Better Than TV

Kayak Races Coming Up

(See Attached)

From: Chester Burt

Hi Shane,

This is a build up race to Matariki. I did it last year when we had 3 races……….. 1x 1km, 1x 5km and 1x 10km all within the space of about 3hours.

Chester

Kayak Paddle Wanted

From: Paul Richardson

Hi Shane, Vicki Connor gave me your contact. I’m looking for a pair of racing paddle wings (2nd hand) if possible. I’m 6.%” tall so i am looking for some pretty long wings. Carbon would be nice, but as long as they are strong and lightish is fine.

If you would let me know that would be great.

Regards Paul

t 04 803 3517, f 04 385 7296

Mukamuka Munter Recce This Saturday

For those keen I am looking at a run / trek through the Mukamuka this weekend. I’ll be doing it with a heavy pack to assess the likely tramp time but there will be others that will want to run it. Start time TBA as I’m fitting in with Jill who is doing the Crazyman run in the morning and we are throwing the kids between us.

If you are keen to join in email me via a reply to this email.

Sunday Bunch Ride

29km average for the run up through Whitemans Valley and back. A tad quick for the 58km that we did so this Sunday will be a bit more leisurely I feel….

We are doing the same course this coming Sunday – From the Cycle Centre and up to Te Marua. Through Maymorn, Mangaroa and Whtemans Valley to the top of Blue Mountains Road and then back the same way. Again – plenty of exit options and we will split if we need to, in order to accommodate those wanting a less brisk pace. Food afterwards at the 7 Bar and Café where the staff are used to seeing cyclists on the Sunday around noon.

Ride profile is attached. Focus will be again on bunch riding and rotation. If you are unsure about the ride being on because of the weather check out http://www.betterthantv.co.nz/uhbunchrides.html else call us at home on 04 527 7677.

Feel free to pass this on to others.

Crazyman

Is coming… www.crazyman.co.nz

Freshwater Users Survey

From: Shelley Easthope

Dear Club Official

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand is the government agency that leads our country’s biosecurity movement – one where every person plays a part in protecting our mountains, lakes, rivers, seas, native forests, farmlands and way of life.

A few weeks ago we sent you an e-mail asking for your organisation’s help to distribute a survey to your members about their use of freshwater areas.

One of our areas of focus over the last three years has been encouraging users of fresh waterways to adopt behaviours that will help reduce the spread of freshwater pests such as didymo.

To evaluate whether the messages are getting through and if people are adopting the desired behaviours, we conduct an annual survey of people who regularly use freshwater areas for recreational purposes.

To participate in the survey, all your members need to do is click on this link and complete the questionnaire.

www.acnonline.com/Freshwatersurvey?P=HVCC

Last year, participating clubs circulated this information and the survey link in a number of ways such as emailing the information and the link to all members on their database (see attachment for invitation to survey), including it in their newsletter and/or putting it up on their website.  All information collected will be confidential and presented in an aggregated form to ensure individuals cannot be identified.

The survey will remain open until 8 May 2009, but we would ask you to send it out as soon as possible.

We hope you will be able to assist us, the more we work together the greater the chance for success.  All organisations who take part will be sent a summary of the research findings.

If you have any questions about the survey, or do not wish to take part, please contact Matthew Thorpe, Communications and Marketing Adviser,

Yours sincerely

Jeremy Lambert | Director | Communications

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry | Pastoral House | 25 The Terrace | PO Box 2526 | Wellington | New Zealand

PNP News

From: Renall, Mark

Hi Riders

Crazyman Pre-ride next Sunday

Lets have a Social MTB ride next Sunday 26th April. We will do the Crazyman course which is on May 2nd. Meet at Wainui High School 9am. I’ll be riding over the Wainui Hill from the ex Griffins building 8:40am. U could meet me there because it’s best to leave your car on the Hutt side.

If u can’t run very well, find a runner & do the Crazyman duathlon as the rider. http://www.crazyman.co.nz

Stolen Bikes

From Scotty Lane

Keep your eyes out for these bikes stolen from R&R Wellington in a break-in on Victoria street at 8:15 last Sunday morning.

09 Glory DH1 S/N: GV811184

09 Reign X1 S/N: GY817356

09 Reign 1 S/N: GJ874906

All brand new and unridden kit, any info to the local constabulary. I’m not in Welly anymore so you guys will probably hear anything about it before I do!

