Greasy Chain Charitable Trust

03/09/2025

Sadly, our founder of the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust Steve Stannard passed away on Saturday to our great loss.

Steve’s contribution to the promotion of cycling not only as a sport, but as a way of getting Kiwi’s fitter, has been enormous. On the sporting scene, Steve inaugurated the international Gravel and Tar that put Palmerston North and the Manawatu on the world cycling stage with the first edition attracting a viewing audience of 1.6 million and a wider support of some 84 million people worldwide. Wow!

And it was not just the sport of cycling that has benefited from Steve’s drive and enthusiasm, but the wider community through his regularly published opinion pieces that addressed issues important to all of us – education, health, environment – in an engaging and sometimes humorous way that had us all considering better ways of managing the way we live.

To his many friends, Steve’s character, personality, lively commentary, and the ability to put a bit of positivity or humorous spin on a topic that mattered to all of us, will be well remembered.

Our condolences to wife Katherine and children, Elizabeth, Robert and Thomas. Steve’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 9th September at 11am Sydney time (where he was undergoing treatment) and can be viewed via streaming at 1pm NZ time https://www.albertmeyer.com.au/live-streaming/client/?nid=33ac6e5f-6f91-4aa1-b780-1ecae8d29b4c

There is also a wonderful article in The Post (for whom Steve wrote many opinion pieces) at https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360809626/always-motion-steve-stannard-resilient-rider-till-end

A memorial service is being planned for October In Palmerston North.

Rest well dear friend, Steve Stannard.

26/07/2025

🔄 Trade gas for gears.
💸 Cut the costs, not the fun.
🚴‍♂️ 95% of your cycling budget goes to gears — not gas!
🌿

17/07/2025

Our own Palmy boy, Robert Stannard (and previous winner of our Gravel and Tar, leading the break in Stage 12 of the Tour de France. Read the full story here https://pezcyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/tour25-stage-12-pogacar-powerhouse/

10/07/2025

Cycling songs for your enjoyment - Saturday 9th August

04/07/2025

Ride your way to a fitter you! 🚴‍♀️ Cycling strengthens your legs, boosts your heart health, and is easy on your joints—perfect for every fitness.

18/06/2025

Two Wheels, One Powerful Lifestyle Change — Discover the joy of movement, the strength of a healthier body, and the peace of a mind recharged by every ride. Embrace cycling not just as transport, but as a daily ritual that fuels your wellness, connects you to the world around you, and helps you live every day with purpose and vitality.

13/06/2025

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our dedicated board members Bob Selden (Chair) and Matthijs van Wagtendonk , who were recognised for their outstanding volunteer contributions at the Volunteer Recognition event 2025. 🌟🚴‍♂️

Their commitment to supporting cycling and building a stronger, more connected Manawatū community continues to inspire us all. Thank you, Bob and Matthijs, for the passion and energy you bring to everything you do! 🙌💚

11/06/2025

The Ashhurst Bridge - perhaps a "bridge too far"? See Janine Rankin's article in today's Post on the challenges the old bridge poses to pedestrians and cyclists using the beautiful new shared pathway on the Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū Tararua Highway https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360716528/bridge-obstacle-new-shared-pathway
Now is the time for all of us to email Waka Kotahi with suggestions as to how to make crossing the 100 year bridge a little safer - at the moment, it's a recipe for creating havoc between pedestrians/cyclists and motorists with potential for serious injuries. Please email Waka Kotahi at [email protected] - and it's likely to be a long time before a new crossing is built - it hasn't even been designed yet!
Make your voice hear email [email protected] now!

Cyclists and pedestrians will have to share a 105-year-old bridge with vehicles to get to the separated pathway along the Manawatū-Tararua Highway.

22/05/2025

Did you know..?

Australian cyclist’s day began at 4.09am in Auckland, New Zealand, and ended 18-and-a-half hours later in Wellington

08/05/2025

The time is now for progress on the riverside pathway. Ralph Sims, Myles Stilwell, Jim Jefferies and Berndt Reiss have written a great opinion piece in yesterday's Post on the "Missing Link" between Palmerston North and Ashhurst. https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360679434/time-now-progress-riverside-pathway
For those like the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust who have long advocated for this development, this is yet another reminder to PNCC that with the imminent opening of Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway (the new Gorge Road), completing the link id now more important than ever.
Obviously, the enjoyment for local recreational cyclists, walkers, commuters and horse riders will be tremendous. Additionally, what's not been mentioned often, is the tremendous potential of the economic benefits from visitors who will now see the Manawatu as a destination for them to enjoy as well. As we've seen in other parts of the country, extensive trails bring huge economic benefits (e.g. the Otago Rail Trail provides their second highest revenue behind rural).
Please read, 'like' and pass on to everyone you can think of who will support this initiative. Now is the time, finally!

22/04/2025

🚴‍♂️ Small Change, Big Impact 🌍

Ditch the car, grab a bike — every ride means less traffic, cleaner air, and a healthier city. Let’s create cities that breathe. 🌿

14/04/2025

🚲 Ditch the car, grab a bike — and make a difference! 🌍
Choosing to cycle instead of drive is a powerful step toward a cleaner environment, better health, and a stress-free commute. 🌱
Every pedal you take helps reduce urban pollution, ease traffic congestion, and improve your mental and physical well-being.

Let’s ride for:
💚 Cleaner air
💪 A healthier body
🚗 Less traffic stress
🌿 A more sustainable world