21 December 2010

MTB First Aid Course

If you or someone you know missed out on the first course offered by Triple One Care, and are still interested ... they are holding a second course. January 19th. I have emailed you the flyer.

Remember, if you've got a free night tonight - Striders meet at 5.45pm in Bridge St ...

The first 100 entries have been released today for the 2011 Taylors Nelson Women's Triathlon (perfect for an active xmas gift - event is on the 10th of April). Full details on www.nelsonevents.co.nz
The remainder will open on the 31st for all those New Year goals.

I wish you all a wonderful festive season and look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

07 December 2010

Are we still on if it's wet?

Yes - still on, might be slightly modified - 6.30pm at Botanics. Just bring warm clothing and a jacket.
See you soon!

01 December 2010

Next week's session

Next week is our final session for 2010. We will again meet at the Botanics where Gaye Evans and Jo Duncan will take us for outdoor training and stretching. Nadja from Nordic Walking will also be there for you to try walking with poles!

6.30pm - 7.30pm.

See you there!

Don't forget that on Sunday the 12th of December is the annual Cityfitness Jingle Bells Jog - a 5km walk/run/skate or scoot from Trafalgar Centre carpark through to the beach. Fundraiser for the Heart Foundation. $5 an indivdiual or $10 a family. Dress in Christmas theme and prizes for the most bells, loudest bell and best outfit.
A fun family morning out and a perfect way to celebrate the first few months of becoming active.

29 November 2010

Orienteering session this week

CHANGE OF PLAN

Unfortunately the Nelson Orienteering Club can no longer take our session tomorrow night - so I will go over the basics with you (I used to teach students in the UK going for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award). We will now meet at the BOTANICS and use the marked course at the Centre of NZ.

Look forward to seeing you there.

26 November 2010

Orienteering

This week we run/walk with direction! Orienteering!
This will be based at Tahuna Beach. I will email you with details on where to meet on Monday.
See you soon!
Good luck to all those participating at Run Mahana tomorrow.

17 November 2010

Next session

Hows the DOMS? Feeling it? A big thank you to Lyndon Chandler (Nayland Physiotherapy) for his talk on injury prevention. Some of you have been asking about specific stretches for certain areas - I will pass these onto Jo and Gaye for our session on the 7th so that they can cover in more detail - let me know if you think of any others in the interim.

Well done on a tough climb last night - always enjoyable to head high when the weather is perfect to take in the vistas. If you are a bit sore today, then consider going for a short light walk or jog to try and loosen up the muscles a bit. If you were a bit red in places (you may have felt the burn in the shower last night) then barrier cream or Rawleighs ointment often works well on chaffing - and then slop some vaseline on the areas affected before heading out next time.

Next week we will meet at the Botanics again, but it will be all flat. Just might include a bit more intensity based exercise (for those that want to). Greg Lineham from Nelson Athletics will also be coming along to go over race walking technique and how to walk faster, and we will go over basic training principles.

16 November 2010

Well done!

Tough route tonight - awesome work out there on such a lovely evening. Let me know if you get DOMS .. :)

11 November 2010

Running and Walking

This coming Tuesday is the second week of our running and walking program. We will meet at 6.30pm at the Botanics, (Milton St (off Bridge St), base of the Centre of NZ track), for a twenty minute talk from Lyndon Chandler of Nayland Physiotherapy on Injury Prevention. Then the Striders will meet us for a 30 - 40 min run or walk.

The following Tuesday we again meet at the Botanics, where we will discuss basic training principles and technique before starting our run or walk.

Happy striding!

08 November 2010

This Tuesday we begin our Running and Walking segment, and will be split into two smaller groups. Group 1 will begin instore at the Shoe Clinic on Bridge Street at 6.30pm, Group 2 will start outside the Shoe Clinic for a run or walk with the NBS Nelson Striders. At 7.00pm you will switch and either head instore or head out with the Striders.

