 minute group excelled in the conditions, planting the jandal and flying past the rest of the race like they were standing still, it was rumoured they were seen going 45 km/h down Kaituna road… Tom, who (direct quote) “doesn’t win anything”, convincingly came home in first place, with a reasonable gap to second and third placed Bobby and Glen. But the action didn’t stop there for the spectators, as each group finished there were sprints for pride and bragging rights, everybody was a bit exhilarated and relieved it was over.
Gary Barbour
Malcolm Buchanan
Wim Seuren
Joe Harris
Pauline Schrafft
Sheree Horton
Karen Shaw
Clive Chester
10 Minutes
Wayne Harris
Kevin Jensen
Garry Burt
Deirdre Lack
Mark Ireland
8 Minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Natasha Collins
Jess Dean
Richard Fowler
Anna Barrett
Robby Stewart
Stephen Lewis
5 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Steve Neill
Gordon Oakley
Greg Thompson
James Johnson
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Charles Johnson
Bobby Dean (2nd)
1 Minute
Nik Ansorge
Glen Carabine (3rd)
Tom Carter (1st)
Heath Lett
Thursday Night Race Report – 29th January, 2015
Talbot was away boating (and missed the tail wind), so Rachel, Sue and Jackie had a go at herding the 34 riders into some semblance of order. Pauline and Russell spearheaded a strong 15 minute attack and kept us all in the hurt box. The 7 and 8 minute groups quickly combined and went after the 12 minute group. The three groups together formed the perfect storm making it hard for the racing snakes of 5, 2 and scratch to make an impact. When the 12’s, 8’s and 7’s joined up with the large 15 minute group it all got a bit loose, not dissimilar to the north western motorway at peak traffic, there was no merging like a zip. But under the tactical eye of Greg and Rachel the large group put on a big burst of speed to blow past the 15’s and only Joe, Pauline and Russell were able to hold on. Richard was seen walking home towards Maketu, shoes in hand. Simon went missing so Russell went on a search mission, turns out he had popped 4 spokes and was riding back to the cars very carefully. Greg T rode well in spite of his broken leg and had an impressive grimace as he rode past people. Greg and Rachel dominated on the night and took out the win, followed by Matt, and from deep within the bunch Natasha materialised to take third. Rachel and Jackie ran the prize giving for all the beaming cyclists who were on a bit of an endorphin high.
Joe Harris
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Yvonne Manson
Malcolm Buchanan
Wim Seuren
Gary Barbour
Russell Jackman
12 Minutes
Wayne Harris
Karen Shaw
Garry Burt
Clive Chester
8 Minutes
Sue Galpin
Greg Thompson
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
Natasha Collins (3rd)
7 Minutes
Simon Fitzpatrick
Kelly Shaw
Matt Shaw (2nd)
Stephen Lewis
Dean Roberts
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (1st)
Jess Dean
5 Minutes
Shane Plummer
Cole Burmester
Shane McConigly
Warren Crombie
2 Minutes
Jan Litchwark
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Tom Carter
Heath Lett
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Thursday Night Race Report – 22nd January, 2015
It was a night of hard and fast riding for the 30 riders that entered. After Talbot started with the 15 minute group, Rachel was left to sort out the starting, including tracking down AWOL rider Peter who missed the start, and sort out Graeme and Clive who arrived a bit late for their normal group. The 15 minute group nearly dissolved into a stand up fist fight after some aggressive riding, I’m sure I saw some head butts and elbows. Richard and Simon took an early lead and disappeared off the front of the 10 minute group. Raewyne lost the will to race during the first lap and took a leisurely pootle around Maketu. Saucy minx Deidre took charge of the ladies 8 minute group, which later picked up Anna and was seen blowing past all of the stragglers from the splintered bunches. Stephen was not allowed to ride with the ladies group (Deirdre’s rule), and was seen hitch hiking on the back of Glen and Nik, and later limping towards his car. The 2 minute bunch formed a sub-group of three riders and blasted around the course. Andy toyed with the emotions of Rachel and Greg by coming back behind the tandem and then putting on a sprint to leave them behind. Pauline, Garry and Talbot could taste the victory coming up fast only 300 metres from the finish, then like the dogs of despair nipping at their heels, Bobby, Jan and Andy came, crushed their dreams and took the top three positions. The post ride analysis was animated and much enjoyed over a well-earned cold beer.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Garry Burt
Raewyne Cathie
Wim Seuren
Pauline Schrafft
Russell Jackman
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Hannah Lowe
Anna Barrett
Richard Fowler
Simon Fitzpatrick
Peter Cook
8 Minutes
Jess Dean
Deirdre Lack
Sue Galpin
5 Minutes
Jim Smith
Greg Thompson
Stephen Lewis
Kelly Shaw
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Graeme Rodley
Clive Chester
2 Minutes
Jan Litchwark (2nd)
Andy Collins (3rd)
Craig Merritt
Steve Neill
Bobby Dean (1st)
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Nik Ansorge
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Thursday Night Race Report – 15th January, 2015
25 riders made up respectable race numbers for this week, including 3 people from the Triathlon club looking to get a bit of extra high intensity cycle training. There were a few tired people this week after weekend events and a couple needing to do “easy” rides before the 70.3 Ironman this weekend so Talbot had an uphill battle trying to handicap everyone. But it all came together very well with the majority of the groups meeting late in the third lap. Russell and Talbot cracked the whip on the 15 minute group and had a very good race, the 15 minute group was also able to provide directions to a lost motorist in the second lap. Anna was heading off to Maketu but her group called her back and she was able to go slideways into Kaituna road. Rob actually did go to Maketu and was missing in action for a while; he hadn’t remembered seeing a roundabout on the first lap… Hannah dropped a chain and waited at the finish line for the next group coming and lucky 15 minute group was the recipient providing a much needed 4th rider for the third lap. The seven minute group was on fire, bolstered by the rare luxury of having the tandem team and the golden girls. In the end the win was taken by Jim, who just doesn’t understand “easy ride” when he sees that finish line looming up, followed closely by Stephen and Greg and Rachel. Thanks to Mark for sweeping the first corner before the race.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Russell Jackman
10 Minutes
Rob Huggins
Darryl Gove
Robby Stewart
Garry Burt
Hannah Lowe
Anna Barrett
Pauline Schrafft
7 Minutes
Jim Smith 1st
Natasha Collins
Mark Ireland
Deirdre Lack
Greg and Rachel Kilgour 3rd
Neil Barback
Stephen Lewis 2nd
Jess Dean
5 Minutes
Cole Burmester
Steve Neill
2 Minutes
Chris Willett
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Nik Ansorge
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Thursday Night Race Report – 8th January, 2015
Numbers were down to 17 for the first race of the year with regular riders missing in action to prepare for the Port of Tauranga Half and the Elite Nationals in Christchurch. But we had 3 noobs; Callum, Tina and Ian come along to see what it’s all about. A nice cloud cover provided some respite from the blistering heat of earlier in the week. There have clearly been a lot of quality training kilometres done over the Christmas break, because a cracking pace was set by all, hold on if you can. Garry set off like a rat up a drain pipe, with Clive and Talbot in lively pursuit. The 8 minute group, under the watchful eye of Kelly, collected the 12 minute group and worked together for quite a while. Tina and Jackie had a go at getting on the back with some shouts of encouragement from Neil, but the youthful exuberance of teenage boys kept the pace just a bit high and they rode off the back. The 6 minute group was down on numbers this week, but looked strong, although were just short of being able to catch onto the 8’s. Andy and Ian went flying past all of the stragglers in a synchronous pas de deux in the third lap. Callum, Kelly and Garry took the top three positions, with an honourable mention going to Talbot who rounded out the top five and took a first in age group. Raewyne and Talbot handled the administrative duties of the night.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Clive Chester
Garry Burt (3rd)
Tina Thorpe
12 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
8 Minutes
Callum Aubrey (1st)
Kelly Shaw (2nd)
Matthew Shaw
Neil Barback
6 Minutes
Pete Newton
Barry Pierce
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Gordon Oakley
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Ian Taylor
Thursday Night Race Report – 18th December, 2014
29 riders came along to the final race of the year on a humid and grey night. There was a lot of effort going into the handicapping tonight to allow for all the injuries/ tiredness. 8 minutes was turning into a prodigious group, but with a sleight of hand, Talbot whisked a few people into the 6 minute group. Near the end of the 15 minute group’s second lap the combined, 10, 8 and 6 minute groups came flying past, putting on a burst of speed that made it impossible to catch onto the back. Stephen nearly ran Talbot off the road, and Heath made it look all too comfortable riding off the front of the peloton. Mark I left a thick trail of rubber and a plume of smoke behind him when he locked up the back wheel in a defensive riding manoeuvre. A couple of participants lost the will to ride another lap alone into the head wind and decided to call it a night, but not Pauline… Pauline saw Joe about a kilometre ahead and decided that she was going to catch him or kill Jackie trying. The combined scratch and 2 minute group went flying through in a hum of finely trued carbon wheels in hot pursuit of the main group. As the finish line got closer the fast guys broke away, bravely chased down by Greg and Rachael, Wayne, Mark K and Jim, Jim checked behind him to see where the bunch was and unfortunately headed off the road and up a bank. No injury was sustained but Jim looked like he’d been in a muddy cyclocross race. In the end the podium positions when to Heath, Cole and Nik. People adjourned to Transpack for the annual barbeque and said goodbye to Mark K who is going home to the Czech Republic.
