Cycling

Recent Cycle Rides

January 2021:
This month we met near PMH and biked out to Ferrymead following the river on bike tracks or quiet roads. There were 10 keen riders and we all enjoyed getting together after the summer break. The weather was cloudy with a SW breeze but luckily no rain. Some of our group biked from Halswell/Aidanfield. Our next ride at the end of February will be from Ferrymead to Sumner.

We meet on the last Friday of the month and new members are welcome to join us.

November:
Well a very keen group of 7 ventured to Bottle Lake Forest Park last Friday for an adventure. Well……..

We cycled along the edge of the forest for about 6 km and then found a convenient cafe. The weather was overcast but not really cold. The return showed all the type of tracks through the trees which opened a few eyes to the attraction of this.
To quote ‘we must have an open mind to different experiences’ Hahaha.

September:
Great location, new, interesting, area and good group.
For those not there. We met at the Halswell bowling club and car shared to Woodend Beach where the trail commences through to Waikuku. We rode this first and came to the Ashley River Lagoon. A lovely view and bird watching site.
We rode back along the same track but diverted to Pegasus where we stopped for a light lunch. Then biked back to cars and returned home.

August:
We went via the Quarry trail the whole way into the city to have coffee. We returned via our previous route thru Addington and cycle way alongside the Motorway, Wigram and back to Halswell.

July:
Nine members arrived for our trip. In very foggy and misty conditions we commenced our ride and proceeded to the Raspberry Cafe just off the Old Taitapu Road. 43 Minutes, as predicted by Mary, for the outward trip. Lovely warm welcome at the Cafe and after a coffee break a return into a slight headwind.
I think the continuous nature of the ride had its effect, as opposed to many rides which have a stop start component. Thereby having the ‘sore bum’ effect.
Great to see so many.

June:
Marshes Road Prebbleton, outside Texture Plants. 10am start. Tracking thru to Lincoln. 90% on cycleways.

May:
We will start from the car parking area opposite the Princess Margaret Hospital and we will cycle thru to Ferrymead for coffee.
10am. The Forecast is good.

April :
As you are aware, the last ride was changed to last Monday to allow you all to plan around the National memorial.
Well, Monday was the most beautiful morning and the fear over parking was confirmed. However we set off at a leisurely pace through the suburban streets to Linwood Avenue and then after a trip along the boulevard we were taken off road by the front cyclist, along a track none of us had ever seen. A lovely stop at Ferrymead, coffee and a view over the estuary. Another leisurely ride back to town and all under two hours.

March : Postponed
Ride this Friday starts at Worcester Street, Latimer Street end . Parking is interesting. We will follow the ride through the eastern suburbs to Linwood avenue and out to Ferrymead for a coffee and return.
It is not a long ride but an interesting addition to the city’s Cycleways..

February : From Hagley Park to Northlands and return. Pleasant. All most all off road cycle lanes using a circular route.

January: No.2. : Lovely intricate route from Rose Street, Hoon Hay to The Tannery, great coffee and return via totally different route.

January : No.1. : Lincoln to Motukarara. This was a stiff ride with a pleasant break for a picnic lunch at Motukarara, visit to local interest places. 32Kms.

2018
December: From Marshes Road to Lincoln. A ride along rural cycle lanes which is very smooth and encourages some to stretch their legs, great coffee.

November: Nice ride in fresh conditions from Ferrymead Carpark to Scarborough for coffee at Scarborough Fare. Back wind home.

October : Retreat Road to Brighton( clocktower cafe) Pleasant ride through the red zone along cycling tracks with minimum roadway usage.

January 2019 cycle from Lincoln to Motukarara

Well as you may remember last Thursday was a warm day with a little breeze.

The intrepid three, Sue, Diane and myself, took off from Lincoln and had a leisurely ride along the rail trail to Motukarara. The first part is through Lincoln village and promised much. Then we met the newer part which is loose gravel and gravel country road, not the easiest however we mastered that. Then along sealed River Road until we met the old rail trail itself and this is easy riding. Flat open country. Lunch was on the verge under trees near Motukarara. Sue then took us to the old railway siding office and we took in the sites and sounds of the area.
A very easy ride home with a back wind most of the way.

Total distance was 32.32kms. Probably close to the limit for a comfortable day. However I did spend a relaxing afternoon as I know the others did too.

I will let you know the next ride, which should be in the first week of February, very soon. It will be around the Ferrymead area I think.

March 2018 cycle from Prebbleton to Lincoln

It was far from a perfect day, but as it wasn’t actually raining we headed off anyway. First sign of rain, Karen and I were going to head from home !!

An accident just south of Marches Rd meant the road into Prebbleton was blocked. However the cycle track along the old railway line skirted around the edge of that. We rode along the main road through Prebbleton and turned down Birches Rd. About 1km or so down here we were on a sealed path almost into Lincoln.

While it was very cold, it didn’t actually rain and the riding was pleasant. Coffee in a rather crowded Coffee Culture in Lincoln.

There were 8 of us.

The ride back was slightly uphill, but it seemed to have no effect on anyone.  Drizzle set in as we neared Prebbleton.

Can only speak for myself but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

The ride next month, last Friday in April, will be a repeat of the ride from PMH to Ferrymead.

Mike