05 November 2010

Ride November Specials

Trade in your old bike and get at least $100 off the price of a new bike*

Up to 50% off bikes

15 % off kids bikes

Half price clothing in store*

Our mechanics will get your bike running trouble free from summer riding, drop in for same day servicing, bring in this flyer (will email this to you) for a free bike clean with your service

Only at Ride Nelson, 29 Halifax St, Nelson, 548 3877
www.ridenelson.co.nz

*Conditions apply, see instore for details

MiGym for free!

Now’s your chance to try migym – for free! EVERY SATURDAY in November is FREE for anyone to go to migym and have a workout. Use the cardio gear, try some weights, or go to Zumba at 9am. So grab a friend and make the most of this offer, the friendly team at migym would love to see you.
Open 8am – 1pm Saturdays, Buxton Square (above Baby City). Ph 539 0116

Let the running and walking begin

I hope you enjoyed the nutrition session with Annette - for those that wanted the dimensions for making up Vitasport/Vitafresh - sachet normally for 1L of water, add 200mL water and a pinch of salt to make an 8-10% carbohydrate based sports drink.

This coming Tuesday we begin our Running and Walking segment. I will be splitting you into two groups for this first session, with one group starting at Shoe Clinic at 6.30pm for the first half hour to go over correct supportive footwear and clothing, and then the next half hour will be a run or walk with the NBS Nelson Striders. The second group will run or walk first, and then head instore to Shoe Clinic at 7pm. If you have someone you want to do the session with then please email me your names and I will put you in the same group, otherwise I will just randomly assign you to either start at Shoe Clinic or start with the Striders. I will post these groups on the blog on Monday.

If you want to continue developing your cycling in a safe and supportive atmosphere, remember that Cycling Nelson have their ladies hour from 5.00pm - 6.00pm on Monday nights at the Trafalgar Park Cycle track. Cost is $2 per session.

02 November 2010

http://www.nelsonevents.co.nz/RunMahanaPrizes.htm

Remember - enter by today to be eligible for special Activator deal - find out more at session tonight if you haven't been watching your emails for the past week.

01 November 2010

Session 7: Nutrition

This week's session is at the Trafalgar Park Pavillion - 6.30pm - 7.30pm.
Enter via the same entrance we used to get in the park for cycling, just veer left and head up the ramp to enter the building. Remember to bring lots of questions for Annette!

Averil has given me registration forms for the Spring Strut Stride game/program running this month - so I will pass any completed forms onto her. Remember if you want to join the E Tick Club to also bring the form that was on the last page of your booklets.

See you tomorrow,
Keep active.

27 October 2010

Spring Ride Stride

01 November to 30 November 2010

This is your chance to have fun with friends, family or workmates and be in to win some great prizes.
Spring Ride Stride is a game for teams of up to 10 people. If you have more than 10, make two teams.
Each team sets a walking and/or cycling goal, for example, the length of the South Island. Each walk and ride a member of your team does in a month adds to the total.
Just think - each time you walk to a cafe for a coffee, bike to work, or each time you walk the kids to the playground, you're getting closer to your goal.

Step 1: Get a team together - up to 10 members (your family/whanau, friends, workmates etc)
Step 2: Choose a captain
Step 3: Create a team name
Step 4: Complete the registration form (available from the Heart Foundation, ph 545 7112) and send it in
Step 5: Receive your Spring Ride Stride kit
Step 6: Team members report weekly distance to captains, who provide updates on www.springridestride.org.nz
Step 7: Tell us a fun, odd or interesting story about your team and/or send in a team photo and you could win a prize
Step 8: Complete and send in your team chart by 10 December 2010 to be in for prizes

Taken from the registration form provided by NCC, TDC, Way2Go, Sport Tasman, NMDHB, and the Nelson branch of the Heart Foundation

26 October 2010

MiGym Saturdays

Check out MiGym on facebook for their latest offer - free Saturdays for November!

21 October 2010

Cycling

This coming Tuesday is our final of the road cycling segment, we will again meet at the Trafalgar Park cycle track and will head out on the road to cover some of the Womens Tri course (mainly the Maitai Valley segment). Meet at the park at 6.30pm.