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Paul McLeod
10 Minutes
Mark Kocura
Joe Harris
Pauline Schrafft
Peter Melton
Wayne Harris
8 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Deirdre Lack
Sue Galpin
Hannah Lowe
Kevin Jensen
Mark Ireland
Neil Barback
Katrina Tulip
Natasha Collins
Russell Jackman
6 Minutes
Heath Lett (1st)
Greg and Rachael Kilgour
Jess Dean
Jim Smith
Stephen Lewis
Cole Burmester (2nd)
2 Minutes
Courteney Lowe
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
0 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Nik Ansorge (3rd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 12th December, 2014
It was a fine line between pleasure and pain on the penultimate Thursday night race for 2014. 21 riders arrived on a night that constantly threatened rain but had excellent wind conditions including the much coveted tail wind on Kaituna road. Talbot was raring to go and set a blistering pace for the 15 minute group. Wayne and Matthew both punctured on the night, Wayne was able to fix his tyre and jumped back in the race with Talbot and Jackie on the second lap. The 8 minute group was reminded by the local constabulary via loud hailer about safe riding etiquette… Jim appears to have been dipping into the Endurobeet and was stampeding around the course like a man possessed on the front of the 6 minute group. The 8 minute group was dominant on the night picking up anyone who could hold on from the 12 and 15 minute groups. The speed was so high that we were able to get a bit of air time going over one of the lumpier bridges and do sneaky tail whips. Jess somehow manages to ride hard and fast while all the time having a serene and calm demeanour, not even slightly red faced. Mark made an early break for the finish line but was unable to keep the pace up for long enough. Joe made a late charge for the finish but Jess, Kelly and Nathan were able to hold off the attack to take the top positions. Kelly had a furtive post-race exertion vomit. Raewyne handled the race admin and Talbot ran the prize giving.
15 Minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
12 Minutes
Mark Kocura
Joe Harris
Pauline Schrafft
8 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Wayne Harris
Jess Dean (1st)
David Baker
Kelly Shaw (2nd)
Matthew Shaw
Deirdre Lack
Nathan Oakley (3rd)
6 Minutes
Ben McLeod
Stephen Lewis
Jim Smith
Dean Roberts
4 Minutes
Courteney Lowe
Andy Collins
2 Minutes
Glen Carabine
Andrew Lloyd
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Thursday Night Race Report – 4th December, 2014
20 riders fronted for a pleasant evening’s racing, albeit with the usual blustery headwind up Kaituna (fading by the last lap). I hope the regular riders who didn’t front were saving themselves for Club Champs tomorrow.
The size and composition of the 8m bunch meant the other groups were in for a hard night. There were a core group of grafters here, including the impressive Jess Dean and Deidre Lack, who kept rolling over all race, in the process of catching up and spitting out all before them. Kelly and the young rowing boys in the 10m bunch did put up a fight, and you could sense they were trying to hold us off as long as they could. They finally did succumb at the end of the second lap.
Into the last corner and last bit of wind, the remnants of the 8m group, combined with Kelly and his boys were setting themselves up for the finish. Finally in the shadow of the shelter belts, Deano took off with a blast taking Greg & Stephen with him. Deano died after about 100m, but the gap had been created. Stephen & Greg stormed to the line with a half wheel win to Greg at the finish. Unbeknown to us (and luckily so) the 4m Boys had swallowed up the rest, spat them out and were not far from chasing us down, the end result being the impressive old Steve Neil crossing for 3rd right on our tails.
Thanks to Talbot, Raewyne and Gordon Oakley for Officiating and ensuring another enjoyable night. Only 2 more evenings till Christmas shutdown, so if you haven’t, then try to get out for a great nights ride before then.
15 Minutes
Talbot Munro
Mark Kocura
Yvonne Manson
10 Minutes
Kelly Shaw
Matt Shaw
Nathan Thompson
Garry Burt
8 Minutes
Dean Roberts
Stephen Lewis (2nd)
Jess Dean
Deirdre Lack
Greg Thompson (1st)
Peter Cook
Richard Fowler
Natasha Collins
Nathan Oakley
4 Minutes
Andy Collins
Nik Ansorge)
Glen Carabine
Steve Neil (3rd)
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Thursday Night Race Report – 27th November, 2014
Numbers were way down with people resting up for the Taupo Cycle Challenge on Saturday, but 14 people still came along for a good night of racing. Talbot cut a stylish figure in his new bike jersey, carefully colour co-ordinated with his bike. Mark K spent a moment of time with the ground after an aggressive cornering manoeuvre, but bounced back with only a small amount of blood spilt. Deirdre bravely led the 8 minute group from the start line and was putting a few attacks on the bunch during the race. Mark I saved his attack for a bit closer to the finish line. Nik, Glen and Andrew were able to overcome a four minute gap to ride past all of the other groups and take the podium positions, and while Nik won the race, Glen won the race to the chocolate bars.
Talbot Munro
Mark Kocura
Joe Harris
8 Minutes
Mark Ireland
Deirdre Lack
Greg Thompson
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
Natasha Collins
5 Minutes
Andy Collins
Courteney Lowe
1 Minute
Nik Ansorge (1st)
Glen Carabine (2nd)
Andrew Lloyd (3rd)
Thursday Night Race Report – 20th November, 2014
Despite a few of our regulars going AWOL and a wind strong enough to pull the horns off an ox, a near record peloton of 34 riders came along, cementing Maketu race night as the place to be on a Thursday. With Talbot and Mark away people were left to self-handicap with a reasonable degree of success. During the race the groups disestablished and reformed to suit the requirements of the individuals, 8 minute riders joined with 10 minute riders, 3’s went with 1’s, 5’s with 8’s, 15’s joined with 3’s. Cornering from Maketu road into Kaituna road was interesting, with the wind making the front end of the bike a bit light on exiting the corner. Kevin missed his departure time due to an extended warm up and started midway between the 8’s and the 5’s. Steve Neill was able to punch his way to the front to take the top of the podium, followed closing by Shane P. Cole, despite his concern at the aerodynamics of his mo, finished off the top 3. Gordon was left in charge of starting, Jackie and Pauline looked after the prize giving.
Yvonne Manson
Jackie Stanton
Mark Kocura
Pauline Schrafft
Joe Harris
Russell Jackman
10 Minutes
Neil Barback
James Wilkins
Robby Stewart
Wayne Harris
Richard Fowler
Simon Wells
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
David Baker
Pete Newton
Barry Pierce
Nathan Oakley
Katrina Tulip
Jess Dean
Kevin Jensen
5 Minutes
Shane Plummer (2nd)
Ben McLeod
Greg Thompson
Shane McConigly
Courteney Lowe
Steve Neill (1st)
Richard Howl
Cole Burmester (3rd)
Kelly Shaw
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
James Boyd
2 Minutes
Andrew Lloyd
Glen Carabine
Thursday Night Race Report – 13th November, 2014
It was a star-studded night for Maketu racing with international riders and officials coming along to make up the 35 strong peloton. All was good down Kelly road with a humdinger of a tail wind helping everyone get into race mode. Kaituna road knocked people about with the stupendous headwind making each pedal stroke a battle while race numbers stood at 90 degrees to spines. The 15 minute group splintered early in the race and the 10 minute group was able to pick them off one by one until being caught by the 8 minute group. The bunches started coming together in the third lap with the occasional person riding off the back and having to endure one more go at Kaituna road alone. The spectators could see a huge bunch coming up to the finish line rapidly accelerating as the strong riders came to the front to drive the sprint. Kevin had the white line fever and had every molecule leaning towards that finish line with Greg, Stephen and Campbell putting the pressure on for every last metre. Stephen and Campbell were inseparable on the finish line and were jointly awarded third with Kev taking first and Greg in second. Mark looked after handicapping and Talbot looked after the prize giving and always appreciated was Shayne as head cheerleader.
Talbot Munro
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Russell Jackman
Clive Chester
Mark Kocura
10 Minutes
Joe Harris
Wayne Harris
Campbell Browne (3rd
Robby Stewart
Garry Burt
Hinga Marsh
James Wilkins
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Pete Newton
David Baker
Deirdre Lack
Neil Barback
Greg Thompson (2nd)
Jessica Dean
Stephen Lewis (3rd
Kevin Jensen (1st)
5 Minutes
Kelly Shaw
Shane Plummer
Phillip Browne
Cole Burmester
4 Minutes
Courteney Lowe
3 Minutes
Andy Collins
James Boyd
Cullen Browne
Bobby Dean
1 Minute
Glen Carabine
Tom Carter
Andrew Lloyd
Nik Ansorge
Thursday Night Race Report – 6th November, 2014
Gently rolling thunder, lightning strikes, hail storms and a high of 11 degrees put some people off race night, but 17 people still decided to come along and give it a nudge. And what a great night for riding, a passing shower during warm up time had everyone a bit nervous, but the sun came out, we were stripped down to only 3 layers of clothing and not a puff of wind. Groups were rearranged due to a smaller number of riders,this gave Ben and Jess a promotion to the 5 minute group. Stephen turned up a wee bit late and rode the course backwards until he found a group to ride with (10 minute group). Garry made his return to racing after an extended injury hiatus. The 10 minute group was working well together and caught Mark and Steffi halfway through the first lap. Jackie managed to hold off the attack a bit longer and was caught on Kelly road in the second lap. The five and ten minute groups came together at the cow crossing on Te Tumu road in the third lap with Bobby and Ben up off their saddles charging for the finish line and easily winning the sprint with Kev rounding out the podium positions. James Boyd’s night ended in the second lap with a puncture. Pauline was camp mother for the night looking after the prize giving tasks and cheerleading with the McLeod’s.