MTB Track Mapping

Ian O’Donoghue is doing an amazing job of mapping all our trails. Description, Google map and user contributed reports are all here: http://www.tracks.org.nz

Unicycle World Champs – Wgtn

From Lynne Klap

A group of us are involved in organising the Unicycle World Championship happening for the 1st time in the Southern Hemisphere in Wellington Dec 27th 2009 – Jan 7th 2010.

We are looking for people to be on the local organising committee and for volunteers across the 20 different events and thought cyclist would be very interested in this as lot of unicyclists are also cyclists.

This is a truly an amazing event which included road 10km, marathon, mountain unicycling, up hill & down hill, track & field events (yep all on a unicycle including high jump and long jump) plus hockey & basketball, street, trials and all the artistic events.

If people are in Wellington that time of the year and want a unique experience could they please contact me.

Kind regards

Lynne Klap

PNP Rider Blogs

Bushlove Racing

Davo Aldred, Dave Monolith Sharpie, Jacko Whattam, Jason Goldie, Kah Chan, Clive Bennett, Nick Kennedy,

Ashley Burgess, Ricky Pincott and Tony Keith.

http://www.bushloveracing.com

Stu

http://www.stuarthoultham.blogspot.com

Sam

http://samarasheppard.com/

Lisa

http://www.lisamorganmtb.com/

Jude

http://www.scaredycatmtb.com/

Nic & Cabin

http://www.nicandcabin.blogspot.com

Genevieve

http://www.genwhitson.com

Please let me know if u have a blog to add to this list

Coming Events

18-19 Apr       MTB     NZ Secondary Schools Champs Levin                      

24-26Apr        MTB     NZ Singlespeed Champs Rotorua                           http://www.riderotorua.com

26th Apr        MTB     Crazyman Pre-ride 9am Wainuiomata High School  

26th Apr        MTB     Orienteering Brownie Event U/Hutt                       http://www.mapsport.co.nz/mtbo

2nd May        Multi   Crazyman Hutt Valley. Paddle/Off-Road Run/MTB   http://www.crazyman.co.nz

9th May       MTB     Cateye Moonride Rotorua 6/12/24hr                        http://www.moonride.co.nz

16th May        Multi   PNP Annual Prize Giving Parrot & Jigger L/Hutt          http://www.pnp.org.nz

17th May        Multi   Metlink City Safari 3&6hr option Bus/Train/CableCar     http://www.citysafari.org.nz

23rd May        MTB     Orienteering Brownie Event L/Hutt                       http://www.mapsport.co.nz/mtbo

24th May        Multi   R&R SPORT Hawkins Hill Climb (Run/Road/MTB)     http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb

21st Jun        MTB     Orienteering Rd #1                                              http://www.mapsport.co.nz

19th Jul        MTB     Orienteering Rd #2                                              http://www.mapsport.co.nz

16th Aug        MTB     Orienteering Rd #3                                              http://www.mapsport.co.nz

30th Aug        MTB     Penny Farthing Cycles PNP MTB Rd 1/5 Makara             http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb/events/2009/MTBSeries2009

1st-5th Sep     MTB     World Champs, Canberra XC, DH & 4X                                                             

13th Sep        MTB     Orienteering Rd #4                                              http://www.mapsport.co.nz

20th Sep        MTB     Penny Farthing Cycles PNP MTB Rd 2/5 Wainuiomata        http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb/events/2009/MTBSeries2009

11th Oct        MTB     Penny Farthing Cycles PNP MTB Rd 3/5 Mt Victoria        http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb/events/2009/MTBSeries2009

18th Oct        MTB     Orienteering Rd #5 Final                                        http://www.mapsport.co.nz

1st Nov       MTB     Penny Farthing Cycles PNP MTB Rd 4/5 Belmont            http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb/events/2009/MTBSeries2009

7th Nov       MTB     Wild Wellington 6/12hr relay Mt Victoria                        http://www.wildwellington.co.nz

15th Nov        MTB     Penny Farthing Cycles PNP MTB Rd 5/5 Makara             http://www.pnp.org.nz/mtb/events/2009/MTBSeries2009

28th Nov        Multi   Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge                       http://www.cyclechallenge.org.nz

28th Mar        MTB     ScreamingO. Orongorongo 5 Mile track solo/relay http://www.screamingo.co.nz

Keep the rubber side down.

Marco

With Jill now focusing on running training to get up to speed for the Abel Tasman Coastal Classic in September, Shane ‘Fat Boy’ Ross will be looking after the rides in her absence.

