The club can trace its roots back to the late 1890s. As such, we are one of the oldest cycling clubs in New Zealand. We are also one of the largest cycling clubs with over 300 registered members in recent years. Our weekly Saturday club races often attract 125 plus riders.

We have a wide range of rider abilities who are catered for through graded racing. These range from international riders through to beginners. Westley Gough, a member of the 2006 silver medal and 2005 gold medal winning junior track team pursuit team, Jeremy Vennell, a professional rider based in Europe, Glen Chadwick the 2007 Elite National Individual Time Trial Champions and also a professional rider based in Europe are among current members. We have many junior riders and a large number of Veteran class members (over 35 years). The club is the only club in NZ to have 2 world champions from its ranks with the other being Jeremy Yates.

It has been recently announced that club will have the 2nd cover velodrome for New Zealand and first for the North island. This will be part of a $55 m Regional Sports Park Development near Hastings.

Races
Ramblers hold weekend races throughout the year (see Race Program). Visitors are especially welcome. Races are held on a Saturday starting at 2pm. Registration is on the day, between 1.10-1.50pm, with a race entry fee of $3:00. After the race there is the opportunity to have a cup of tea and a chat with the other riders and swap reasons why you didn't win.

Races are graded or handicapped, so that you can ride with people of similar ability or fitness. Casual riders and new members are encouraged to come along. The club can offer beginners instruction and advice if requested.

From December to February, we have a program of short Thursday evening events, commencing at 6pm. There is no entry fee for these events.

Special Events
Annual events run by the club include The Hub Open in January of each year (click here for further details) and the Taupo to Napier, which is part of the Bike NZ point Series (click here for further details)

The Tour of the Bay fun ride was started by Peter Young, a past President of the club, in 1991. It is traditionally held on the weekend before Labour Weekend. It has drawn a strong following over the years and has rides of 110km, 50km, 20km and 10km. The 110km ride comes at a good time for those looking to try out their training for the Round Lake Taupo Ride which is held at the end of November. The 50km ride is an excellent outing for those who have done a little riding and would like to test or extend themselves. A 10km flat children/family event is also offered. (click here for further details).

The Club will be hosting the 2010 Club National Road and Time Trial Champs .

Training Rides
While the club does not organise any formal training rides, a number of groups hold regular Sunday training rides. These are available for riders looking for some company or moral support. Sunday rides start from:

Duckworths on the corner of Warren and Heretaunga St East (the former Hawkes Bay Power Board Building), Hastings. This group is especially suited for riders wanting to join a training program leading up to the Tour of the Bay or the Round Lake Taupo ride. Sunday rides commence at 8.00am. This program is also suited to the first time rider. (click here for program)

Taradale Clock Tower. A group of riders, generally with a contingent of Napier and Taradale riders, starts at 8.00am from the Taradale Clock Tower. (click here for program)

So, if you are coming to Hawkes Bay on business or a holiday, bring your bike and join us for a race or training ride. See the Contact page for information how to contact us.