Mark Kocura
Steffi Dietrich
Jackie Stanton
10 Minutes
Robby Stewart
Garry Burt
James Wilkins
Kevin Jensen (3rd)
Richard Fowler
Wayne Harris
Stephen Lewis
5 Minutes
Kelly Shaw
Jess Dean
Ben McLeod (2nd)
Cole Burmester
4 Minutes
Bobby Dean (1st)
James Boyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 31st October, 2014
Metservice had promised gusts of up to 110 km/h for Thursday and did not fail to deliver, nonetheless, 20 hardy riders still turned up for a jolly good thrashing into the wind. Wind gusts were catching riders out as they rode out past the protection of the shelter belts and moving people across the road. Russell was not enamoured with his Di2 which left him with only 2 gears to choose from. Jim turned up without his bike shoes and had to ride in sneakers, didn’t seem to slow him down at all. Peter was unsure which group to start with, being his first race, and was assigned to the 15 minutes. He managed to ride off the front after about 100 metres and proceeded to do the entire race as an individual time trial (3 times down Kaituna road alone!!) and cruised over the finish line with the peloton in sight. Yvonne had another strong ride despite being left with no support from her group as we all lost the will to ride another lap into the wind. The best fought sprint of the night was between Natasha and Cole for second and third place. Cole took off with Natasha hot on his wheels and it looked like Natasha might just have the top end speed to take the sprint, but Cole won by about a tyre width.
15 minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Russell Jackman
Yvonne Manson
Peter Cook (1st)
Mark Kocura
10 minutes
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Simon Wells
Robby Stewart
Jim Smith
Kevin Jensen
8 minutes
Natasha Collins (3rd)
Mark Ireland
Ben McLeod
Neil Barback
Cole Burmester
3 minutes
Andy Collins
Shane Plummer
James Boyd
Thursday Night Race Report – 23 October, 2014
Ominous black clouds and rain during the warm up lap looked certain to drive the riders away to the pub, but the rain stopped just in time and 30 riders were able to race. A nice distribution of riders ensured that no group had less than four people to battle into the headwind down Kaituna road. Russell made a brief cameo appearance before disappearing again. Pauline and Cole both made the step up to a faster group, Mark and Stephen dropped back and kept the pace up in the 8 minute group. Talbot had a master strategy for the 15 minute group; most of the riders rolled their way through the race course until being caught by a snowball of the faster groups who had been rapidly combining along Maketu road on the last lap. And then it was on! 28 riders all pushing hard for the finish line with everyone desperate to hold on and not face the head wind alone. A couple of people emptied drink bottles to try and get that slight advantage for the finishing sprint (300g saved Jim?). Riders started to drop as the pace got faster and faster toward the finish, but in the end Cullen powered off to take the win followed by Shane and Andy.
15 Minutes
Amelia Fleming
Talbot Munro
Yvonne Manson
Joe Harris
Jackie Stanton
Campbell Browne
10 Minutes
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
Pauline Schrafft
James Wilkins
8 Minutes
Natasha Collins
Nathan Oakley
Wayne Harris
Deirdre Lack
Jess Dean
David Baker
Mark Ireland
Stephen Lewis
Russell Jackman
5 Minutes
Gordon Oakley
Katrina Tulip
Kelly Shaw
Jim Smith
Cole Burmester
Rick Emerson
Shane Plummer (2nd)
3 Minutes
Andy Collins (3rd)
Cullen Browne (2nd)
Bobby Dean
James Boyd
______________________________________
Thursday Night Race Report – 16 October, 2014
Benign weather conditions with not too much wind and 29 riders spread across the groups made for a hot pace at the Maketu race night. Racing snakes Joe and Campbell were putting the hurts on the 15 minute group, dropping people off around the course until only Talbot was left with the speed to keep up with them. When the combined 8, 5 and 3 minute group came along, Joe and Campbell were off, weaselling into the gaps and holding on to the group until the end. Stephen’s run of bad luck is over! He finished strongly at the pointy end of the bunch, tubes intact. It was a great night to be watching the finish. Andy, Rick and Bobby fought aggressively for the finish line with Andy taking the overall honours for the night.
15 Minutes
Joe Harris
Jackie Stanton
Talbot Munro
Yvonne Manson
Krystal Walker
Greg Walker
Campbell Browne
10 Minutes
James Wilkins
Robby Stewart
8 Minutes
Wayne Harris
Deirdre Lack
Jess Dean
Peter McLeod
Cole Burmester
5 Minutes
Kelly Shaw
Shane Plummer
Steve Neill
Stephen Lewis
Allan Giles
3 Minutes
Andy Collins (1st)
Rick Lowe (2nd)
Bobby Dean (3rd)
Rick Emerson
Jim Smith
James Boyd
0 Minutes
Cullen Browne
Andrew Lloyd
Aiden Dunster
Glen Carabine
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Thursday Night Race Report – 9th October, 2014
A high spirited bunch of 34 riders arrived for the second race of the season. Conditions were much improved on last week’s race with no rain in sight and a friendlier head wind on Kaituna Road, although Deirdre has requested that Talbot sort out the abundant bugs.
The 8 and 5 minute groups proved to be popular for the majority of the riders, eventually a leviathan of a group, made up of 8, 5 and 2 minute riders went charging through the start/finish line into the third lap. Everyone was working hard to hold onto the bunch but riders were spitting out the back as the rubber band just stretched a bit too far. The women in the race (Pauline, Natasha, Deidre, Jess and Katrina) were having a fantastic night; all rode hard and finished well. Tom was given the unenviable task of chasing down the large groups by himself. Stephen ended his night early with a puncture. Aiden and Andrew comfortably took first and second, Andy charged out of the pack to claim third and his chocolate bar.
15 minutes
Talbot Munro
Joe Harris
Robby Stewart
Russell Jackman
Pauline Schrafft
Raewyne Cathie
10 minutes
Gordon Oakley
Nathan Oakley
James Wilkins
8 minutes
Dave McLaren
Cole Burmester
Peter McLeod
Natasha Collins
Deirdre Lack
Neil Barback
Wayne Harris
Brendan Walker
Jess Dean
Kevin Jensen
5 minutes
Dean Roberts
Jim Smith
Andy Collins (3rd)
David Baker
Mark Ireland
Kelly Shaw
Katrina Tulip
Stephen Lewis
James Boyd
2 minutes
Mark Carter
Bobby Dean
Aiden Dunster (1st)
Andrew Lloyd (2nd)
Glen Carabine
1 minute
Tom Carter
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Thursday Night Race Report – 2nd October, 2014
21 riders came out for the first night of the Maketu Summer Racing series. Conditions were not great with the usual head wind down Kaituna road and the threat of rain imminent throughout the race. Luckily enough, the rain didn’t come in until prize giving had finished.
Talbot had a better offer this week, so Raewyne was in charge of handicapping and starting. There were a few noobs, but the groups were sorted very well. The 15 minute group weren’t caught until the end of the second lap, at which point Robby decided he had had enough and wanted a beer. Pauline missed the start for the 15’s and had to bundle in with the 8 minute group this week. Stephen found a patch of loose gravel in the second lap and went down; fortunately he got away with some bruising and hopefully not too much other damage. The triathlon guys dominated the podium positions, with Andrew and Aiden taking 1st and 2nd positions and Glen rounding out the top three.
Jackie Stanton
Robby Stewart
Yvonne Manson
8 minutes
Jim Smith
Jess Dean
James Wilkins
David Baker
Neil Barback
Pauline Schrafft
5 minutes
Mark Ireland
Allan Giles
Steve Neill
Kelly Shaw
Katrina Tulip
Stephen Lewis
Dean Roberts
Andy Collins
2 minutes
Glen Carabine (3rd)
Bobby Dean
Andrew Lloyd (1st)
Aiden Dunster (2nd)
Thursday Night Racing – 27th March, 2014
We had beautiful, slightly chilly weather with the slight head wind directly down Kaituna Road for the last night of racing this season. Russell had swept the first corner and Greg and Rachel de-rocked the road prior to race start. Bobby turned up on the start line fresh from his pre-race run. Pauline took noob Simone under her wing and the 15 minute group had a very enjoyable final ride. At one stage we got the call that a car was coming, but discovered it was the 2 minute group flying past. Stephen got a bit loose in the 5 minute bunch when AGAIN he ate a bug (3 weeks in a row was it?). Matt W continued his strong run jumping onto the 5 minute group when they went past. During the final sprint Greg and Rachel found themselves boxed in and Jim elbowed his way to the front to take the win. Stacey looked after the starting, Raewyne and Shayne cheered everyone on.
Everyone put on their dignified pants and we headed to Molly’s for dinner. First round of drinks was on Seeka (cheers Jim!).
15 minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Simone Aldridge
Colin Loker
12 minutes
Talbot Munro
Regina Ansorge
Krystal Walker
Michelle Barnsley
Timmy Ansorge
Russell Jackman
8 minutes
Robby Stewart
Matt Walker
Natasha Collins
5 minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (2nd)
Kelly Shaw
Mark Ireland (3rd)
Jim Smith (1st)
Rainer Ansorge
Stephen Lewis
2 minutes
Terry Hart
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
Matt Gillan
________________________________________
Thursday Night Racing – 20th March, 2014
The penultimate night of racing had 24 riders make it through the road works to enjoy reasonably friendly wind conditions. Unfortunately the road was in need of a good sweep after the weekend’s wind and there were four punctures (Bobby, Paddi, Greg and Rachel x 2). Colin and Stephen were held up at the Kaituna Bridge, arrived late and rode anti-clockwise until they picked up their respective groups. But tonight was all about the 12 minute group. Pauline, fresh from the velodrome, was putting her new skills into practice and just flying along. Russell was the motivation behind the group when he realised that the 12’s had a chance to take out the win, coming down Te Tumu road he was shouting at us all to go faster and hold off the massive combined bunch coming up quickly behind. Team Ansorge put the pace on and were able to find enough speed for Tim and Jessica to come in first and second. Talbot had the handicapping spot on and the majority of riders finished within seconds of the leaders. Matt Gillan’s Mum, Stacey, managed the starting. Raewyne brought Easter eggs for everyone!
