Slicks and Stones
Yes, the popular Slicks and Stones is on again - and there's more . . .
The Slicks & Stones cycle challenge returns in 2027, with two days of racing based in the Manawatū: the Joe Allen Classic road race on Saturday 23 January and the Slicks and Stones tar/gravel event on Sunday 24 January, starting and finishing in Ashhurst.
At a glance: Saturday 23rd January features the Joe Allen Classic road race, while Sunday 24th January brings the Slicks and Stones gravel event, both based in the Manawatū and designed to create a full weekend of riding.
Enter here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?pid=1&raceid=440573
The Joe Allen Classic . . .
In 2027 there will be an additional event on Saturday 23rd January. It’s the Joe Allen Classic, a handicap event conducted by Bike Manawatū for all comers (excluding elite registered riders, of course), enabling everyone to have a go.
First contested in 1948, the Joe Allen Classic is one of New Zealand’s longest-running cycling races. Over the years it has been won by many of the country’s top cyclists, including Gary Anderson, Sam Horgan and Robert Stannard, who rode this year’s Tour de France.
Together, the two races create a full weekend of riding in the Manawatū, with Saturday’s road race leading into the main Slicks and Stones tar/gravel event on Sunday.
Enter now for the Joe Allen Classic.
The Slicks and Stones . . .
Back to the Slicks and Stones; first run in 2020 as a precursor to the famous Gravel and Tar professionals’ event, it has developed its own reputation as a “must ride” for all Kiwis (and quite a few internationals) who want to test themselves on a course that’s designed for the professional riders but only open to amateurs.
Once again in 2027, the Slicks and Stones will be a precursor to the two Gravel and Tar races – the men’s Classic and the women’s La Femme.
Previous Slicks and Stones participants have come from all over New Zealand with even a few from places such as France, Scotland and the Netherlands! So you’ll likely be in very good company in January 2027.
Riding preparation . . .
Let’s start with the hard stuff! It’s advisable to do some practice on gravel roads prior to the Slicks and Stones event so that you feel comfortable on a gravel surface. If you’ve not ridden a lot of gravel before, we have some great tips on our website to check out.
Visiting the Manawatū . . .
If you’re from out of town, the Manawatū offers a great base for a cycling weekend, including northern Manawatū’s Kimbolton, Apiti, Pohangina and Rangiwahia districts. The scenery is stunning, and there is plenty of accommodation in Feilding and Palmerston North. If you want to make the weekend extra special for your support crew, Makoura Lodge offers a luxury country lodge and rural retreat just a short drive away.
Course and registration – Registrations are now open . . .
You can now enter at Webscorer for the Slicks and Stones and invite your friends to join you for a full weekend of riding in January 2027.
Tip #1
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Normal road bicycles are fine to use in this event. However, you are advised to use 25 mm or 28 mm tyres on road bikes with at least 90 psi. This combination will provide good control and puncture resistance on the gravel sectors. Cyclo-cross bikes are also a good option but are generally not as fast on the bitumen surfaces experienced in the early part of the event. And of course if you’re really keen, there are now specifically designed gravel bikes that can be bought.
Tip #2
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
You should carry a spare tube and means of inflation just in case together with your cell phone!
Tip #3
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Stay relaxed. This allows the bike to correct its path and maintain forward momentum when you’re moving through sketchy terrain. Wrap your hands around the top of the bars, and keep your elbows bent and arms relaxed.
When descending, move your hands into the drops, elbows still bent and relaxed. This lowers your centre of gravity. Shift your weight to the back of the seat and bend your legs to use them like springs that absorb the bumps and allow the bike to continue tracking in a straight line. On really rough terrain, hover out of the saddle to give your bike even more freedom to move beneath you.
Tip #4
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Go easy on the brakes. Your front wheel especially needs to be free to roll or you run the risk of washing out and losing control. If you need to lower your speed, feather the brakes, favouring the rear.
Tip #5
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Work your weight. Smooth, efficient gravel riding requires proper weight distribution. This is especially true when you find yourself negotiating technical terrain such as chunky climbs and descents.
Your tyres need to be properly weighted to keep contact with the ground and to respond to turning and braking. Pay attention to your front wheel especially. It’s good to get your weight back when negotiating technical terrain, especially when going downhill, but you need enough weight on the front wheel for it to go where you want it to go.
Tip #6
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Use your eyes – pick your own line. Keep your chin up and eyes forward, scanning the terrain for the smoothest surfaces. You don’t want to be crisscrossing all over the road. Often a small adjustment lets you stay on the most stable surfaces and avoid deep piles of gravel that can wipe out your front wheel.
Unlike full road riding where riding in a group you tend to follow the wheel in front (if not leading), with gravel riding always look for your own line.
Tip #7
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Crank through the rough stuff. Keep momentum to prevent being bucked about or bogged down. Cranking a bigger gear at a higher speed is the way to go, as it accomplishes two things: You travel farther per pedal stroke in a bigger gear, keeping you on top of the stutters rather than bashing into them, and it makes you a little heavier in your feet and lighter in your seat. Sitting lightly on or over the saddle will allow the bike to bounce a bit without beating you up. You may also want to shift your weight back a bit to unweight the front wheel slightly, making it easier to float over the bumps.
Tip #8
Gravel Riding – Slicks & Stones Gravel Assault
Spin on silt and sand. To avoid spinning out and going nowhere when the terrain turns soft and loose, shift into a smaller gear and spin a higher cadence. Certain kinds of mud can require the same technique. Keep your grip loose and let the bike “autocorrect” as it needs to.
Finally, enjoy! If you’re new to gravel riding, once you get the hang of it we’re sure you’ll enjoy the experience.
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