Don't forget that Monday evenings there is the womens only hour at the track - 5.00pm - 6.00pm with Cycling Nelson. $2 per session. See you there!!

16 October 2010

This Tuesday's session

This week, we again meet at the Trafalgar Park Cycle Track - same entrance point as last week. 6.30 - 7.30pm.
See you there!

08 October 2010

Tuesday's Session: Road Cycling begins

Our next session is the start of our road cycling segment. This is based at the Trafalgar Park cycle track, 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

The entrance is via the carpark (you can enter either by turning in at Trailways, or by the little road by the Nelson Rugby Clubrooms (both off Trafalgar St). Head inside the park gate and turn right to enter the cycle track via the old grandstand.

You will need a bike and helmet. Leave any bags or loose items on the grandstand while you ride.
Enjoy!

05 October 2010

Tonight's Session

Tonight's session is at Ride Nelson, Halifax St. 6.30pm
See you there!

04 October 2010

Message from Migym

We were thrilled to have you all in migym last week, trying something new. We've had great feedback from all the classes we held for you, and many of you have been back in for another look! We welcome you to come and try another class, or to do a full hour of Zumba, or just come in for a look around the gym. Our staff are all trained professionals who can help with any queries you may have. See you soon! Rachael and the migym team.

*Ab Blast is a 15min ab workout, all other classes 50-60 mins

01 October 2010

Session 3

Next week we head to Ride Nelson in Halifax St (opposite NCC, next to the library) for a one hour session on bike maintenance and basic mechanic skills (ie how to change a tyre etc).

I need to do a bit of forward planning for this one, so can you please email me if you are going to be there on Tuesday night - nelsonactivator@gmail.com

You only need to bring yourself, no need to bring a bike - as Carl, Jarron and the team will demonstrate on bikes instore.

27 September 2010

Where is migym?

In Buxton Carpark, Nelson city. Above Babycity, in the corner between the two back entrances of the Farmers stores.

6.30pm Tuesday night.

See you there!

26 September 2010

Week 2

This week we head to Migym, where Jo Duncan and the team will lead us through a three set rotation of Zumba, Stretching and Generic Gym activity. All you need to wear is comfy/stretchy clothes like T-shirts and trackies/shorts. You will also need comfortable footwear and bring a water bottle too.

Looking through the 'fear bottles' it was interesting to see the number whose main concern was clothing related. 20 people highlighted tight shorts, sports clothing or swimming togs as something they're apprehensive about. So - you're not alone! Remember, we are here to get active, we're not here to win a fashion contest - so often I think we can get too caught up in worrying about how we look, and what others will think when they see us, that we lose sight of what we're wearing the clothes for in the first place - to have fun!

It seems a number of you are also concerned about injury - please remember, that you are the only one who knows how your body is feeling and what is normal for it to handle. If you are at all worried about performing a certain activity or continuing a session, then let the instructor or myself know. It is really easy to do too much too soon when you are filled with enthusiasm and motivation, we want to be active in the long term, so look after yourself and take it slowly.

Another similar fear is being left out, or being the worst. This isn't a competition, however, I know how it can feel when you perceive yourself to be the worst at something. When I first started road cycling, I used to get dropped from the bunch every single time, and it wasn't much fun. Yet, I also knew that to get better, I had to stick to it, so each week, I lasted a little bit longer and a little bit further until eventually I was able to last the entire ride. Please know that we won't leave you behind in this series, there is no racing, and with all the different sports involved it is unlikely you are going to be the 'worst' or the 'best' at every single one (however you may judge it). And also remember, that you are faster, fitter, better, stronger, ..... etc etc then all the people that didn't have the courage to sign up to the series.

When you enter Migym at 6.30pm, please ensure the first thing you do is put a cross next to your name on the Register Clipboard. I need to keep records of how many attended each session for statistical purposes in my reporting back to Council, along with evaluating each session and also as part of Health & Safety. If your name is highlighted then it means I don't have a medical form or photo (or both) from you, so please come and see me and we'll sort it.

