Handlebra Easy Rider Club

Cycling in London

2011-10-19T09:53:00.006+13:00

Helen and I had a wonderful time in London, and the best way to do it, was by Cycle Tour! Our original Tallyho Cycle Tour let us down at the last minute, but http://www.biketoursoflondon.com/ came to the party and took us on for the next day. The weather was fine, the rides felt safe, and we were taken to parts of London we would never have found on our own.

Onehunga, Mangere Bridge circuit

2011-08-20T15:11:00.009+12:00

Great day to get back on the bike for a decent cycle. Took a while negotiating the many roadworks between here at Te Atatu and Onehunga, in the car, but when we got there and dismantled the bikes, it was worth it.

Aint nothing like a guilt-free pie at the end of a good cycle trip.

Cycling the new motorway from Brigham's Creek, Whenuapai

2011-08-06T15:59:00.007+12:00

Had a cycle on the new motorway, in pristine black condition, before the wear and tear got to it. Very pleasant hanging out with so many cyclists of every variety and size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YROi6mMVTR4

London and Paris in October

2011-07-27T11:19:00.003+12:00

Helen and I are off for a few weeks to UK this October. We've found the perfect way to do London, and intend a bit of a peddle around Paris as well.
Very excited at the prospect.
Link here: http://www.tallyhocycletours.com/london/

Another winter ride to Henderson and Lincoln Road and back

2011-07-20T10:49:00.001+12:00

Helen and I took a ride along this cycleway again last weekend. The first great weather on a weekend in a while. HAD to get the wheels out and give it a go.

Helen's new bike

2011-07-11T13:36:00.003+12:00

Helen has picked up a rather stylish bike off TradeMe which she has cleaned up and added accoutrements to.
Nice to have a choice of bike to pick when setting off on an adventure.

Solo ride to Ponsonby Rd and NOSH and back via Rosebank Road

2011-04-09T13:35:00.005+12:00

Gorgeous weather these days for a cycle any time of the day. Still mornings, blue skies, water like a mill pond. I went from Te Atatu in to Ponsonby Road today, and ambled along, stopping at Il Forno for a coffee and Italian doughnut. Then along to NOSH for a few things to take to dinner party tonight. On the way home I detoured up Rosebank Road and had lunch at Kreme, before coming on home.

A cluster of cyclists make it to The Falls for brunch

2011-04-03T16:11:00.003+12:00

Arriving at the Falls for coffee and brunch. Gorgeous crisp Autumn day for cycling.

About to cycle down into the park beside Henderson creek.

To Dominion Road and back to Te Atatu South

2011-04-02T14:18:00.009+13:00

Helen's friend, Trish, bought a cycle from the cycleshop at the end of Dominion Road, and we cycled in to meet her there, and come home along the cycleway with her.
She has a beautiful bike, and she loved discovering the cycleway. Had a coffee stop at Kingsland on the way home.
On overbridge at Patiki Rd.
Leaving the cycleshop.
Below: Helen and I setting off on a perfect morning.

Helen's latest bike

2011-03-30T19:06:00.004+13:00

Look at this little red beauty - posted all the way up from Wellington. What glorious lines it has. What pleasant adventures it whispers of. How snuggly the basket sits on the back. How green have I become. . . and how happy is Helen- VERY!

Oratia again, and Just Plane Interesting

2011-03-20T17:16:00.007+13:00

To Ponsonby from Te Atatu and back

2011-02-27T09:54:00.003+13:00

A very pleasant Saturday spent cycling into Ponsonby Road and enjoying some shopping and cafe stopping along its length. We even managed a loll in Western Park at the end and some reading. Perfect.

Te Atatu to Oratia and back.

2011-02-07T09:14:00.003+13:00

Here we are tying the bikes up at the Packing Shed cafe at Just Plain Interesting in Oratia. A great place to cycle to, with live music (in this case, a Spanish guitarist), homely food, and great ambience.

Most of the way there is on cyclepaths, and through some interesting spots, like the Millbrook neighbourhood garden.

Holiday cycling

2011-02-01T17:43:00.003+13:00

That's my bike up above, with friend Gordon cycling around the treacherous bottom end of Lake Rotoiti to get the paper - negotiating logging trucks and other traffic on the open road. Braver than me.
. . . however I WAS on the road behind my sister, in this one of many rides at Waihi Beach. On our way for a coffee at the other end. Very nice.