Next week is the last night of racing. If it is raining we will be meeting at Molly’s in Te Puke at 6pm for dinner, otherwise race night as usual and then off to Molly’s for the after match function.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton (3rd)
Krystal Walker
Raewyne Cathie
12 minutes
Talbot Munro
Pauline Schrafft
Paddi Thurlow
Tim Ansorge (1st)
Jessica Ansorge (2nd)
Regina Ansorge
Russell Jackman
8 minutes
Robby Stewart
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Matt Walker
5 minutes
Greg and Rachel Kilgour
Paul Bowker
Rainer Ansorge
2 minutes
Bobby Dean
Andy Collins
Joshua Collins
Matt Gillan
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Thursday Night Racing – 13th March, 2014
26 riders came out to enjoy the lightly cow fragranced 5 knot northerly and the pace was ON! It was a great night for the spectators watching bunch after bunch fly past. No-one was waving or smiling tonight, there were a lot of gritted teeth and pained looks as everyone busted their butts to stay in the group. Michelle took a step up to the next group on her very racy demo bike supplied by Victor at Hedgehogs and had a fantastic race. Both Joe and Michelle were able to finish with the main chase bunch. Kelly had a very unfortunate body mechanical and succumbed to cramp putting an end to his race. Theo and Cullen had a spectacular finish, putting the pace on for what seemed like a ridiculous distance and fighting hard all the way to the line. Cullen was just able to take the win by less than half a wheel. Not long after the huge combined bunch came through, but nothing was getting between Andy and his chocolate and he took out the final podium spot. Wayne took care of the starting and last minute registrations until the watchful eye of Raewyne. Russell once again had the first corner looking immaculate by sweeping up all the stones pre-race, much appreciated thanks Russell.
Only 2 more weeks of racing for this season and on the last night there will be the annual dinner at Mollys in Te Puke.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill
Colin Loker
12 minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton (DNF)
Matt Walker
Russell Jackman
Regina Ansorge
Clive Chester
Jessica Ansorge
10 minutes
Pauline Schrafft
Michelle Barnsley
Paddi Thurlow
Joe Harris
8 minutes
Robby Stewart
Natasha Collins
Richard Fowler
Rainer Ansorge
5 minutes
Kelly Shaw (DNF)
Steve Neil
Stephen Lewis
Paul Bowker
2 minutes
Andy Collins (3rd)
Joshua Collins
Theo Wright (2nd)
Cullen Browne (1st)
0 minutes
Glen Carabine
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Thursday Night Racing – 6th March, 2014
A 5 – 10 knot easterly zephyr and quality handicapping by Talbot made a great night of racing for the 26 riders who came out last night. Natasha was back stronger than ever from her successful racing break, and noob Tim had a very successful night. Jims minor mechanical (gear lever fell off and brakes stuck on) sent him home early. Greg and Rachel had some shifting issues and garnered sympathy from Paul as he rode past them. The 12 minute group picked up the 15’s in the second lap and all rode together until the attack from the combined 5 and 10 minute group. Joe and Michelle were able to hold on with the 5 and 10’s until the end and Mark took the win.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill
Tim Ansorge
Jessica Ansorge
12 minutes
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Russell Jackman
Joe Harris
Regina Ansorge
Clive Chester
Michelle Barnsley
10 minutes
Robby Stewart
Mary Van Huysen
Pauline Schrafft
Paddi Thurlow
Wayne Harris
Natasha Collins
5 Minutes
Mark Ireland (1st)
Jim Smith (DNF)
Rainer Ansorge
Paul Bowker (2nd)
Stephen Lewis
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (3rd)
2 minutes
Andy Collins
Josh Collins
Theo Wright
Matt Gillan
________________________________________
Thursday Night Racing – 20th February, 2014
24 riders came out to enjoy possibly the best wind conditions we’ve had all season, very slight head wind on Kelly road and tiny tail wind down Kaituna road. Mike and Jackie had the luxury of an extra rider joining their group, Ray, and were able to share the work load until being caught by the 12 minute group in the second lap. Jim and Simon made a break from the 8 minute group early on in the race. The 3 and 5 minute groups combined and charged like a rhino around the course, picking up stragglers and spitting them out the back. Bobby made a break for the finish at the Te Tumu bridge but was caught by the bunch right near the end and was pipped for line honours by Clinton.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill
Ray Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
12 minutes
Clive Chester
Wayne Olver (DNF)
Pauline Schrafft
Michelle Barnsley
10 minutes
Talbot Munro (DNF)
Russell Jackman (DNF)
Paddi Thurlow
8 minutes
Simon Wells
Robby Stewart (DNF)
Wayne Harris
Jim Smith
5 minutes
Gordon Oakley
Kelly Shaw
Greg & Rachel (3rd)
Quintan Moore
Pete Newton
Barry Pearson
Rainer Ansorge
3 minutes
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean (2nd)
Clinton Stanshall (1st)
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Thursday Night Racing – 13th February, 2014
The weather conditions weren’t too bad last night for the 25 riders who came out. Talbot was out fishing so Mark, Mike and Jackie had a go at handicapping, the 4 minute group was a popular choice, everyone likes to ride with Greg and Rachel on the tandem! Mike pulled out with a knee injury just before the start and looked after the starting of the bunches. Pauline and Mary rode strongly and weren’t caught until the third lap when they jumped on with Rainer and Sue. The scratch bunch split up and Heath, Glen and Bobby charged around the race track and took the podium honours. Shane had the misfortune of a puncture on the first lap of his first race. Good to see everyone stayed upright this week.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill (DNS)
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Mary Van Huysen
9 minutes
Simon Wells
Joe Harris
Wayne Harris
Sue Galpin
4 minutes
Stewart Turner
Warren Crombie
Stephen Lewis
Shane McConigly
Rainer Ansorge
Mark Ireland
Quintan Moore
Kelly Shaw
Gordon Oakley
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (Tandem)
3 minutes
Andy Collins
Joshua Collins
0 minutes
Heath Lett (1st)
Grant Lyon
Glen Carabine (2nd)
Theo Wright
Bobby Dean (3rd)
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Thursday Night Racing – 6th February, 2014
Report courtesy of Jackie Stanton…..thanks
Oooh lordy, race night was a bit more exciting than we would like tonight.
23 riders came along on Waitangi day, to face a stiff south easterly making for some very high speeds along Kaituna road. The three minute group was able to hit speeds of around 55 kph. Unfortunately this tail wind proved the undoing of the 12 minute group. The group was flying along and unfortunately Clive was not able to slow down quite enough to make the corner into Te Tumu Road with reports of his bike cartwheeling through the air and a destroyed helmet and bike in the process. Russell and Pauline also hit the ground while Mary managed to avoid disaster and stay upright. Skin was lost, but thankfully no broken bones or serious injuries. The rest of the racers were able to stay upright and there was a good battle between Greg and Rachel, Quintan and Stephen for the podium honours. The DNF’s were quite plentiful tonight; the thought of pushing into the wind on Kelly road was just a bit too much for some of us. Mark, Mike and Jackie looked after handicapping whilst Talbot was away, and Mike ran prize giving, while Jackie patched up Clive.
Don’t forget the race at Paengaroa on Saturday the 8th, kick off at 2pm, register by 1:45pm.
15 minutes
Mike Attrill (DNF)
Jackie Stanton (DNF)
12 minutes
Mary Van Huysen (DNF)
Pauline Schrafft (DNF)
Clive Chester (DNF)
Russell Jackman (DNF)
8 minutes
Andy Phelps
Randal Warner (DNF)
Graeme Rodly (DNF)
Joe Harris
Robby Stewart (DNF)
Quintan Moore (2nd)
Wayne Harris
5 minutes
Greg Thompson
Greg and Rachel (1st)
Mark Ireland
Warren Crombie
Jim Dowsett
Stephen Lewis (3rd)
3 minutes
Theo Wright
Joshua Collins
Andy Collins
1 minute
Tom Carter
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Thursday night racing 30th January
Better conditions tonight with 10 knot NE breeze on our right shoulders coming down Kaituna Rd. 28 entries.
Thanks to all the well-meant advice the handicapping worked out pretty good with the podium filled by riders from three different start groups.
As usual the limit bunch were reeled in early in the second lap but the 12 min weren’t caught until late in the third lap by the combined 5 and 8 min riders.
Greg and Rachel, on the tandem, were working this bunch into medal contention and had a 20 second lead over the chasing break bunch at the turn into Te Tumu Rd with 2km to go. Grant, dragging the front his bunch home, caught them on the line and took the win from the tandem with Stewart driving through for third.
There will be a race next Thursday on Waitangi Day.
Starting order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton
Colin Loker
Off 12 mins
Talbot Munro
Pauline Schrafft
Russell Jackman
Campbell Browne
Phillip Browne
Off 8 mins
Stewart Turner (3rd)
Natasha Collins
Robby Stewart
Richard Fowler
Paddi Thurlow
Off 5 mins
Greg and Rachel (2nd)
Mark Ireland
Kelly Shaw
Jim Dowsett
Off 1 min
Grant Lyons (1st)
Andy Collins
Josh Collins
Clinton Stanshall
Bobby Dean
Greg Taylor
Cullen Browne
Amanda Jamieson
Terry Hart
Off plus 1 min
Glen Carabine
Tom Carter (DNF-gear problems)
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Thursday night racing 23rd January 2014
Once again the weather gods conspired up a vicious headwind down Kaituna Rd and it was only the large 7 min bunch that worked together well enough to produce the place getters. Unfortunately break and scratch could not bridge the gap and finished in the same order.