Sunday rides will definitely be on for 9am. Ride circuits will be decided on the day but assuming that people are wanting to move towards longer and faster rides the high level milestones for the next few months are:

– April / May. Focus on shorter distances (40km initially through to 60km end May). Focus on speed and group work (rotation etc). Aim is to have people comfortable in the group by end May

– June / July. Start on extending the distances. Aim is to have at least 1 x 100km ride under our belts by the end of July

– August / September. Consolidate. Focus on the 100km rides but adding in hills for a bit of variety. We will start doing some of the local race circuits (Wellington and Wairarapa)

– October / November. Extend again. Aim for at least 1 x 160km ride in the October timeframe. Scale back in November for those that are tackling the Round Taupo ride.

– December / January. Cruise time. Let the body heal a bit from the Taupo rides. Keep the km’s at the 80km mark for those gearing up to do the next series of races (Round the Mountain in the ‘Naki and the Rotorua / Taupo Flyer)

The rides will be structured so that there are ‘out’ options for those wanting a shorter section on the day. Because people will be riding at different speeds we will create groups to cater for different needs.

I’ll talk to Andrew of the Cycle Centre about getting a new evening sessions set up for the bunch riders. Likely topics will include:

– Basic bike maintenance (how to prevent problems)

– Basic bike repair (ok – so I’ve got a problem how to I fix it)

– Training and Nutrition Theory (ok – so it’s not the bike – it’s me. How do I fix me)

While the aim is to have a riding plan and goal, the intent is to still have the rides being a social mix and a good day (or half day out). The Seven Bar and Café is looking like a good option for the post ride coffee and feed (they do a greasy all day breakfast) so that is where we will base ourselves after the ride.

Ride this Sunday

The plan for the ride this Sunday is 60kms approx. Starting at The Cycle Centre we will cruise to Maymorn and then through to the top of the Blue Mountains Road and then back the same way. Early exit options are:

– Wallaceville Hill Road (either on the way in or on the way back)

– Blue Mountains Road (down and then to The Cycle Centre via Alexandra Road)

The height profile is attached. Very little height gain – approx 100m over the course of the ride.

We will bunch on the way in and on the way back to about Wallaceville Church and then the faster ones can stress their legs from there with a regroup at the Te Marua dairy and then a bunch ride back. For the bunch we will aim for 500m rotations. If you haven’t got an odometer then contact Andrew at The Cycle Centre and he will sort you out.

Remember spare tubes, tyre levers and a pump. Food and water is a must (camelbak style bladders are better than drink bottles – more aerodynamic and less hassle to drink from).

Regards,

Shane ‘Fat Boy’ Ross.

From: Michael Wood

One month to the 2009 City Safari!

Entries so far include World #2 Rogainer Dennis de Monchy, and the current Mixed Junior champions Georgia Whitla and Tim Farrant. De Monchy and adventure racer Nathan Fa’avae were narrowly beaten in last year’s Safari, this year he will compete with his brother Pim.

There will also be 40 intermediate students from Te Puke, in the capital for a school trip! An event for everyone.

Entries close on 7 May. Got your costumes sorted out?

Previous info repeated here so you can flick this email on to friends/prospective team-mates!

The City Safari is the navigational challenge throughout Wellington. The one where you use public transport. With travel provided by Go Wellington, Tranz Metro, Wellington Cablecar, and East by West Ferry. Wellington City Council and Metlink are helping us too.

Never has public transport been so much in the news. It will be more important in this year’s event, with concentrated clusters of control points. Start is on Queens Wharf again (under the sails) with a 10min prolog – and the main event is 3 or 6hrs.  Dress-up strongly encouraged, remember Steve Gurney and his cows? Just go easy on the methane emissions…

The entry form is now on www.citysafari.org.nz, and will be in Metlink timetable stands and selected outlets round the region. Start thinking about your team – forward this to your friends – this mailing list only has team leaders on it. They can ask to be on the mailing list too. Closing date is 7 May.

And good news for those who aspire to winning the long course: last year’s winners won’t be there. They are running the Milford Track. Yes running. In one day.

Best regards, Michael Wood

Safari Organiser for Orienteering Hutt Valley

www.citysafari.org.nz

Ridge Runners

Here are some more ideas for travel in the form of trip reports and planned trips.

