This is the Kevin Smith Memorial race which remembers my father who passed away in 2005. Kevin is a former President of PNP and keen vet cyclist who loved racing no matter how fit or unfit he was. The highest placed veteran finisher on Saturday will be awarded the Kevin Smith Trophy currently held by Paul Delahunty. To help you get psyched up for the race you can visit this page to see a photo of the unique pounamu/wood trophy made by his son Karl:
http://www.pnp.org.nz/road/2006-07-26
The race is in Otaki on an undulating 7km circuit. Being a circuit race it is a great spectator course and is ripe for some exciting racing. This race is open to all with the Kevin Smith Memorial trophy being awarded to the best placed vet (35yrs + male or female) on handicap.
** Date: Saturday 12th December
** Start Time: 10.00am (Please note later start to allow travel time)
** Registration: Entries will be accepted on the day between 9:15am and 9:45am
** What to Bring: Just yourself and someone to cheer you on!
** Starting Location: The course starts from the eastbound lane on Rahui Rd just out of Otaki.
** Directions: From the Main Highway/SH1 coming from Wellington turn right at the roundabout (by the BP station) onto Rahui Rd. The registration will be about 2km from the roundabout just after the race course.
** Grades:
This is a handicap race so each rider is put into a group of similar ability riders. Your handicap will be taken from this year's results. If you haven't raced before to help the handicapper with putting you in a group use this as a guide; Grading List
1st Group (Limit) New Rider to Racing, likely to have done some fun rides in the past
2nd Group (Break 4) - Some race experience, use to riding in a bunch, guide Taupo Time 5hrs +
3rd Group (Break 3) Couple of years racing, confident in race bunch, guide Taupo Time under 5hrs
4th Group (Break 2) Experienced A/B Grade Rider, Taupo Time under 4hr 45m
5th Group (Break) Experienced A/B Grade Rider, Taupo Time under 4hr 30m
6th Group (Scratch) Experienced A Grade Rider, Taupo Time under 4hr 15m
The start gaps will be posted later in the week.
** Course:
The race is 49km (7 laps of a 7km circuit). The circuit takes in Ringawhati Rd, Waitohu Valley Rd, and a series of residential streets to link back to Rahui Rd to the finish.
Map found here:
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/new-zealand/otaki/713125974530332797
** Post race:
After the race we'll award the trophy and have some refreshments available at the Otaki Memorial Hall, Main Road Otaki. Please make an effort to come and socialise.
Briefing will be on the start line before the start for each group.
Non PNP members are very welcome to come along and give cycle racing a try. Once you know how much fun it is you can join the club by completing the membership form at www.pnp.org.nz Members of other clubs are very welcome - Dad loved racing against the Levinites so would be great to see some of you come down.
Many thanks to those that have volunteered so far (I will be in
contact soon), the race wouldn't be possible without you. We have a couple more places to fill so if you're able to help marshall at this race please contact Rachel who will find you a suitable role and arrange transport if needed.
Any questions please contact me. I look forward to seeing you in Otaki.
Thanks,
Rachel Anderson-Smith
E: rachelcerelia@gmail.com | Skype: rachel.anderson-smith
Hm: (04) 475-7838 | Mob: 027-403-9742
