Manning Valley Cycle Club (MVCC) officially commenced in April 1963, prior to this, cycling races in the area were conducted under the banner of Taree Cycle Club, dating back to the early 1900’s.
Major events held over the years included, Port Macquarie to Taree, Kew to Taree and Gloucester to Wingham. These events have attracted the Commonwealth games team in 1982, State, Country Championships as well as State 2 day tours for both senior and junior riders.
The Club had a Velodrome constructed a number of years ago at the Wingham Sporting Complex. The surface has deteriorated over the years and is now not used for race events, it is however used on occasions for training.
The Club’s intention is to construct a Criterium circuit at Taree Recreational Ground of approximately 1.2km in distance. It will have a “hot mix’ surface with a width approximately equal to a standard single lane road. It will be used for the majority of the Summer Criterium race program and during winter will offer a safe race alternative for juniors. On an all year round basis it will be utilised for training and junior development programs. Local schools would also clearly utilise the facility for cycling programs for children during school hours.
The Club has 2 distinct racing seasons, summer and winter. In summer, Criterium races are conducted on Wednesday evenings at approved circuits in the Taree area. These are all public roads and are not “closed’ circuits. Approved courses include, Brimbin Rd, Cowans lane (Oxley Island), Kolodong Industrial area, Oxley Bend (Cundletown). Criterium races are of a shorter duration, typically 30 – 40 minutes and are generally on a short 1 km course.
Winter events are held on a Saturday afternoon and are also held on roads still open to motorists. These events are of a longer duration with each grade contesting events with distances of 30 to 60 km.
The Club has a riding membership of 130 which includes approximately 25 juniors. Each consecutive year has seen an increasing trend in membership, for example there were 62 members in 2000. The Club has a membership coverage area of Taree, Wingham, Nabiac, Forster and Tuncurry.
MANNING VALLEY CYCLE CLUB