Follow the link to read Newsletter 2 – http://www.outdoor.co.nz/attachments/Newsletter2.pdf

Patagonia Skiing and Dog Sledding $2,750

– Price includes Airfares and Accommodation

– Departs September 18 2009-04-15

 Antarctica by Yacht

–  January 2010

–  Limited to 8 people

Laos and Vietnam

–  Cycling

– Mahout training

– Flying foxes and Gibbons

– Climb Fansipan (highest peak)

Samoa by Bike

– Escorted trips depart May, July August and September

– July trip now in school holidays

– Do it yourself options

Cycling in Bolivia

– 4,000m descents

– Jungle rafting

Discount flights

– $1,000 to South America

Trip reports

– Kayaking with minke whales in Antarctica

– Mahout training, remote villages, gibbons and flying foxes in Laos

 The newsletter can be downloaded from http://www.outdoor.co.nz/attachments/Newsletter2.pdf

If you already receive this through outdoors direct email and only want to receive it once – or didn’t and want to – or to request a printed copy – send your address to ross@outdoor.co.nz

Any questions contact:

Ross Bidmead. Land line: 64 4 4795 447. Mobile:    021 40 40 89

www.outdoor.co.nz

RWWC Sea Kayak Trip to Mana Island

From: Matt Gardner

Hi Folks

This Sunday 19th April, we have our trip to Mana Island. We will be departing Palmerston North at 8am or meeting at Titahi Bay at 10.30am. People wanting to attend this trip need a suitable sea kayak and the appropriate safety equipment.

Please contact me if you are planning on attending this trip.

Phone No. work 06 3268667 or home 06 3268527.

Regards

Max Grant

Core Running Classes Info

From: Mark and Liz Anderson

Join us in the warmth of the Anderson Park Pavilion (upstairs in the cricket clubrooms) Thursday nights. When you arrive just go up the stairs at the back of the pavilion. See you there.

Mark

From: Ian MacFarlane

Hi Shane, got your name from Les Morris who said you may know of a good vet paddler to join our Crazyman multi team. Last year we won the mens vets team event but this year our paddler is injured so looking for another vet paddler to join us. Have spoken to Brent Jamieson and Les Morris who are both committed to other teams. Do you know of another strong paddler who is looking for a team this year?

Ian Macfarlane (027 2308884)

Chips and Beers – www.chipsandbeers.com

From: Graeme Harre

This is a ‘participation’ group, and focused on people that enjoy socialising and exercise. So, it’s about encouraging balance, and there is a sort of ‘participation’ reward. We have some sports nuts that should chill a little more and have a drink, and some peps that should perhaps include some more exercise or consider new forms of exercise. A place also that old hands can help newbies. Eg I have posted an invite up to take people over the Mukamuka run with some of us that are comfortable with that terrain and distance, and training tips for new comers. I have taking a DV camera on some big race runs and posted video up, so it can also be a nice we resource for people wanting to try stuff.

It seems that it’s may be more of a winter club as most members at present have been quiet busy over the summer time. We also, while not yet mentioning it, are looking to get a good group together to allow us to leverage freebie snacks from the places we visit. Three bars are onboard with this with numbers and timings being right.

Downside at this stage is we seem to be collecting runners, but that’s also a function of the social dynamic I guess

Very happy for you to flick the link out, with some explanation like above or words from the front page.

From: Melanie Grant

Hey, Rwwc will be heading up to Access 10 on Saturday some coming back home & others staying up at Oasis, Tokanau for Sunday.

Hope to see you up there.

Cheers

Melz

RWWC Paddling Notices

From: Matt Gardner

Hi all

Craig says:

I’ll be going up to the release of access ten on sat so can take 3 paddlers from Mangaweka meet 9am first in first served.

Will organise accommodation for twelve in Taranaki for the rescue course which is fully subscribed with some extra’s if people pull out.

April

18/19 Tongariro Release, advanced

19th Mana Island sea kayak trip  easy  Max Grant 06 3268527

20th RWWC Committee meeting, Matt’s place, 23 Springdale Grove, Palmy. 06-3537517

26th Phil’s Mystery Trip, Phil Devlin, 06 3531968

May

16-17 May: River Rescue Course, New Plymouth. The course cost is fully covered by RWWC and NZRCA – so it’s free apart from travel and accommodation. This is a “must do” course for anyone involved with kayaking – the life saved could be yours! Contact Craig Peters, 06-3432562. This is fully subscribed already – but if you’re keen please let Craig know in case of vacancy.

Xmas

Xmas / New Year Murchison South Island Trip – water for every grade of paddler – very social! Start Saving & Planning Now.