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Morrinsville Wheelers Club Members (June 2007)
We recently surveyed club
members for details behind their riding career with
Morrinsville Wheelers Cycling Club. The aim is to provide
readers with a full picture of who the club represents. We
have multiple ability levels, age groups, interest and
goals. Enjoy having a view, we will post more as they
become available, and hopefully we can add pictures. If you
are new to our website Morrinsville Wheelers always welcomes
new membership regardless of age/ability.
Liam Aberhart (age 13) – nick
name Aberz
Liam began cycling aged 12
after watching a few club races. He rides with U15 in
Morrinsville Wheelers and in Waikato Bay of Plenty events.
Liam is a keen sportsman and his goal is to never give up!
He has won a few club rides and would one day like to go in
the Tour de France and the Olympic Games. Liam’s cycling
hero is Lance Armstrong and he enjoys bananas before riding.
Wayne Aberhart (49) – nick
name Abo
Wayne and Mary Aberhart first
got involved in Morrinsville Wheelers when they brought Liam
along to a few twilight races. Noticing how much
encouragement Liam was getting, and the enthusiasm of his
son Wayne decided to take part himself! Mary helps out with
time keeping (but has recently purchased a bike for
enjoyment). Wayne had not really done much riding and had
the fright of his life to race a 20km circuit at Hangawera
road for the first time. That day he wanted to beat one
hour, which he did (just)… Now he has taken minutes off his
time and progressing with each ride (in distance [up to
50km] and time). His goals are to lose weight, beat his
times and to beat Erik in the twilight series!
So far Wayne’s riding
highlights include winning a couple of races (once by over 5
minutes), and completing Waterworks Road (out & back – VERY
hilly) and competing in the twilight series. Wayne enjoys
being in the club because it is family oriented, everyone is
supportive of everyone else. Wayne enjoys meeting people and
making friends in the club and helping to support Bev & Dave
and the rest of the club (at events he is a Police lead car
driver at the Women’s Tour). Wayne’s cycling hero is David
Camparini. He has a couple of cycling books and enjoys
bananas before riding.
Paul Doelman (age 54)
Paul began cycling in the
31-40 age group but more seriously from the 41-50 age group.
Formerly a squash player he took up cycling after a
surgeon’s recommendation after having knee problems. He was
introduced to Morrinsville Wheelers through John Cottingham
(current club member). He competes at club races, some
opens and Waikato Bay of Plenty events in the Masters age
group. He enjoys riding the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and
the club’s fun ride (Cow Cocky Classic). It is enjoyable to
ride and compete regularly with others. “Bev May is very
good at organizing events and is a good handicapper”. Paul
would like to improve his cycling to be competitive within
his age group in open events. His cycling heroes include
Lance Armstrong (USA) and Gordon McCauley (New Zealand). He
reads the “Cyclists Training Bible” and a variety cycling
magazines. His favourite pre-race food is Peanut Butter
sandwiches.
Sandra Ginever (age 29)
Sandra is a committee member
of Morrinsville Wheelers and enjoys the club atmosphere in
general. She enjoys racing hard and competing in time trials
and track cycling. Since the age of 10 she competed at
national events. Her highlight was winning the Junior
Women’s Sprint championship and being placed 3rd in the
pursuit and 2nd in the time trial and 2nd in the road race
within the same year. She has traveled to Adelaide
Superdrome in the New Zealand Development Squad and raced at
the New South Wales Track Championships. After having a
break and a baby in 2003 she is back racing. Recently she
competed at the New Zealand track championships and although
unplaced had an absolute blast on the ILT Velodrome in
Invercargill. Her current goals are to go hard at the road
nationals in the time trial event. Her heroes are her mum
(coach), Sarah Ulmer and Roz Reekie May. Her favourite
cycling book is Born to Thunder by Des Williams. Her
favourite pre-race food is porridge and marmite sandwiches.
Jill Law
Jill & Rex Thorley purchased
the cycle shop (Kaimai Cycles) in Morrinsville. They are the
club’s patrons. She first got involved in cycling in the
31-40 age group and enjoys riding for pleasure. Jill enjoys
watching people improving their riding ability and
confidence as part of Morrinsville Wheelers. She enjoys the
camaraderie of the club. Jill’s goals include “keeping the
peace between Rex & Mark May” (Mark also works at the bike
shop & competes against Rex). Jill’s cycling heroes are Rex,
Mark & Roz Reekie-May.
Kevin Luckie (51-60 age group)
Kevin began racing when he was
in the 31-40 age group. He started riding in Morrinsville
Wheelers when his son (Matthew) began racing. He competes
at club and Waikato Bay of Plenty events. The best part of
being in Morrinsville Wheelers is the cup of tea and Bev’s
baking after the race. His riding highlights include riding
the Lake Taupo Challenge 13 times and competing in the K2
Challenge. Kevin enjoys racing and combines this with
triathlon events. His cycling/triathlon hero is Cameron
Brown, he reads triathlon magazines and enjoys creamed rice
before a race.
