Welcome to the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust’s (infrequent) Newsletter.
We’ve got exciting news for everyone interested in cycling in the Manawatū, including a regional meeting, our Annual General Meeting, and plans for a full weekend of cycling in January 2027.
1. Unlocking the economic benefits of recreational cycling in the Manawatū
Many of us have been working for some time to develop a connected network of off-road trails through the Manawatū, linking people, communities, and stories. Around the country, similar trails have given locals and visitors more opportunities for enjoyment, exercise, and safe, easy movement away from traffic.
There is another important benefit for our wider community that has not yet been strongly promoted in the Manawatū: the economic value cycling can bring to the region. The Otago Rail Trail is a well-known example, and nationally the Great Rides of New Zealand brought $1.28 billion into host regions in the year to June 2025.
To build wider support across the Manawatū community, we need to put greater emphasis on the economic benefits of cycling and develop trails that can deliver similar value for our region.
The aim is to have Palmerston North as the HUB, with inclusive trails that invite everyone – cyclists, walkers, families, and visitors – to move freely, discover landscapes, and share in the region’s rich heritage, events, and attractions.
Key considerations include infrastructure, stronger local communities, visitor attraction, trust champions, an interconnected regional cycling network, and regional economic development. Our first step is to gather support from people across the region who share this vision, so the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust will hold a meeting on 14th July to explore the economic value of recreational cycling in the Manawatū and discuss what is needed to build momentum.
Please join us from 5.30–6.30 pm at the Globe Theatre to add your voice, or simply hear the ideas being shared, as we explore Unlocking the economic benefits of recreational cycling in the Manawatū.
Meeting: Economic Benefits of Cycling
5.30–6.30 pm
Tuesday 14th July
Globe Theatre, Main Street, Palmerston North
2. Please join us for our Annual General Meeting
The meeting on the economic benefits of recreational cycling will be followed by our Annual General Meeting.
While we’re probably best known for running our signature Gravel & Tar events, we do much more to promote cycling in the Manawatū. This includes cycling advocacy with councils and other bodies, and supporting cycling for recreation, health, commuting, the environment, sport, and of course, fun.
We are moving up a gear by adding a stronger focus on the economic benefits of cycling, and we’d love your help. Please consider joining our board or one of our sub-committees or come along to share your ideas and support the work ahead.
AGM
6.45–7.30 pm
Tuesday 14th July
Globe Theatre, Main Street, Palmerston North
3. The Manawatū Cycling Spree 2027
Well, the Gravel and Tar is back!
Yes, after the challenge of finding the right date and format, we’ve moved back to Wellington Anniversary weekend for 2027: Sunday 24th January.
There’s more too: working with Bike Manawatū, the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust is putting together a full weekend of cycling called the Manawatū Cycling Spree.
The Joe Allen Classic
Bike Manawatū will host the Joe Allen Classic on Saturday 23rd January. Held in memory of one of the doyens of Manawatū cycling, Joe Allen, the event was first raced in 1949 and is one of New Zealand’s older cycling events. Racing starts at 10.00 am, with A to D graded riders competing in a handicap event over approximately 75 km.
Gravel & Tar Classic and La Femme
The Gravel & Tar events, now in their ninth year, have previously welcomed teams from many overseas countries. The 2027 edition will focus on elite and under-19 individual cyclists, giving aspiring New Zealand riders the opportunity to compete in this prestigious event. The Classic starts from Ashhurst at 10.00 am on Sunday 24th January, followed by La Femme at 10.15 am.
Slicks and Stones
First created as a spin-off from the Gravel & Tar, the Slicks and Stones gives amateur and recreational cyclists the chance to experience the energy of a major event on home roads. It has now become a stand-alone event, with racing starting from Ashhurst on Sunday 24th January for a single open grade, excluding elite and under-19 graded riders.
So, get ready and gear up for a wonderful weekend of cycling in the Manawatū in January 2027 at the Manawatū Cycling Spree!
Thank You
A big thank you to all our volunteers who are helping make the cycling vision for the Manawatū a reality, and to our sponsors and supporters:
GSA Design, Freedom Press, Palmfield Motors, ETECH, BASE Solutions, Colspec, Colliers, Palmerston North City Council and Manawatū District Council.
Hope to see you on the 14thJuly.
Alice Williamson,
Chair.