Nice to welcome previous member Warren Crombie, back for a few weeks from his new home in Scotland. Warren rides the new velodrome in Edinburgh built for the next Commonwealth Games and suggests our riders should become qualified for and enjoy the Cambridge velodrome.
Tonight’s winner, Dean, was riding a single speed bike!! He brushed off suggestions that it gave him a weight advantage and obviated all the stresses of deciding what gear to be in!!
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton (donated vegetables and herbs from her garden)
Off 12 mins
Wayne Harris (Joe’s Dad)
Joe Harris (Managed to stay with the 7 min for a while when caught)
Talbot Munro (DNF-tired)
Michelle Barnsley (DNF-even more tired)
Off 10 mins
Robby Stewart
Natasha Collins
Neil Barback (Started here to help but stayed close to 7 min when caught)
Off 7 mins
Dean Litolff (1st)
Warren Crombie (2nd)
Rainer Ansorge (3rd)
Gordon Oakley
Mark Ireland (DNF-cramp)
Bernie Ryan (DNF-Puncture)
Off 2 mins
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
Josh Collins
Off 0 mins
Nik Ansorge
Tom Carter
________________________________________
Race Report – 16th January, 2014
As usual the stronger riders were less affected and Bobby Dean cleared out from scratch to win by over a minute from Andy and Paul.
What was left of the peloton crossed soon after but I counted 5 riders who pulled out and some notable riders who were dropped but manfully carried on.
Better weather next week we hope.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton
Off 12 mins
Clive Chester
Michelle Barnsley
Talbot Munro
Wayne Olver
Off 10 mins
Simon Wells
Robby Stewart
Neil Barback
Natasha Collins
Off 7 mins
Paul Bowker (3rd)
Mark Ireland
Gordon Oakley
Dean Roberts
Josh Collins
Off 5 mins
Bobby Dean (1st)
Andy Collins (2nd)
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
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Thursday 19th November
Some rejigging of the handicaps produced exciting racing where, as last week, all the groups came together on the entry to Kaituna Rd on the final lap. The scratch bunch worked well together to blast past the combined other groups to run out clear winners with Glen getting one back over Nik and Heath holding out Tom for third.
The secret to them winning seems that they ride faster! Simple really.
The girls all receive special mention this week with Paddi really mixing it with combined peloton, Jackie hanging on to the faster group when lapped, and Pauline and Regina doing more than their share of the work in chasing down the limit bunch. OK Rachel you did good too!
In the 5m group the young Johnson boys rode very well, strong & long pulls and really contributing heaps to this bunch. Jimmy rode so hard, after his premature sprint for the finish line, pulled up about 100m short and had a chuck on the side of the road, then rode to the finish….what a legend!
Thanks to Seeka Kiwifruit Industries for hosting the BBQ and to Stephen, Regina and Jackie for cooking the sausages. And Jackie for her Banana Cake
Racing will probably restart on 9th January but this will be confirmed in the club newsletter.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
Brent Scown (welcome back)
Jackie Stanton
Off 12 mins
Joe Harris (much improved effort)
Wayne Harris (I think I'll pull out-nah!)
Pauline Schrafft
Regina Ansorge
Talbot Munro
Off 10 mins
Paddi Thurlow
Richard Fowler
Robby Stewart
Off 8 mins
Matthew Johnson
Rainer Ansorge
Jim Smith
Off 5 mins
James Johnson (had a little rest)
Charles Johnson
Josh Collins
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Stephen Lewis
Off 2 mins
Andy Collins
Terry Hart
Bobby Dean
Off -1 mins
Glen Carabine (1st)
Nik Ansorge (2nd)
Heath Lett (3rd)
Tom Carter
Thursday 12th November
Thursday Night Race Report – 28th November, 2013
(courtesy of Jackie Stanton)
Only eleven riders came out tonight, everyone else was busy carbo loading for Taupo on Saturday. There was a good north westerly of around twenty knots giving everyone a bit of grief on Kaituna Road. Andy decided to give his time trial bike a run this week and caught the ten minute group but decided against sprinting for the finish. Talbot found a piece of glass embedded in his tyre and had to pull out of the race. Joe rode well and held on to the ten minute group until very late in the third lap. Chris won comfortably and left Joshua and Richard to battle for second and third. Mike and Raewyne decided that two laps was plenty in the wind and came in early to enjoy the social side of Thursday nights. Wayne, Shayne and Jackie provided support from the sideline. Russell is keeping the intersection into Kelly Road immaculate with regular sweeping.
Don’t forget club champs on the 7th of December.
15 minutes:
Raewyne Cathie (2 laps)
Mike Attrill (2 laps)
10 minutes:
Chris Mitchell (1st)
Joshua Collins (2nd)
Richard Fowler (3rd)
Natasha Collins
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro (DNF, puncture)
Joe Harris
Russell Jackman
4 minutes:
Andy Collins
Thursday Night TeTumu Road Racing Report 21st Novemner
22 riders on a fine windless night.
The benign conditions helped the middle order riders pick up the 10 min and limit riders in the second lap and they also stayed away from the chasing scratch bunch. Pauline and Joe proved especially hard to reel in and surprisingly, scratch caught and passed the break but could not quite get on the leading group. Strong rides on the night from Paddi, Joe, Robby, winner Jim, and new rider Gerard who secured 3rd place.
Starting Order:-
Off 12 min
Pauline Schrafft
Joe Harris
Off 10 min
Paddi Thurlow
Regina Ansorge
Talbot Munro (DNF-tired and had to do the paper work)
Wayne Harris (DNF still injured)
Off 8 min
Jim Smith (1st)
Rainer Ansorge (2nd)
Gerard Eagar (3rd)
Stewart Turner
Andy Phelps
Robby Stewart
Neil Barback
Chris Mitchell
David McLaren
Simon Wells (DNF-puncture)
Off 4 min
Mark Ireland
Kelly Shaw
Stephen Lewis
Off 2 min
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
James Boyd
Thursday Night TeTumu Road Racing Report 14th Novemner
A fine night for cycling with light winds was enjoyed by 31 riders many of whom will have set a PB for this course.
The large 9 min group quickly settled into their work and reeled in the limit riders on the first lap. Willie, David and Neil tried to get the rotation going but eventually the pace making fell to the five or six stronger riders in the bunch. I received a plea from riders for the pace maker to move to the windy side of the road, without crossing the centreline, so that the peloton can stack off to leeward and get more protection.
The largish 5 min group caught up going into the last 5 kms and stripped the faster riders off the 9 min bunch to hold out the break riders and Nik off scratch. David Mclaren will be riding off 5 mins next week!
Stephens comments from the 5m group….”near flawless ride, two line of riders rotating seamlessly with everyone pulling their weight…top effort.”
We welcome several new faces and hope they enjoyed the event.
Mike, Jackie and an injured Martin Horne were the starters. Great to see Martin out and about (still with crutches), and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Remember the Club Champs are on the 7th December, so get your membership renewals in, or join the the club, and come racing on Thursdays to hone your skills.
Starting Order:-
Off 12 min
Raewyne Cathie
Joe Harris
Pauline Schrafft
Michelle Barnsley
Off 9 min
David McLaren (3rd)
Natasha Collins
Joshua Collins
Wayne Harris
Simon Wells
Andy Phelps
Talbot Munro
Willie Bos
James Bos
Paddi Thurlow
Russell Jackman
Robby Stewart
Stewart Turner
Neil Barback
Off 5 min
Kelly Shaw (1st)
Mark Ireland (2nd)
Dean Roberts
Amy Marshall
Gordon Oakley
Jim Smith
Chris Mitchell
Stephen Lewis
Paul Bowker
Off 3 min
Andy Collins
Bobby Dean
James Boyd
Off 1 min
Nik Ansorge
Thursday night racing 31st October 2013
A combination of cold, unpleasant winds and people resting up before K2 saw numbers attending the Te Tumu race fall to half what they have been the rest of the season so far.
Jim Smith forgot his helmet and had to make a call to get one delivered - with it arriving only 30 seconds before his bunch was due to start.
Paul Bowker arrived late, so headed off in the other direction to pick up the bunch on their first lap. He took out the final sprint from Andy, but was excluded from the prizes, as he had not started with them.
Thanks to Jackie for doing the handicapping and Mike Attrill for organising the race.
Paul Bowker
Andy Collins - 55.20
Richard Fowler - 58.38
Jim Smith - ST
Chris Mitchell - ST
Neil Barbeck - ST
Robby Stewart - ST
Pauline Schrafft - 1.02.05
Dave McLaren - 1.03.05
Paddi Thurlow - 1.06.37
Natasha Collins - 1.05.32
Russell Jackman - 1.06.08
Yvonne Manson - 1.06.29
Jackie Stanton - DNF
Kevin Jensen - DNF
Thursday night racing 24th October 2013
Another good turnout, with 30 riders lining up for the off.
Jackie and Wayne helped to tweak the handicapping a little with some excellent input as they had had spent some time setting out a pre-start order since last Thursday.
Mervyn set off without fanfare at about 20 mins on his new bike! Unfortunately he was reeled in by the splintered 12 min bunch who were also caught by the breakaway from the 9 min. This combined group worked together but could not hold out the 3 min who caught and passed them with half a lap to go.
James Olvanhill, off scratch and riding alone, could not quite bridge the gap to the leaders.
Neil, Pauline, and Paddi are continuing to show big improvements in form over last season and Clinton has a leaner look.
Mike and Raewyne were the starters.