I will also have the photo sheets from last week - can you please tick next to your name and photo if they are correct, or a cross if it is not and if you can write your name next to your correct photo. It seems a few strays managed to get in the pile, as there were more forms then there were photos.

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday night.

23 September 2010

What to wear?

For our next session - at MiGym on Tuesday night
Wear comfy/ stretchy clothes and footwear, like T shirts, trackies/shorts.
Bring a water bottles and smiles!!

ALL FULL UP

All 100 spots are now taken for the 2010 2011 Nelson Women's Activator Series. Awesome!! If you have missed out, still send in your form with cheque attached, and if a spot becomees available later in the series I will contact you to see if you are still interested.

20 September 2010

Our first session

Tomorrow night is the first session of the 2010/2011 Nelson Women's Activator Series - and considering the recent weather, it's lucky its an indoor session!

The session, as all our sessions, will be for a one hour duration. I will go over the logistics of the series tomorrow night, and provide a basic description of what we will be doing for each of the sessions. Unlike the rest of the series, the evening will not be overly active, therefore you don't need to be wearing clothing to exercise in. I suggest you wear something warm and comfortable, as you will be sitting on a wooden floor for parts of the evening. The Granary, is located inside Founders Heritage Park (go through the big windmill on 87 Atawhai Drive). For instructions on how to find Founders - visit: http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/welcome-to-founders/#location

I have emailed through a Registration Form which I need you to print, fill in and bring with you tomorrow night. This provides me with essential emergency contact information should I or an instructor involved with the session need to contact someone on your behalf. I will have spare copies available tomorrow if you are unable to access a printer.

In the meantime, keep active and I'll see you tomorrow evening.

16 September 2010

Boot Camp Season

For those of you that are into 'Boot Camp' activities:
Gaye Evans (one of our expert enthusiasts) is starting a new Boot Camp intake from Monday October 4th.

Beginner Boot
For newbies, or if it’s been a while.

Re-Boot
If you are quite fit already or have done this type of thing before.

· 3 early mornings (6.30am-7.30am) a week for 6 weeks, $155.00
· Next intake Monday 4th October

Email for more details:gayeevans@xtra.co.nz

Gaye Evans-Fitness Training
www.fitnesstraining.co.nz

Also:
Boot Camp 4 Breast Cancer
Check this one out -
BOOT CAMP FOR BREAST CANCER

30th October 2010
9-12pm @ Nelson Girls Gym

All in aid of Nelson Regional Breast Cancer Trust and all proceeds going locally.

It is a comination of 30mins exercise plus a silent auction followed by another 30 mins of getting sweaty!

$10 to enter, enrol online @ www.bc4bc.org.nz.
and you are encouraged to raise $100 sponsorship if you can, anyone who does goes in a special draw.

13 September 2010

Confirmations

I will send an email confirmation to all participants this week with details about our first session .... if you have not supplied me with an email address, then please email this with your name to nelsonactivator@gmail.com

Swim Passes

I will give full details about how to access a swim pass at our first night on Tuesday 21st September. A reminder that these are not available until early 2011 (as the three month swim pass will run from Feb through to the end of April). Thanks once again to CLM Riverside for offering this fantastic deal for Activator Series participants!

09 September 2010

Registrations OPENING

Registrations for the 2010 2011 series will open tomorrow, Friday the 10th September. You will be able to download a registration form tonight, or pick one up tomorrow from the Customer Services Centre at Nelson City Council.

07 September 2010

The 2010 2011 Series at a Glance


Registration forms will be available from this Thursday evening.

Registrations 2010 2011

Registrations for the upcoming series (starting September 21st) will open this week! Registration forms will be available to download from Thursday evening, or for pick up from Friday morning at Nelson City Council Customer Services Centre. Will post a preview of what the series will involve soon.
:)

06 September 2010

'Ladies hour' tonight

Cycling Nelson offers a new option for road cyclists with the introduction of the ‘Kelling Circuit’ race on Saturday which will provide ideal preparation for next month’s Te Rauparaha’s Revenge.