Vaughn Madsen (38 yrs)
Vaughn began cycling in his
20s by just turning up to a club ride with Morrinsville
Wheelers. He now competes at a national level and hopes to
be competitive in the Masters One Grade in the Time Trial
and Road Race. Vaughn gets the biggest enjoyment out of
attacking the scratch (fast) bunch and getting yelled at by
Mark and Roz. So far his greatest highlight has been his
second club ride where he turned up on an old steel frame
and had sandshoes. He put himself into the scratch bunch
even though Bev May (club handicapper) thought he would drop
off straight away. Vaughn stayed in that bunch until the
finish (even though he spewed twice in the process). He is
very proud of that achievement. Vaughn hopes his three
children will get involved in the sport and hopes they enjoy
Morrinsville Wheelers as much as he does. His cycling
heroes are Bev & Dave May. He enjoys reading “Kiwi Rider”
and eats porridge before racing.
Dave May (age 57) – Vice
President of Morrinsville Wheelers
Dave first joined Morrinsville
Wheelers in 1971 after first having a background in cycling
at Marsden Wheelers (in Whangarei). He has competed at
National Championships on the road & grass track. He
currently enjoys racing at club level and some Waikato Bay
of Plenty events. His race highlights include winning the
club’s Open (he & wife Bev are the only club members to have
ever won the open). He won a stage in the Taranaki Tour and
held the tour leader jersey for one day (that he calls his
proudest moment!). He also went to Adelaide as mechanic to
the New Zealand Junior Development Team. His aims include
getting fit enough to ride in another nationals. He enjoys
helping young kids get involved in cycling, he is known as
an excellent mechanic and leg rubber before races. For a
number of years he was Morrinsville Wheelers’ Club
President. He has a National Commissaires (Referee) license
and STMS (Traffic Management) license. His heroes include
anyone who can climb hills. As he explains “I can’t climb
for peanuts.” He enjoys reading cycling articles in the
newspaper and his favourite race food is baked beans on
toast.
Mark May (age 36) – Club
Captain
Mark (also known as Hoby)
began riding at the age of 7. He said that his parents made
him ride (although it was heard that he threatened to play
soccer if he wasn’t allowed to ride). He raced competitive
overseas for over 10 years and was a New Zealand
representative on numerous occasions racing in Italy,
Switzerland, America, New Caledonia and Taiwan. His current
cycling goals including keeping fit and beating Rex Thorley
(his boss). His cycling heroes are himself and he enjoys
eating sandwiches before racing.
Roz Reekie-May
Roz began cycling in
Christchurch before joining Morrinsville Wheelers. She has
competed in two Olympic Games (Barcelona & Sydney). She was
5th at the Manchester Commonwealth Games on the road. She
is an amazing rider who although semi retired is able to
foot it with the men. Roz has raced in numerous countries
overseas and was based with the New Zealand team for a
number of years.
Cindy Murrell (age 33)
Cindy got involved with
Morrinsville Wheelers as a result of her daughter’s (Gemma)
interest in cycling. Now her son (Charlie) rides as well.
Cindy is a member of the committee and time keeper for most
club events. She enjoys the family atmosphere of the club
(little ones are made to feel welcome). Her goals include
watching her children take the sport further. Her cycling
hero is Lance Armstrong and she enjoys the internet for
cycling information.
Charlie Murrell (age 12)
Charlie began cycling as an
under 13 rider. He currently races in the U15 grade. He got
involved in cycling because his sister (Gemma) was into
cycling. He competes at club, Waikato Bay of Plenty events
and last year raced for the first time in the National
Championships in the U15 age group. He gets a big “kick” out
of winning races. His greatest moment this year was to win
the club’s 40km Cow Cockie fun ride, he won a spot prize,
then won the major spot prize (a new mountainbike sponsored
by Kaimai Cycles). His goals include winning a National
Medal. His cycling hero is Lance Armstrong. He reads
information in the newspaper and enjoys chocolate before
racing.
Bob Puru (age 51)
Bob began cycling in the 31-40
age group. He was introduced to Morrinsville Wheelers
through Bev May. He likes the fact that the club is friendly
and helpful. It holds good racing (handicap races) where
everyone a chance to win “Not just a select few rock stars.”
He says the club is ‘straight up’ and has a “no mucking
around” manner which he enjoys. Besides club racing Bob
participates in a number of open events and Waikato &
National Championships. Highlights in Bob’s cycling career
so far include a Bronze medal at the 2006 National Time
Trial Championships. He also holds the Bruce Kent &
Gallipoli Cup Trophies in the same year (both of these
events are large open handicap events and very difficult to
win). Bob is currently aiming for Gold at the Time Trial
Championships 2007. Bob’s cycling heroes include Jack Swart,
Dave Mann and anyone who rides from the front “not cling-ons”
(i.e. those who sit on and sprint). He reads a range of
cycling books and magazines and porridge is his favourite
pre-race food.
