Latest Cycling news...

Dear Cyclists:

Welcome to the 2013 season. A few updates as we rapidly approach the start of the season:

NEW CYCLISTS: We have a huge intake of enthusiastic new cyclists this year which is great for TGS. But we need new cyclists to contain their enthusiasm just a week longer. Cyclists who have not been trained effectively in the ways of Auckland roads pose a real danger to themselves and others and they should not join group rides without supervision from their own parents. TGS, coaches or TGS students cannot take responsibility for untrained riders. New cyclists need to wait until the start of the season (see dates below).

BIKES AND BIKE FITS: Meanwhile, there are some important things that new (and old) cyclists can be getting on with. Now is the time to ensure that you have a good bike in working order—bike that fits, lights that work, saddle bag full, helmet, cleats and shoes in good order, new chain, bike cleaned and serviced, cassette locked out. Every new cyclist and every returning cyclists (kids grow) should be getting a bike fit—that prevents injury and allows you to ride to your ability. Sam Horn at BIKELAB just across on the ferry has a great deal on a bike fit and we’d encourage you to book one in now. (Bikelab—09 551 3795; samonabike@hotmail.com). If new parents have questions about bikes, equipment or other issues, drop an email to anyone on the cycling committee and they’ll point you in the right direction.

KICKOFF: The season will kick off on Monday March 25^th to train up new and old riders—details will follow shortly.

WAIHI CAMP: Leanne has sent an email already regarding the weekend- April 13-14 and we have almost all cyclists coming down which is fantastic. 

SPONSORSHIP: For parents, we have some opportunities for you to help out with work connections. First, we are on the hunt for a business where we can get some shelter and warm up before the team time trials. They start on the corner of Pavilion Drive and Montgomerie Road in Mangere. If you have connections to a business in the area, please let Callum know (Callum McNair callum@cliponchallenge.co.nz). Second, we are looking for some sponsors who might like to see their names on new TGS shirts for a modest sum. Please be in touch with Teresa on this (Teresa Smeed Teresa@netballnorthharbour.co.nz)

SPIN SESSIONS: Please note that this years spin sessions will happen on Mondays straight after school, not at 5pm like in 2012. All students will be required to store their bikes at school (venue to be confirmed) during the day.

UNIFORMS: With over 40 riders this year, we need to make sure we issue the correct sizes to you. Please can ALL riders go to the school uniform shop on either Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th or Wed 27th March at interval or lunch to size your uniform for the season. You will not be able to collect it until the week beginning the 8th April but it is really important everyone goes in to try the skinsuit, warm up jacket and training shirt sizes on. The bond cost is $150 and all students will need to complete a bond sheet (get this from the Sports office door or pdf attached to his email), pay the finance office and pick up during the week beginning 8th April so you have it in time for camp. Note: the bond is completely refundable provided the full kit is returned by the end of week 1 Term 4 (check the bond sheet for all details).

INDUCTION EVENING: All cyclists and their parents will need to attend this important information evening on Wed 10th April, 7.30pm in the OLD GYM please.

Many thanks and we look forward to working with you all!

Mrs Davies and the TGS Cycling Committee 

Welcome back for the 2013 season!

The TGS cycling season is about to kick-off. It’s great to see so many of you out on your bikes. Attached is an overview of what the season holds in store with key dates for the races and camps.

TGS Cycling Contact Database – over the next few weeks this will be updated to remove those cyclists who have left and to include new cyclists/updated details; apologies if you receive ‘unwanted’ email. Please bear with us over these first few weeks until the Muster evening, after  which we will have an updated 2013 database.

Pre-Season Training Rides

For those of you who are currently track/road/tri racing and/or aiming to compete at some of the Junior Tours then keep it up – but make sure you include some recovery time before the school racing starts.

For others who have had a well-deserved rest over the summer it’s time to get back on your bikes; make the most of the good weather and the light mornings. We suggest you get back in contact with other TGS riders and arrange some rides. Alternatively join the Xpressos rides that depart from Victoria Road clock tower (generally at 0545am) or maybe the Echelon rides; email/call us if you need further details or are having difficulty arranging a group ride.  The aim is simply to ride and focus on technique and a high cadence (average over 85); it’s not a time to be racing – unless you have a number on your jersey.

Level of fitness – the aim of the pre-season rides is to build some fitness before the Waihi camp. As a guide we would expect juniors to be able to comfortably undertake a 2 to3 hr ‘Sunday ride’ and seniors a 3 to 4 hr ‘Sunday ride’.

Bike fits – many of you will have grown. Make sure you get a bike fit and service your bike. If you are looking to upgrade and want to sell your old bike then let us know and we can advise any new riders. Sam Horn can do bike fits (now video fit) for TGS students at a discounted rate of $40 – Sam is now based at BikeLab on Beaumont Street/Victoria Park. Or Echelon on Barry’s Point Road can help  – we will advise on Echelon costs for TGs riders in due course.

New Riders -  we would like as many as possible and we encourage you to encourage other TGS students to join TGS Cycling.

Skills Sessions - Immediately after the muster there will be a series of skills sessions  for the new riders. Existing TGS riders are welcome to come along (subject to numbers)– we will keep you posted.

Spin Classes - During the first few weeks the spin sessions will focus on technique and skills – details to follow.

Important Dates (refer also attached schedule)

13 Feb - Committee Meeting 1 (1930hrs) (this is the first meeting of the season – please put it in your diary; Callum will send a reminder/agenda/location nearer the time)

28 Feb - Parents Info evening

5 Mar - Muster night

12th Mar - Committee meeting 2  (1930hrs) (TBC)

10 Apr - New parent induction evening

13 / 14 Apr - Waihi Camp

19 May Mangere TTT start (7 from this date till mid Sept)

29 June Epworth Training Camp

If you have any queries about the coming season then contact Dean or Callum – if we cannot help we will put you in contact with someone who can.

Remember to ride courteously and stay safe.

Dean Sykes and Callum

Dates for 2013

AKSS TTT: (Held at Pavillion drive, Mangere)
# 1 - Sunday 19 May
# 2 - Sunday 9 June
# 3 - Sunday 23 June
# 4 - Sunday 7 July
# 5 - Sunday 4 August
Saver day - Sunday 11 August
# 6 - Sunday 18 August
Finals Day - Sunday 15 September
Saver day only - Monday 23 September

TGS Cycling pre season camp - Saturday 13 April - Sunday 14 April
North Island SS Cycling champs - Saturday 13 July - Sunday 14 July, Cambridge
New Zealand SS Individual champs - Saturday 7 September - Sunday 8 September, Mt Wellington
Road cycling New Zeland National school champs - Saturday 28 September - Monday 30 September, Fielding

Cycling Sponsors

TGS Cycling would like to thank the following for their valuable support.
Gael Switchboards have sponsored all our cycling warm up jackets as well as coaches warm up jackets

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Contact

If you have any questions regarding Cycling at TGS, please don't hesitate to contact:

Mrs Sharon Davies - s.davies@takapuna.school.nz