With many riders looking for the chance to test themselves over a shorter course with multiple laps the Moutere Highway, Neudorf and Kelling Roads 6.7km loop offers great variety with long straights, short climbs and fast descents.

All ages and levels are being catered for: youngsters (Yr 7 & 8) will ride 3 laps, allowing many to prepare for National championships whilst for beginners wanting a taste of the sport of cycling, the distance is very achievable.

It’s also 3 laps for the Especially for Women grade while the Sportif (those not wanting to push themselves to far!) will ride 4 laps and the Open grade, will circuit 8 times. The Open grade will be split into A & B starts if rider numbers require such.

Registrations for Saturday’s event will be accepted at the Moutere Hills Community Centre from 12.30pm for the following start times: Yr 7 & 8: 1.00pm; Open: 1.30; Sportif: 1.35; Especially for Women: 1.40.

The entry fee is: $5.00 with those under 19 paying $3.00. Visit www.cyclingnelson.co.nz

Also, with the re-opening of Trafalgar Park the club will again be conducting it’s weekly Monday night training sessions. Women’s Hour will commence at 5.00pm with other riders invited from 6.00 through to 8.00. The sessions are $2 casual or $20 for the period September through to December. For more information please contact Averil West ph 548 3655 or 021 303 160.

31 August 2010

2010/2011 Series

The 2010/2011 series is starting to take shape and it looks set to be another six months of fun.

Registrations for the series will open in the next couple of weeks, so if you, or your friends and colleagues are interested, then let them know to keep watching this blog

A number of women mentioned they were keen to continue cycling with company – great news! Cycling Nelson are going to have a ‘ladies hour’ at the Trafalgar Park cycle track this summer. This will be from 5,00pm – 6.00pm on Monday evenings. Cost is $2 per session, or free to Cycling Nelson club members. Contact Averil West (Cycling Nelson Secretary) for more information on this. Averil's phone number is (03) 548 3655 or email avewest@clear.net.nz

During the month of November you can join Spring Ride Stride – a programme which encourages you to find some buddies, keep each other motivated and see how many minutes of walking, running or cycling you can ‘clock up’. The goal is to make it (virtual) around the South Island. Call Averil at the Heart Foundation (545 7112) for registration information. There’s no cost to join in.

Gaye Evans is offering any Activator woman a general fitness three week ‘tune up’ as she puts it. 2 sessions a week, just for you.
Session times:
Saturday morning, 8.15-9.00am, Tahunanui Beach
Wednesday evening, 6.00-6.45pm at the Botanics (centre of NZ)
If times don't suit, check the schedule on her website. www.fitnesstraining.co.nz and contact her about going at a different time. This will start this Wednesdsay the 1st of September until the 18th of September (Activator is due to start on the 21st of September).
Contact Gaye for more information regarding this deal.

If you have any queries about the upcoming series, please feel free to call or email me.

Also - keep the blokes you know informed that a Mens series is in the planning stages for early 2011.

30 August 2010

2010 2011 Series

The 2010/2011 Series is due to start on the 21st of September - registrations will open in the next few weeks ... keep watching this blog for more updates.

17 August 2010

Registration 2010 2011 Update

Just a quick update - registration has not yet opened, so no need to call into the council requesting a form just yet. If I don't have your email then flick it to me at nelsonactivator@gmail.com and I can let you know when we are ready for registrations to open. Finalising details now ... looks set to be another fantastic series. :)
Keep active,

04 August 2010

2010/2011 Series

Don't panic - registrations are not yet open for the 2010/2011 series. Keep an eye on the blog though, as hopefully these will be out mid - late August.

16 June 2010

Planning for Series #3 begins

It's confirmed - we are going to have a third series and planning has begun! Let me know if you have any ideas....