Achmat Sedick (Age 7) &
Fuad Sedick (Age 10) – written June 2008
Achmat & Fuad are two of our
young riders in Morrinsville Wheelers Cycling Club. Their
interest in cycling started with them practicing at the
track in Hillcrest learning to ride their bikes with their
dad. One day out training Gemma & Charlie Murrell were
riding on the track and they hung out for a little while
parents met. It was suggested that Achmat & Fuad come along
to a club ride at Morrinsville. Since first trying club
rides during the summer twilight series they have not looked
back! They have participated in the Waikato Teams Time
Trials, a number of club rides and are starting to do open
and inter-club events. Both boys race in the U13 grade.
They are fiercely competitive and bring a lot of competition
into their age group which in turn is helping all of the
little ones go much faster! Highlights for Fuad have been
taking fastest time in club events and for Achmat to win!
They both are improving and wish to continue their cycling
to become champions. Their cycling hero is their father
(Ishmael) who raced as a youngster overseas. They enjoy
eating fruit, including bananas and apples.
Graham Smith (Age 57)
Graham rode in the
Morrinsville Fun Ride (Cow Cocky Classic) for three years
before he came to any races. He competes in the Masters
grade and is proof that late beginners can do well at this
sport. Last year Graham was the first D Grade rider in the
Morrinsville Open and won a special cup for being the first
Morrinsville Rider to finish in the prestigious 80km event.
He was 6th overall. Other events Graham has participated in
are club events, Waikato Bay of Plenty championships. Graham
loves the fact that the club is helpful to all people
regardless of their ability or where they are at in their
sporting career. Regular racing and others in the club
means that beginners can have a great start to cycling and
can develop their skills as they go along. Future goals for
Graham include riding the New Zealand Road Cycling Nationals
in his age group and to ride around Lake Taupo in a time
under 5 hours. Graham enjoys reading Lance Armstrong books
and appreciates his attitude to life as well as sport.
Magazines include Bicycling Australia. Graham enjoys
tinned rice before racing.
Georgina Read (age 12)
Georgina started racing as an
Under 13 rider but currently races as an Under 15. She
travels to Morrinsville from Tauranga for races. She heard
about club races through Lauren Koedyk (Also from Tauranga).
At the moment she races in club events and Waikato Bay of
Plenty events. She does quite a bit of training and enjoys
being able to race. She includes the Morrinsville Funride
40km as one of her main highlights thus far. She aims to
keep improving and wants to race more. Her hero is Sarah
Ulmer and she enjoys books about Lance Armstrong. Her
favourite pre-race foods include bananas and chocolate.
Hanz van den Broek (age 47)
Hanz has recently got into
cycling and has completed the Lake Taupo Challenge and
around Mt Taranaki. He joined this year through a friend,
Graham Smith. He competed in his first Waikato Bay of
Plenty event in September 2007. Thus far Hanz enjoys the
friendly club environment and wants to get fitter and
faster with his riding. His cycling hero is Eddy Merckx and
enjoys a good steak and chips before a ride.
Gavin Wolfe (age 15) Written
June 2008
Gavin started cycling when he
was 13, he is a keen mountain biker. He only began
competitively in the 2007-2008 season with Morrinsville
Wheelers to test himself against other people in his age
group. Gavin races in the club and at some Waikato Bay of
Plenty events and Secondary Schools events. Gavin continues
to mountain bike regularly for cross training. In the club
Gavin gets a lot of helpful advice from more experienced
riders. Highlights for Gavin include winning junior
mountain bike races and finishing strongly in fun rides. In
the future Gavin wants to participate in secondary schools
events and perhaps the NZ nationals. Gavin’s hero is Geoff
Small (mountain biker). He enjoys reading NZ Mountain Biker
magazine and he enjoys eating lots of pasta before racing.
Gavin has encouraged his parents and brother and sister to
participate in some club events. The enjoy the family
atmosphere of the club and also riding amongst others of
their own ability.
Louis Wright (Age 14)
Louis began his cycling career
as a 13 year old. He competes in the Under 17 age group in
Morrinsville Wheelers, and Waikato Championships. This year
he hopes to compete strongly at the Under 17 National Road
Cycling Championships. Earlier this year he competed well
in two tours in Rotorua and Taranaki. These learning
experiences will put him in good steed for his aim to ride
professionally as a senior rider. Louis opinion of
Morrinsville Wheelers is that it is a friendly club which
organises excellent races for all age groups. His parents
initially brought him along to a ride and he has been hooked
since then. Louis is currently coached by Bev May and is
getting a lot of experience with her help. Louis cycling
heroes include Julian Dean (also former Morrinsville
Wheelers member), Lance Armstrong and Jan Ulrich. He enjoys
reading books by Lance Armstrong and magazines include
RIDE and VO2 Max. His favourite pre-race food is
creamed rice.
Previous profiles from 2006:
Eliot Crowther
Tim Bennett
Tom Scott
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