Starting Order:-
Off 20 min
Mervyn Stewart
Off 12 min
Russell Jackman
Pauline Schrafft
John Fowler
Joe Harris
Yvonne Manson
Talbot Munro
Jackie Stanton
Off 9 min
Richard Fowler
Jessica Ansorge
Regina Ansorge
Bill Yuill
Neil Barback
Andy Phelps
Dean Roberts
Wayne Harris
Natasha Collins
Robby Stewart
Paddi Thurlow
Keith Thompson
Sarah Blackie
Off 5 min
Mark Ireland
Willie Bos
Kelly Shaw
Off 3 min
Tom Carter (1st)
Clinton Stanshall (2nd)
Andy Collins (3rd)
James Boyd
Bobby Dean
Off 1 min
James Olvanhill
Report courtesy of Jackie Stanton…..cheers Jackie
Thursday Night Race Report – 17th October, 2013
29 riders came out to endure yet another rip snorting westerly of around 20 knots this week.
Temporary handicappers Mike and Jackie had a go at spreading the riders over the groups but somehow still ended up with a 10 minute behemoth.
The podium positions were taken out by a combined 3 and 5 minute group, Tom comfortably in the lead chased down by Bobby and Andy C.
Joe very nearly dropped his race number into his cassette, but managed to save it and jumped back in with the 10 minute group. Kevin turned up somewhere in the second lap to give the 10 minute group a new leader. School girls Natasha and Jessica are both riding really well. There were a few new faces as well.
Starting Order:
15 mins
Mike Attrill
Merv Stewart
Yvonne Manson
12 mins
Pauline Schrafft
Jackie Stanton
Joe Harris
Heather Johnston
10 mins
Bob Yuill
Richard Fowler
Natasha Collins
Regina Ansorge
Jessica Ansorge
Andy Phelps
Robby Stewart
Rob Croser
Wayne Harris
John Fowler
Simon McLaughlin
Kevin Jensen
5 mins
Jim Smith
Steve Neill
Keith Thompson
Bobby Dean (2nd)
Kelly Shaw
3 mins
Tony Fairweather
Andy Collins (3rd)
James Boyd
Tom Carter (1st)
0 mins
Nik Ansorge
Thursday night racing 10 October 2013
A stiff westerly of around 16 knots did not deter 30 riders fronting up to do battle.
As I am the handicapper I can criticize my poor efforts in regards to the 10 min bunch which was too big and too diverse in abilities which caused the bunch to break up into three distinct sub bunches very early in the first lap. I will try to split this group more equitably next week. It does beg the question though, that the event probably requires a suitably qualified handicapper who is not also trying to ride as well. Any volunteers???
The rest of the bunches were well enough sorted as the place getters all came from the 5 min bunch who only caught the front of the 10 min as they entered Te Tumu Rd for last time and the scratch and limit riders were less than 100m adrift at the line.
Raewyne was the starter and Mike got the start truck there on time. Paddi had the misfortune to have her race No fall off and get caught in her back wheel when she was footing it with the front runners.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
John Fowler
Jackie Stanton
Mervyn Stewart
Off 10 min
Talbot Munro
Natasha Collins
Pauline Schrafft
Stewart Turner
Richard Fowler
Paddi Thurlow
Neil Barback
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Russell Jackman
Robby Stewart
Andy Phelps
Quinton Moore
Off 5 min
Trevor Stevens (1st)
Tony Tinworth (2nd)
Bobby Dean 3rd)
Paul Bowker
Kelly Shaw
Gordon Oakley
Off 3 min
Andy Collins
Willie Bos
Tony Fairweather
James Boyd
Off 0 min
Tom Carter
James Olvanhill
Off minus 1 min
Nik Ansorge
Thursday Night racing 3rd October 2013
A shake down race to get early season jitters out of the way with 22 starters enjoying a 10 knot NNW breeze.
The scratch riders passed the 6 min bunch on their way to collecting the 10 min late in the second lap. Nik and Simon drew Andy out of the 6 min to finish on the podium.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Joe Harris
Nina Stewart
Mervyn Stewart
Off 10 min
Talbot Munro
Robby Stewart
Randal Warner
Quinton Moore
Wayne Harris
Dave McLaren
Andy Phelps
Jessica Ansorge
Natasha Collins
Kevin Jensen
Off 6 min
Andy Collins (2nd)
Paul Bowker
Jim Smith
Stewart Turner
Rainer Ansorge
Kelly Shaw
Off 3 min
Nik Ansorge (1st)
Simon Croom (3rd)
Thursday Night racing 28st March 2013
Another great night for the last race of the summer with 30 entrants fronting up.
Thursday Night racing 21st March 2013
Another brilliant night for racing enjoyed by 25 starters.
Thursday Night racing 14th March 2013
The conditions keep improving as the season draws to a close and 22 riders took advantage of a gentle northerly to keep posting improving times.
The benign conditions benefited the limit riders to the detriment of the chasers and Wayne held out all challengers to take the win from Garry, and Wayne's 13 year old son, Joe. It was Joe's first podium finish and thoroughly deserved.
It is difficult to comment on the 3 and 5 min groups as they failed to make contact tonight. Michelle continues to impress with her speed and stickability and Tony must have one of the most compact riding styles in the club. He rode the whole race on the drops and did a power of work in the 10 min bunch.
The final night for Thursday night racing will be on 28th March followed by a social get together at Molly O'Connors in Te Puke. Although daylight saving does not end until 7th April, the club has decided it will be too dark to run a race on the 4th April.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Joe Harris (3rd)
Colin Loker
Katie Jones (it's a long way round there)
Clive Chester
Michelle Barnsley
Off 10 min
Wayne Harris (1st)
Garry Burt (2nd)
Tony Beal
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro
Neil Barback
Hinga Marsh
Quintan Moore (two laps)
Raewyne Cathie (one lap)
Off 5 min
Kevin Jensen
Mark Ireland
Off 3 min
Andy Collins
Kelly Shaw
Tim Manktelow
Sean O'Brien
Terry Hart
Enrico Luca
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 7th March 2013
A night to savour as the conditions were to everyone's liking tonight with 29 riders enjoying cool conditions and a gentle ENE breeze on our right shoulders down Kaituna Rd.
The handicapping was also spot on as every rider had a shot at glory coming home in the last lap. The limit bunches had combined early and were only caught late in the third which formed an even bigger group heading for the line. Nik was having none of that and came from behind, on a solo ride, to take the win from Sean and Andy who made a welcome return to the podium.
PBs for this course were the order of the day and many of the early riders lifting their effort and sharing the lead in the combined bunch.
Nice to see former member Cyril (over 70!) coming out for a spin and showing that he is still footing it with the much younger riders.
Katie and Bill were the helpers.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Joe Harris
Wayne Harris
Jackie Stanton
Off 12 min
Michelle Barnsley
Pauline Schrafft
Colin Loker
Off 10 min
Simon Wells
Robby Stewart
Rodger Bayly
James Puchner
Talbot Munro
Clive Chester
Neil Barback
Hinga Marsh
Off 6 min
Jim Smith
Mark Ireland
Garry Burt
Stewart Turner
Paul Bowker
Cyril Hibberd
James Wilkins
Rainer Ansorge (Niks Dad)
Off 3 min
Sean O'Brien (2nd)
Andy Collins (3rd)
Terry Hart
Rachel and Greg Kilgour (tandem)
Tim Manktelow
Off 1 min
Nik Ansorge (1st)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Racing 28th February
The road works between Tauranga and Te Puke probably kept the ride-outs away but the reduced number of 19 riders enjoyed a fine nights racing with a gentle breeze from the NW.
________________________________________
Thursday Night Racing 21 February 2013
Warm and only slightly windy conditions bought 32 riders out to Maketu.
With Talbot off boating handicapping was left up to the individuals, but it seemed to work fairly well with the 10 minute group taking all the podium honours after joining up with the 6 minute group.
Phillip and Campbell turned up just as the limit group took off and had to do some hard work to catch back up with their group.
Mike was the starter and judge.
Off 15 min
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Jackie Stanton
Colin Loker
Campbell Browne
Phillip Browne
Off 12 min
Michelle Barnsley
Yvonne Manson
Pauline Schrafft
Off 10 min
Neil Barback
Richard Fowler (1st)
Robbie Stewart
Mary Van Huyson
Douglas Hudson (2nd)
Warren Taylor
Regina Ansorge
Ryan Gregorash
Garry Burt (3rd)
Off 6 min
Jim Smith
Simon Wells
Bernie Ryan
Off 3 min
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Paul Bowker
Kelly Shaw
Off 1 min
Clinton Stanshall
Andy Collins
Terry Hart
Enrico Luca
Theo Wright
Sebastian Wright
Off 0 min
Glen Carabine
Nik Ansorge
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 14th Feb 2013
Valentines Day produced an excellent turnout of 26 entrants to test themselves against the first real South Westerly over the new course.
Nik and Glen took advantage of a more generous handicap to blitz the field and run out clear winners with Andy also taking an easy 3rd off the front of a large bunch that included riders from all other start groups.
Michelle, Neil, and Clive are all showing improvements in form and had the ability to hang on every time they got caught by a faster group. Well done.
Raewyne was the starter.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Jackie Stanton
Ray Schrafft
Mike Attrill
Colin Loker
Wayne Harris
Joe Harris
Off 12 min
Michelle Barnsley
Clive Chester
Pauline Schrafft
Off 10 min
Talbot Munro
Robby Stewart
Neil Barback
Regina Ansorge
Off 3 min
Mark Ireland
Katrina Tulip
Rainer Ansorge
Paul Bowker
Off 1 min
Andy Collins (3rd)
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Kevin Jensen
Enrico Luca
Anneke Jenkins
Kelly Shaw
Stephen Lewis
Off plus 1 min
Nik Ansorge (1st)
Glen Carabine (2nd)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 7th Feb 2013
30 riders took advantage of the benign conditions to set PBs for the new distance.