11 June 2010

Cycling Nelson Mini Tour this Saturday

Saturday June 12th
Cycling Nelson's Brian Harford Mini Tour

Entry Fee $20 (Under 15 & Under 17 $10). $5 discount for Cycling Nelson Members.

Registration & Sign On: Cycling Nelson Clubrooms, Redwood Valley, 12.45 - 1.15pm. First Rider Away at 1.30pm

Entry Fee $20 (Under 15 & Under 17 $10). $5 discount for Cycling Nelson Members.
Registration & Sign On: Cycling Nelson Clubrooms, Redwood Valley, 12.45 - 1.15pm. First Rider Away at 1.30pm

New Course for 2010:
Full details and course details found on our website www.cyclingnelson.co.nz

07 May 2010

Mothers Day 5km

Looking forward to seeing you at the Jennian Homes Mothers Day 5km on Sunday!

31 March 2010

Mothers Day 5km

The Jennian Homes Mothers Day 5km is on again this year - Sunday May 9th. Proceeds to the Heart Foundation. Enter by April 23rd and receive a free event t-shirt.
See http://www.nelsonevents.co.nz/MothersDay5km.htm for more information and to download an entry form.
Alternatively, give Averil West from the National Heart Foundation a call on (03) 5457112.

28 March 2010

Our final session

Monday is our final session of the 2009/2010 Series. Well done!

We will be instore at Ride Nelson. No need to bring a bike or anything with you - as they will demonstrate on the bikes instore. See you there - 6.30pm.

16 March 2010

Mountainbiking

Glad to hear you have been having so much fun accessing the trails around the OK Carroll! I will be back on deck next week and looking forward to seeing your improvements over our MTB Blast mini course. We will meet at the OK Carroll (Brook Valley).

09 March 2010

Mountainbiking

Hope you have enjoyed the past two weeks learning the basics of Mountainbiking. Next week (week 3 of mountainbiking) Nige and the team will meet you at the OK Carroll in the Brook Valley at 6.30pm. This differs from the advertised meeting place of Branford Park. The OK Carroll is near the end of the Brook Valley, by the community gardens (and bottom of the Dun Mountain walkway). Enjoy!

28 February 2010

Let the Mountainbiking begin ...

This week we start our mountainbiking sessions. We will meet at Branford Park (the start of the Maitai Valley, off Nile St) at 6.30pm for an hour of fun. See you there.

19 February 2010

Nelson MENS Activator Series

The Mens series started this week, with Golf out at the Nelson Golf Club. It's not too late for any friends, family, colleagues etc that want to sign up. They can do it online or through filling out a registration form. A blog has also been started up - http://nelsonmensactivator.blogspot.com

16 February 2010

Eatwise & Exercise

Eatwise & Exercise is a collaborative initiative between Foodstuffs, product suppliers, BrandWorld (Creators of Eating Well and Family Health Diary) and the Heart Foundation to promote healthy eating and physical activity messages. The Heart Foundation’s role has been to provide healthy eating advice, and co-ordination from a health perspective. Eatwise & Exercise is part of the supermarket project under the Food Industry Demonstration Pilot.


Eatwise & Exercise is supported by a substantial media campaign including television, internet and print, as well as New World supermarkets providing instore support. A print run of 1.2 million Eat Wise & Exercise booklets will be available free to shoppers. Two booklets are being developed to support this campaign, the first of which is currently available and the second will be made available in April. TV infomercials are currently being shown on TVOne and TV2 around 5.30 each night, and more information can be seen at www.eatwise-exercise.co.nz.


The campaign is being launched nationally in February through New World stores nationwide. An official public relations/media launch will happen next Tuesday at Thorndon New World Wellington – with the Minister of Health, Silver Ferns and children from a local school in attendance.

15 February 2010

Some Cycling Tips taken from the AvantiPlus Newsletter

A Beginners Guide to a Cycle Race

Tips for group riding

Riding with others is a fun and social way to meet some great people. Riding with others in a bunch (group of riders) can save you about 25% in terms of energy usage, enabling you to cycle further and/or faster than you may have done otherwise.

