The Greasy Chain Charitable Trust – History

In 2016, local cycling enthusiasts headed by Steve Stannard, set out to instigate an international cycling event in the Manavati. That first event in 2016 was titled, the “Gravel and Tar” which quickly gained a national and international reputation for its challenging parcours amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Manawatū. Although not unique, there are very few international road cycling events that combine smooth road surfaces with stretches of other surfaces such as gravel, or in the case of the world famous Paris-Roubaix, cobbles. In fact colloquially, the Gravel and Tar has become known as the “Paris-Roubaix of the South”.

In 2019, a race for women, “The Gravel and Tar La Femme” was introduced, which in 2020 became one of the first cycling events in the world to pay equal prize money with the men’s, i.e. the Gravel and Tar event.

Both events are recognised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), with participants competing for UCI points that build towards their world rankings. Teams from many countries compete in both events.

Seeing the increasing interest in competitive cycling for amateurs, the Slicks and Stones was introduced which was held on the same day as the Gravel and Tar, over a similar, but reduced parcours. Then in 2021, the Slicks and Stones was broadened to feature shorter distances and e-bike categories to encourage more people to participate. The Slicks and Stones attracts many participants from various regions, and some internationals. The Greasy Chain Charitable Trust sees the Slicks and Stones as a future growth opportunity for both encouraging more people to take up cycling, and for attracting more out of town participants.

In 2019, the Gravel and Tar was awarded “Best NZ Cycling Event”, by Cycling New Zealand and in 2020 received the Shona Smith Award for contributions to women’s cycling.

In 2019, the organising committee for these two events morphed into the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust with the broad goal of “Encouraging all New Zealanders to become healthier through regular cycling.” The original board members, had seen the opportunity to not only continue promoting the Gravel and Tar events as international competitions, but to use these as a springboard for encouraging more people to take up cycling, be that for sport, recreation, commuting or to improve their health.

So, the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust’s principles were developed to:

1. Improve public health (particularly the reduction of obesity and type two diabetes) through regular, healthy, outdoor exercise.

2. Reduce the current levels of increasing work-related stress in today’s work environment.

3. Provide greater independence for people, particularly older people unable to drive.

4. Over time, increase the amount of urban cycle trips taken by the public and thus reduce noise and carbon emission pollution.

5. For the Gravel & Tar Classic and La Femme to become “cannot miss” events on the UCI calendar for elite riders, and for the Slicks and Stones 100 to become a “must do” for keen amateur cyclists.

Since it’s inception, the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust has organised a number of events, contributed support to local community organisations, and lobbied local governments to improve cycling facilities. In addition to the annual Gravel and Tar, Slicks and Stones events, these activities and events have included:

· A Stationary Bike Challenge in the Plaza with teams from businesses, schools and other sporting bodies participating to raise funds for the Westpac Helicopter Appeal

· Downtown Criterium Races in Palmerston North City that included categories for men, women and school children

· The ‘Great Bike Giveaway’ which resulted in 23 bikes being donated to a local school

· A Family Fun River Path Ride

· The Retro Ride (showcasing vintage bicycles and riders dressed in period costume)

· ‘Over the Line’ Cycling Festival at Memorial Park in conjunction with the Gravel and Tar events

· Advocacy for a number of Cycling-related initiatives, including improvement of bicycle lanes.

· Submissions to Councils on safe cycling strategies, for example

o Ashhurst to Palmerston North shared pathway

• • PNCC’s ‘Bikes in Schools’ Programme

  • Supporting various improvements by PNCC in cycle lanes, e.g. College Street, Palmerston North

  • MDC’s Feilding to Palmerston North Cycleway

Currently, in line with the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust’s principles, the Trust is galvanising public support for the development of an Active Transport Advocacy body to recommend and support initiatives within Palmerston North for the improvement of all means of personal travel such as walking, cycling and greater use of public transport.