The NZ Transport Agency is warning drivers around Timaru, Omarama, Kurow and Waimate to be aware that there is a charity bike ride between these towns from Thursday this week through to Saturday. As well as this three day fundraiser, there is a cycle race through the Rakaia Gorge on Saturday.
“Please be patient and take extra care around cyclists riding in these two events in the South Canterbury area this week,” says Pete Connors, Transport Agency Network System Manager.
Thursday, 22 February to Saturday 24 February is the Central South Island Charity Bike Ride(external link): Cyclists will be riding from Timaru to Omarama, down to Kurow, through Waimate onto SH1 and back up to Timaru over three days starting Thursday.
Up to 130 cyclists will be riding this route in bunches of 15 to 30 cyclists, accompanied by pilot vehicles with signs and flashing lights. Cyclists will be on the road from 7am each morning and will be finished by 6pm.
https://csicbikeride.co.nz/(external link)
Saturday 24 February, is the Ride the Rakaia Cycle Race(external link): SH1 at Rakaia will be closed for 15 minutes for the start of the race as cyclists cross the Rakaia River Bridge.
Cyclists will then make their way up to the Rakaia Gorge via local roads on the north side of the Rakaia River, cross at the gorge bridges on SH77 and travel back down to Rakaia on the southern side of the Rakaia River.
http://ridetherakaia.co.nz/(external link)
“The forecast wet weather this week is expected to clear by Thursday, but we still need people to take extra care when passing groups of cyclists and follow the directions of event marshals and traffic management staff along the route,” says Mr Connors. “We want these events to be a great success and all road users to get home safe.”
You can plan ahead by using NZTA’s Journey Planner http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/home(external link) which gives you travel time information, access to traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.