Riding in a large group of cyclists can be unnerving at first. However there is an ettiquette to group cycling which once understood, makes group riding a lot easier. The best way of getting familiar with group riding is to join in on club rides and observe what other more experienced riders do. There are some unwritten rules for group cycling but once you have ridden with a group a few times, you start to pick up the do's and don'ts. Group riding is surprisingly safe and there are not many crashes in races caused by riders colliding.

If you have never ridden in a group before then talk to the others around you, most of the time, other riders are more than happy to empart their knowledge with you and give feedback on how to ride safely so that it is both enjoyable for you, and everyone around you.


Some tips for group riding (taken from the avantiplus newsletter)
Do….

Look for Risky Riders. These are the unsteady people who wobble, appear nervous, have a tense grip on the handlebar, and frequently grab the brakes. Avoid them! Move up to keep them behind you.

Stay at the Front. This is easy to say but hard to do in some groups. At the front you have more control over your destiny because most crashes occur in the rear two-thirds of the bunch. It may take a bit more work to reach the front and stay there, but it's worth the effort.

Watch the Wind. Wind direction determines on which side the greatest draft is found. If the wind is from the right side of the road, smart riders move to the left of the wheel in front of them for greater protection. If you're doing this, beware of overlapping wheels with inexperienced riders. They may swerve and take out your front wheel.

Be Aware on Climbs. A major cause of group crashes is riders who stand abruptly going into a climb. They slow for a second, causing the rider behind to hit their rear wheel and spill. To avoid this danger, let the gap open a bit on hills or ride a bit to either side of the wheel in front. To avoid being the one who causes such a crash, pull your bike forward as you leave the saddle. Don't lunge and make a hard pedal stroke. Keep your speed steady. When sitting again, push the bike forward a bit.

Always pay attention to the road and what vehicles around you are doing. Watch the road in front of you and as far ahead as you can see. There may be potholes or road grates that are hazardous. The lead rider should call out and identify these but may not do so. You must look out for yourself! Following riders should call out approaching cars. At unmarked intersections lead riders should warn of oncoming traffic.

Protect yourself. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation in a group, you should immediately start to work your way out. Don't ride in the middle of the pack unless you know the riders with you and are confident they are safe. Until you are experienced stay out of the main group and ride near the back. The safest places are the front or the back. The back is best because until you get the necessary experience you can observe the better riders and learn how to handle the bike. If other riders get too close either move away or ask them to move. When passing a rider closely inform them you are there by saying, "On your left" or "On your right" as the case may be.

Manage Body Contact. Cycling isn't a contact sport, but it's not uncommon to have your arm brushed when riding near others in a group. Riding relaxed is the key to absorbing contact without swerving. Have slightly bent elbows, a firm-not-tight grip on the bar, and loose arm and shoulder muscles. If you're relaxed, your body can absorb the shock before it gets to the handlebar.

Don't…Don't overlap wheels. If you get between two riders, slowly back out by coasting or sitting up to let your body catch some wind. This will slow you down without having to use the brakes. It also signals the rider behind that you are slowing. Riders behind you can't see you touch the brakes but they will see you sit up. Remember, if you brake in the pack, then everyone has to brake accordingly.

Don't ride the brakes. When you brake everyone behind you also must brake. This is normal if you come to a turn or stoplight, but if you are the only one braking then the group also has to brake and the rhythm is broken. Keep your hands near the brakes so you can brake if necessary but do so gradually. Never brake hard.

Don't ride centred on the wheel in front of you. You may ride close to the rider in front of you if that rider is steady, but always stay a few centimetres to one side. This will help you avoid colliding with that rider if he or she is forced to decelerate suddenly.

Don't change position often in the group. If you must change position, before you move to either side, make sure another rider is not overlapping you. Don't move abruptly. It is better to hit a hole than to swerve and cause a crash. If you are smooth and steady then everyone else will feel safer and riders near you may be able to react and avoid crashing. When cornering hold your line so other riders can follow through and maintain speed. Learn how to corner properly so the group does not get slowed very much.