Once again most of the groups came together in the third lap and worked together to hold out the plus 2 min and scratch riders who couldn't make up the time given away. A shorter handicap may be justified next week for them.
Robbie missed his start because his mother didn't dress him, and went off with the 6 min bunch but got dropped and sat out the second lap.
The finishing sprint contained riders from at least three different start groups and was taken out by Kevin from Phillip and Cullen.
Brent was the grateful winner of the $50 Attrills voucher donated by Seeka Kiwifruit Industries and presented by Jim.
Shane Collins was the starter.
Starting order:-
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Chrissy Rich
Brent Scown
Clive Chester
Colin Loker
Joe Harris
Off 12 min
Jessica Ansorge
Pauline Schrafft
Paddi Thurlow
Off 10 min
Natasha Collins
Regina Ansorge
Talbot Munro
Neil Barback
Hinga Marsh
Off 6 min
Phillip Browne (2nd)
Robby Stewart
Jim Smith
Tony Beal
Paul Bowker
Mark Ireland
Off 3 min
Kevin Jensen (1st)
Cullen Browne (3rd)
Stephen Lewis
Kelly Shaw
Tim Manktelow
Enrico Luca
Off plus 2 min
Sean O'Brien
Andy Collins
Off plus 4 min
Glen Carabine
Nik Ansorge
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 31st January 2013
The new temporary course is proving attractive to the 25 competitors with the three lap format giving extra opportunities to see the riders in front and gauge performance.
Conditions during the race favoured the larger groups who could work together and maintain a high work rate. The 3 min group proved too strong on the night taking out all podium positions and just holding out the chasing Nik and Andy.
The handicapping is settling over the longer distance with the bulk of riders coming together midway through the third lap to give everyone a shot at glory.
Jackie (injured) and Raewyne were the starters and Wayne watched and joked.
Helen drew out her own number to win the $50 Attrills voucher donated by Seeka Kiwifruit Industries and presented by Jim.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Phillip Browne
Helen Browne
Campbell Browne
Michelle Barnsley
Mike Attrill
Off 12 min
Paddi Thurlow
Yvonne Manson
Neil Barback
Off 10 min
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro
Off 6 min
Peter McLeod
Peter Melton
Simon Wells
Jim Smith
Garry Burt
Tony Beal
Dave McLaren
Off 3 min
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem) (1st)
Kelly Shaw (2nd)
Stephen Lewis (3rd)
Kevin Jensen
Off 1 min
Andy Collins
Cullen Browne
James Boyd
Off plus 1 min (plus pumping time)
Nik Ansorge
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 24th January 2013
The new (temporary) course was well received by most of the 19 riders.
This course will continue until the "new" Te Tumu Road is sealed and the intersection of it and Maketu Road is usable by cycles.
The re-jigging of handicaps, to accommodate the extra race distance, was moderately successful but Sean defied all my best efforts by steaming off the front of the 3 min group to ride a solo time trial to clear out the winner. Kevin jumped on him for the tow and held on well enough to trail in only 100 m back with Andy taking out a sprint finish over James for third by the depth of the tyre tread. Most of the others gathered into a peloton from which Natasha dug deep to finish clear in 5th.
Unfortunately Katrina (handicapped 6 min) missed her start but got back on the tail of the 3 min bunch after being dropped earlier.
The three lap course is more spectator friendly so bring your supporters out for the thrill of watching you sweat!
Kevin won the Attrills $50 voucher donated by Seeka Kiwifruit Industries and presented by Jackie.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Michelle Barnsley
Jackie Stanton
Mike Attrill
Off 12 min
Yvonne Manson
Neil Barback
Pauline Schrafft
Off 10 min
Robby Stewart
Natasha Collins
Hinga Marsh (up a grade)
Off 6 min
Kevin Jensen (2nd)
Peter Mcleod
Tony Beal
Garry Burt (up a grade)
Off 3 min
Sean O'Brien (1st)
Mark Ireland
Stephen Lewis
Katrina Tulip
Off 1 min
Andy Collins (3rd)
James Boyd
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night racing 17th January 2013
A very windy night put paid to the aspirations of most of the slower riders but does not seem to affect the faster riders to the same degree.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 10 January 2013
________________________________________
Thursday night racing 20 December 2012
The promise of sausages encouraged 37 riders to turn up for the last race of the year.
Some handicapping adjustments saw the group of death, which usually (unsuccessfully) tries to chase down the leaders and hold out the chasers, fill the podium with Tony Beal, Garry and the ever improving Robby, finish 1,2,3.
Pauline found the step up a bit too tough and, along with Brent and Hinga missed the break led by Tony.
The faster riders can't feel too aggrieved as less than a minute covered the main field on the line and if Grant had not had to retire at the end of the first lap the result could have gone any which way.
Garry was the lucky winner of the $50 voucher from Attrills Cycles donated and presented by Seeka Kiwifruit Industries who also gave Mike a calendar.
23 jovial cyclists told lies and enjoyed the after race BBQ hosted by Seeka and cooked to perfection by Stephen followed by Jackie's cupcakes.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all and we hope all will be back on the 10th January 2013 to race off the Xmas pudding.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Randal Warner
Michelle Barnsley
Jackie Stanton
Joe Harris
Jamie Burt
Colin Loker
Off 13 min
Yvonne Manson
Paddi Thurlow
Clive Chester
Off 11 min
Tony Beal (1st)
Garry Burt (2nd)
Robby Stewart (3rd)
Talbot Munro
Pauline Schrafft
Hinga Marsh
Brent Scown
Off 8 min
Stuart Turner
Dave McLaren
Simon Wells
Hannah Wells
Wayne Harris
Jim Smith
Peter Melton
Off 5 min
Ryan Pratt
Rainer Ansorge
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Stephen Lewis
Mark Ireland
Anneke Jenkins
Off 2 min
Tony Fairweather
Clinton Stanshall
Grant Lyon
James Olvanhill
Andy Collins
Glen Carabine
Off 0 min
Nic Ansorge
------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 13 December 2012
Now come on guys, it is very difficult to write a report when my group spent the whole race trying to get a sight of the limit bunch, who were on a flyer, and, in turn holding out all the chasing bunches.
With 32 riders we may have to introduce more divisions as the bottom of the limit group soon got dropped and the faster bunches could not bridge across the handicaps.
Seeka Kiwifruit industries donated a $50 voucher from Attrills Cycles and Jackie presented it to the lucky winner, Paddi.
The race winners all came from the breakaway off the front of the 15 min group with Tony, Pauline and Paddi all setting themselves up for a harsher handicap next outing.
Next week, being the last race before Christmas, we will have BYO BBQ at the Seeka Packhouse first on the right in Maketu Road immediately after prizegiving. If raining, we will have the BBQ instead of racing, starting about 6.15 pm at the packhouse.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Tony Beal (1st)
Pauline Schrafft (2nd)
Paddi Thurlow (3rd)
Mike Attrill
Joe Harris
Michelle Barnsley
Yvonne Manson
Raewyne Cathie
Jackie Stanton
Nicky Francis
Off 11 min
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro
Errol Watts
Garry Burt
James Puchner
Off 8 mins
Wayne Harris
Jim Smith
Stewart Turner
Katrina Tulip
Peter Melton
Off 5 min
Ryan Pratt
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Jack Wilson
Phillip Browne
Mark Ireland
Off 2 min
Cullen Browne
Kelly Shaw
James Boyd
Andy Collins
Off scratch (0 min)
Clinton Stanshall
Grant Lyon
Nik Ansorge
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 6th December 2012
Dark clouds and threatening rain kept all but the brave away tonight.
Brave Michelle was sent away on the limit start and shortly after the rain bucketed down at the start line. Everyone hid under the trees and the start times were abandoned and then when the rain stopped the tandem and Ryan took off to act as rabbits for a team time trial by Clinton, Grant and Tony who gave them a five minute start. Unfortunately this attempt all unraveled as Clinton suffered two slow leaks and had to pull out. Grant did, however, complete the two laps in 40 mins flat with Tony about 3 secs down.
For the record Greg and Rachel on the tandem crossed ahead of Ryan with Grant a very close third and Michelle who was the only rider to ride the actual race is officially 1st.
Starting Oder:-
Off 18 min
Michelle Barnsley (1st)
others
Mike Attrill (one lap)
Raewyne Cathie (one lap)
Talbot Munro (one lap)
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem)
Ryan Pratt
Andy Collins
Clinton Stanshall (retired)
Grant Lyon
Tony Thorne
_________________________________________
Thursday night racing 29 November 2012
24 riders enjoyed fine and breezy conditions with only 3 more races prior to Christmas.
Andy and James took advantage of the tail wind down Maketu Rd to quickly catch the 8 min bunch and work with them to reel in the other groups on the home straight to record yet another win for Andy with Mark and James Boyd following over the line. Yvonne and Pauline rode strongly to beat all except Peter Mcleod from the chasing 11 min group.
Jackie succumbed to a knee injury aggravated in last Saturdays Taupo ride to call it quits after one lap and Mike just got dropped.
Nice to have Phillip continuing to mentor the under 13 riders and they will soon be moving up the standings.
Mark was the winner of the major spot prize of a $50 Attrills voucher donated by Seeka Kiwifruit Industries and presented by Jackie.
Starting Order:-
Off 18 min
Campbell Browne
Joe Harris
Phillip Browne
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton
Pauline Schrafft
Raewyne Cathie
Yvonne Manson
Russell Jackman
Off 11 min
Talbot Munro
Brent Scown (missed the start-foot fell off pedal twice!)
