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We invite your participation, for a visit to Oamaru in November is a must for all veteran cycling enthusiasts. You’ll have the opportunity to meet up with old friends, make new contacts from throughout the veteran cycling world, and completely indulge yourself in our shared passion for penny farthing & veteran cycles.
ELIGIBILITY: The races are open to all penny farthing & veteran bicycle enthusiasts. Racing is the theme, with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment. We try to cater for all levels of riding ability.
BICYCLES: Only direct drive “penny farthing” bicycles are eligible for the penny farthing races. We will accept either original “ordinary” bicycles, or reproduction machines, providing they comply with the standards set down by the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club. The following conditions apply to all penny farthings that are to be raced on the day:
• Modern materials are permitted, but bicycles should be typical in appearance of the penny farthings of the 19th century.
• Foot restraining devices are not permitted on Penny Farthing bicycles for safety reasons, even though they may be authentic.
• Solid rubber tyres only. These must be securely fitted.
• Minimum weight of machine 12 kg.
• A minimum of 60 spokes in the front wheel.
• A minimum front wheel diameter of 44 inches.
• Any back brakes in place must be disabled.
• Bicycles ridden by children under the age of 12 years are exempted from the minimum weight, spokes and wheel diameter provisions.
• All riders must be able to mount and dismount their machine independently.
BICYCLES continued:
Veteran cycles can be of either racing style or roadster style and must be in safe, rideable condition to participate in any of the races, and bikes for the afternoon races must be deemed veteran by race officials on the day. The use of foot restraints is permitted, but only of style fitting to the veteran era of the cycle.
We rely on your appreciation of cycling history to keep any further modifications within the spirit of the event. The rider carries the responsibility of ensuring the suitability of the machine he is riding, and we reserve the right to reject any machine which we consider unsafe or unsuitable for competition.
INSURANCE: The NZ National Penny Farthing & Veteran Cycle Championships accepts no liability for your bicycle, either in transit or while in Oamaru. Personal insurance is also your concern. We carry public liability insurance, but as event participants you are not covered. For our protection, a disclaimer form must be signed before you start in any races.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: You are to make your own travel and bike freight arrangements.
ENTRY FEE: Entry is free this year.
CATERING: The food and catering will be at the sole responsibility of each entrant.
PAYMENT: An invoice of the weekend’s costs will be provided before you leave, or forwarded on. You may pay at the time, or later by cheque or direct debit to our account – our bank details will be provided on request.
ACCOMMODATION: Some billet accommodation is available in private homes for the weekend of the NZ National Penny Farthing & Veteran Cycle Championships only. Hotel, motel, B&B and Backpacker accommodation is available at your expense – Please contact Graeme Clark, Race Management Group at clarkie@netspeed.net.nz if you require assistance in this area.
COSTUME: Racing costume should be in keeping with the style of the 1880’s – plain nicks, preferably knee length, and a plain top. Modern Lycra gear is to be avoided; we are dedicated to accurately recreating the Victorian era in Oamaru.
New Zealand law requires that hard-shell helmets must be worn whenever a bicycle is ridden.
You should bring full heritage dress costume for the magnificent heritage parade and Victorian Celebrations events, and awards will be presented to the best turned out riders.
THE RACES: You may enter as many or as few as you want. Changes to the programme may be made according to the number of entries received – especially in the veteran and junior categories. Certificates will be awarded to the first three placegetters in each event, and trophies will also be awarded to first place winners in many of the races. The trophies remain the property of the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club and will be engraved and retained by the club.
Download Registration forms (PDF, 24KB)
ASSOCIATED EVENTS: We welcome you to join in the festivities and participate in the other events associated with The Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations. For further details visit www.visitoamaru.co.nz or www.owctxtra.co.nz
Additional race information visit t www.homepages.ihug.co.nz/~gsimpson
We look forward to seeing you in Oamaru in November.