05 February 2010

Monday's session

Next week we begin our Road Cycling sessions, and will meet at Trafalgar Park at 6.30pm. You do not have to have a road specific bike, just one that goes forward and has two wheels - you must also wear a helmet.

02 February 2010

23rd Taylors Nelson Women's Triathlon NOW OPEN for entry

You can enter online now - link is http://regonline.activeglobal.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=816923
Alternatively you can download an entry form from our website - www.nelsonevents.co.nz

The field is limited to 500 and does fill rather quickly, so if you are keen to do it, I'd advise entering early.

01 February 2010

Well done Orienteers!

Well done on a fantastic two evenings navigating yourselves around Nelson and Saxton Field. It is definitely a wonderful skill to have - using a compass and navigating from a map .... something that often takes a few times to master, so don't forget the weekly club series the Nelson Orienteering Club are having at the moment - this Thursday night at the Botanics, from 5.30pm. Check out their website for more details.

26 January 2010

Nelson Orienteering Club

Website is http://www.noc.org.nz/

Nelson Orienteering Club’s Summer series has started, these are evening races for on Wednesday evenings. From Broadgreen Intermediate this week.

Summer Series

The summer evening series runs over 5 weeks:

19 January (Tuesday) at Fairfield Park

27 January (Wednesday) at Broadgreen

4 February (Thursday) at Botanics (tbc)

9 February (Tuesday) at Centre of New Zealand

17 February (Wednesday) at Isel Park

Race times are 5.30 - 6.30pm.

Cost is $5 per map or $15 for the series.

Next week's session

Next week we will meet at Saxton Field, at the Netball Courts carpark for our second session of Orienteering. 6.30pm. See you there!

20 January 2010

Our first session for 2010

Monday night's session is Orienteering - we will meet at 6.30pm at Fairfield Park (by the children's playground). See you there!

13 January 2010

Well done

Congrats to Jeannie, Pat, Justine and Angie for their awesome times last night at the Striders Summer Series. Next week, same time, 6pm start at the Maitai Golf Course for a 3km down to Branford Park. If you're driving up, then park by the cricket oval and have a warm up jog/walk to the start (that way you don't have to go so far back to get your car afterwards ...)
See you there!

12 January 2010

Maitai Summer Six O'Clock Series

The NBS Nelson Striders start their Tuesday night 6 o'clock Summer Running and Walking Series down the Maitai Valley tonight. Starting from the Golf Club, run or walk back to Branford Park. The distance is 3km, and no entry fees payable. They continue this series for the next few weeks, with a second 3km on next week, then a 5km, and finally a 10km distance.

02 January 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Coming up on the running and walking scene in the next few months ....

there's the NBS Nelson Striders annual Maitai Six O'Clock Summer Series starting on Tuesday January 12th and continuing for the following 3 weeks.

THE PROGRAMME
Tuesday January 12 3km. Start Waahi Taakaro - Walkers 6.00pm. Runners 6.05pm.
Tuesday January 19 3km Turkey Trot. Estimate your time and leave your watch at home.
Tuesday January 26 5km
Tuesday February 2 10km

All are ideally placed leading up to 'Buller' on February 12th.

But beforehand, next week's NBS Nelson Striders Half Marathon on Sunday January 10th celebrates the Striders 'encounter' with a wild boar up the Maitai Valley Road back in 1994. From it the Trevor Ruffell Tusk Trophy (aka 'The Boar's Jaw') which has become one of the most 'hotly' contested titles on the Nelson calendar, being awarded to whoever can run or walk nearest their estimated time - without a watch.
Will it be you who takes home the 'swinehead silverware' to adorn your mantelpiece? Entry form is attached to be on the startline.

Further on but not that far away is the Kaiteriteri Gold Half Marathon and 10km. On March 20th - enter online or by post.
For full details please visit www.nelsonevents.co.nz

All the best for 2010.