Robby Stewart
Garry Burt
James Puchner
Peter Puchner
Peter McLeod
Off 8 min
Cullen Browne
Ryan Pratt
Wayne Harris
Kelly Shaw (no helmet!!!)
Kevin Jensen
Mark Ireland (2nd)
Off 3 min
Andy Collins (1st)
James Boyd (3rd)
-----------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 22 November 2012
Entries in tonight's race were down to 16 as Taupo riders elected to rest up for the big event. We hope they all have a good ride and achieve their goals.
The handicapper had another good night with the remnants of the three groups all coming together in the run home along Te Tumu Road.
With an ounce more organization the 11 min bunch might have stayed away and filled the podium spots that instead went to Andy, Greg and Rachel, followed by Bernie.
A strong finish by Mary (15 min) stole 4th spot from Talbot (11 min) on the line.
Jackie was starter and judge.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 min
Mike Attrill
Campbell Browne
Philip Browne
Joe Harris
Mary van Huysen
Raewyne Cathie
Off 11 min
Cullen Browne
Sebastian Wright
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro
Brent Scown
Russell Jackman
Off 5 min
Andy Collins (1st)
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem) (2nd)
Bernie Ryan (3rd)
Mark Ireland
_____________________________
Thursday night racing 15 November 2012
Lowering skies and the threat of rain kept some away but the 23 starting riders enjoyed favourable conditions with a hint of a tail wind along Kaituna Road.
The scratch guys were up against it tonight with the strong 8 min bunch collecting up the limit, and 11 min, early in the second lap and staying away for Rainer, Paul Bowker, and Wayne to stand on the dais.
Being able to jump on the back of these guys gave Regina and James a taste of 37 kph pace and both would have recorded PBs for this event.
Jim Smith, on behalf of Seeka Kiwifruit Industries Ltd, donated and presented the major spot prize of a $50 voucher for products from Attrill Cycles which was won by Russell Jackman.
Stephen helped with the prizes and Peter judged the finish.
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill
Jackie Stanton
Michelle Barnsley
Joe Harris
Off 11 mins
Robby Stewart
Talbot Munro
Regina Ansorge
Garry Burt
James Puchner
Russell Jackman
Peter Puchner (DNS-two punctures before the start)
Off 8 mins
Rainer Ansorge (1st)
Paul Bowker (2nd)
Wayne Harris (3rd)
Katrina Tulip
Jeff Bayley
Kevin Jensen
Stephen Lewis
Jim Smith
Paul Jones
Off 3 mins
Cullen Browne
Kelly Shaw
Andy Collins
-------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 8th November 2012
Following on from last week we had a very good turnout with 29 entrants including one tandem.
It is very satisfying to the organizers to see such close racing which also reflects on the integrity of the riders who largely self seed themselves into the various start groups.
The limit riders broke up fairly early with Yvonne and Jackie holding out until the second lap when they were overtaken by the 11 min bunch who in turn were swallowed up by the 8 min deep into the race.
In turn this combined bunch was joined by the 5 min and scratch riders on the home straight which resulted in a thrilling massed sprint for the line resulting in a dead heat between Greg and Rachel, on the tandem, and Richard. James Boyd came through for third to get on the podium again.
Young James Puchner (13) rode extremely well given his limited experience and showed good pace to get back on the overtaking bunch after his Dad and I got dropped.
Raewyne was the starter and Robbie has a new bike which is much faster!
A reminder that the club champs are on Saturday 1st of December. These races are excellent conditioning for the Champs - get out here!
Starting Order:-
Off 15 mins
Mike Attrill (one lap - sore leg - poor thing)
Michelle Barnsley
Jackie Stanton
Joe Harris
Yvonne Manson
Off 11 mins
Pauline Schraff
Robbie Stewart
Regina Ansorge
Talbot Munro
Peter Puchner
James Puchner
Off 8 mins
Stewart Turner
Wayne Harris
Rainer Ansorge
Peter McLeod
David McLaren
Off 5 mins
Greg and Rachel Kilgour (tandem) (1st=)
Stephen Lewis
Paul Jones
Mark Ireland
Bernie Ryan
Enrico Luca
Off 3 mins
Richard Bates (1st=)
James Boyd (3rd)
Theo Wright
Cullen Browne
Kelly Shaw
Tony Fairweather
Andy Collins
--------------------------------------------------------
Thursday night racing 1November 2012
One of the best nights in memory brought out plenty of riders for this latest ride. A very light wind dying to calm by the end meant times were fast, with lots of riders saying the “fastest they have been around that course”. Great weather also brought out a good numbers of riders, with 30 taking to the start line. The 5min. bunch (top effort from Stephen in his “black slip-on business shoes….forgot riding shoes!) came 30m short of catching the well paced 8min. bunch that crossed the line first with Kevin Jensen taking the win from Wayne Harris with Simon Wells third.
Thanks also to Seeka Industries who provided a $50 spot prize voucher in addition to the regular spot prizes. And thanks Mike Attrill for the organisation and timing.
Good numbers across the groups made for some enjoyable riding, so if you haven’t been out yet, make the effort for this good “workout” ride.
Starting order:
Off 15m
Jackie Stanton
Joe Harris
Off 11m
James Puchner
Peter Puchner
Brent Scown
Pauline Schfafft
Robbie Stewart
Regina Ansorge
Clive Chester
Off 8m
Wayne Harris 2nd
Katrina Tulip
Kevin Jensen 1st
David McLaren
Simon Wells 3rd
Jim Smith
Off 5m
Ryan Pratt
Errol Watts
Mark Ireland
Stephen Lewis
Paul Bowker
Phillip Browne
Rainer Ansorge
Off 2m
Andy Collins
Richard Bates
Theo Wright
Kelly Shaw
Cullen Browne
James Boyd
Scratch
Louis Wright
Nik Ansorge
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Thursday night racing 25 October 2012
At last! Fine and warm with a testing SW on the nose down Kaituna Road. 18 riders.
Four starting groups tonight were led off by Jackie and Raewyne who both stayed clear until early in the second lap when they were caught and passed by the combined 11 and 8 min groups. This combined group worked together with Talbot and Theo hanging off the back. Paul, Dave and Mark kept the pressure on all the way to take line honours and narrowly holding the hard charging scratch guys with only meters to run.
Injured Mike assisted with starting and judging and kept the beer cold.
Starting Order
Off 15 mins
Jackie Stanton
Raewyne Cathie
Off 11 mins
Talbot Munro
Brent Scown
Errol Watts
Robbie Stewart
Yvonne Manson
Off 8 mins
Paul Bowker (1st)
Dave McLaren (2nd)
Mark Ireland (3rd)
Simon Wells
Jim Smith
Wayne Harris
Theo Wright
Off 2 mins
Andy Collins
James Boyd
Richard Bates
Kelly Shaw
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Thursday night racing 18 October 2012
Threatening rain and high winds kept all but the brave tucked up somewhere warm. Six riders were almost outnumbered by the spectators.
All the riders started off the same mark and pretty much stayed together for the first lap until Andy went off the front and stayed away for an easy win. The bunch worked together against the conditions and all had a chance approaching the line where a frantic sprint by Dave was overshadowed by a better one from Kevin. All of the riders finished within a wheel space.
Jackie was the timekeeper and Talbot, Mike and Robbie went for a reverse lap.
Starting Order
Off limit
Andy Collins (1st)
Kevin Jensen (2nd)
Dave McLaren (3rd)
Wayne Harris
Peter Melton
Simon Wells
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Thursday night racing 11 October 2012
Fine but windy conditions for 21 riders.
Because of the wind the race was reduced to just three handicap times.
In spite of the pre-race jockeying for more generous start times the handicappers decision was vindicated by the working part of all three groups coming together in the last 500 m. The resulting massed sprint resulted in Clinton and Andy from the scratch bunch just edging fast finishing Mark from the 8 min. Even the dropped riders crossed the line within a very few minutes of the bunch.
Nice to see so many new riders giving it a go and hopefully they will all join the club. Also good to see Alistair from Rotorua making a welcome return to this event which clashes with race night in Rotorua.
Previous member, Yvonne, rode particularly strongly off the limit and
600 m out from the finish must have had a podium glint in her eye.
Thanks to Mark and Mike who helped with starting and sorting the prizes.
Starting Order
Off 15 min
Geoff Thurgood
Jackie Stanton
Karl Buhler
Mike Attrill
Yvonne Manson
Talbot Munro
Off 8 min
Mark Ireland (3rd)
Wayne Harris
Simon Wells
Jim Smith
Diedre Lack
Katrina Tulip
Kevin Jensen
Peter McLeod
Alistair Guyton
Off 5 min
Clinton Stanshall (1st)
Andy Collins (2nd)
Tony Thorne
Paul Bowker
Kelly Shaw
James Boyd
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Thursday Night Results 4th October 2012
A promising start to the season with 16 riders turning up on fine but windy evening.
Many new riders put pressure on the handicapping with some riders handling the conditions better than others.
New rider Jackie led off alone from the limit and was soon chased down by the breakaway 11 min riders and the stronger 8 min pair of Paul and Paul.
The rest of the bunches struggled with the windy conditions and spread out around the course. Raewyne was the starter and prize giver.
Starting Order
Off 15 mins
Jackie Stanton
Off 11 mins
Peter McLeod (1st)
James Wilkins
Talbot Munro
Mike Attrill
Off 8 mins
Paul Bowker ( 2nd)
Paul Jones (3rd)
David Mclaren
Wayne Harris
Simon Wells
Kevin Jensen
Jim Smith
Off 5 mins
Kelly Shaw
Mark Ireland
Andy Collins
Allan Giles
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