Evening ride in from Te Atatu to the Domain for the Practice Christmas in the Park

2010-12-11T17:15:00.008+13:00

That's Dion on a one gear bike and his mother, waiting with me for Helen and nurse friend to join us at Te Atatu Medical Centre, and cycle in to the Domain. It's 6.15pm.
Helen and friend ahead, where friend will leave for her home in Pt Chev, and we four will continue.
Nicola and son behind, and a glorious evening with the sunset behind us.
Finally in at the Domain and joining up with other members of the family. Dion didn't return with us, and we left at around 9:45pm.
Below: not much to see, but the air was wonderfully balmy and the moon a thin sliver, and we had the entire route to ourselves all the way back to Te Atatu, arriving at 10:45pm.

Checking out inner Mt Roskil and Sandringham

2010-11-30T09:25:00.014+13:00

Starting from the Pak n Save in Mt Albert, we headed off over the road and down the metal path into the parklands there.
It did eventually become concrete path, and then we hit Sandringham Rd and found the pathway beside the new motorway.
. . . and headed towards Hillsborough.
In the industrial area of Three Kings, we had a coffee at The Rock cafe.
and then headed home. . .

following the slope of Mt Roskill. . .

Over the overbridge. . .
and into the extensive parklands (who'd have known they were there!) in Stoddard Rd area.

A wander from Te Atatu into the city, and beyond

2010-11-15T09:30:00.007+13:00

These are in reverse order I'm sorry - starting with the end of the day and moving backwards. It started with Linda, John and I heading in to the city from Te Atatu, along the cyclepath, then up Newton Gully to Ponsonby Road, and all along that. We stopped for coffee and donuts at Il Forno. Then we stopped in at Cyco, and admired the bikes. Helen texted us from 'The Rabbit Hole' on Jervois Road so we cycled there for a spot of lunch and catch up. John and Linda went back through Meola Road and Pt Chev, and Helen and I continued down College Hill to the Viaduct. Caught the ferry over to Devonport, and swung around there for a while. Came back and pressed on up Anzac Ave, until we hit the cycleway to the West again. And home to a hot bath!

Maraetai and environs

2010-11-01T09:39:00.005+13:00

Great day on Saturday at Maraetai. We drove out here first - to Pine Harbour - and enjoyed the market for a while. Then five of us sped off up and around on the main road toward Maraetai, where we stopped for a picnic lunch.

Headed back for a coffee at the cafe on the beachfront, and then four headed back over the edge of the peninsula following the coast and found that it was indeed possible to reach pine harbour by paths.

After the cycling adventure, Helen and I swam in the sea and went off to Botany Downs for a movie (RED).

Labour Weekend ramble

2010-10-24T17:35:00.003+13:00

Pictures are in the wrong order but this is niece Nicola and I enjoying coffee with her son Dion at Kings Garden Centre on St Lukes Rd, on our way home from the Domain.
Lovely Spring day in the domain, and plenty of time to have a picnic lunch and read on the blanket.

Enjoying a coffee on Ponsonby Road after arriving from Te Atatu.

16 Oct Spring cycle along the waterfront in Auckland

2010-10-16T15:10:00.005+13:00

Beautiful Spring day for a long ride along Tamaki Drive from Parnell Baths to St Heliers and back.

Well-cycled Weekend behind us

2010-10-10T19:44:00.008+13:00

What a great weekend to dust off the pedals and start to pick up some stamina on the bikes again. Yesterday we went to Henderson to do some shopping, and today we went along the Western cycleway in as far as Kingsland, and the Kings Garden Centre. This is us on the bridge at Waterview.
Chained our bikes to the fence at the garden centre and Helen removed her panniers - trialing a new design she has made.

We stopped for a Chai Latte and Yoyo, and breezed around the Garden Centre picking up a few Spring plants for the vegie garden. I carried them back in my front basket.
On the way home, this lovely Pashley pulled up beside us, ridden by Matt, who has only been on it since midwinter. He was good company, chatting about the cycleways around the West, and how he'd had the bike imported, but that it was well worth the effort.
Oh dreams of glory.

Henderson Valley - new extension

2010-09-06T12:38:00.003+12:00

Corban Estate Art Centre, which we passed on our way through to the new extension to the bike path, was littered with delicious samples of knitted graffiti.
Stopped at the Falls for coffee

Pleasant ramble on the cyclepath from the Falls through to Henderson Valley Road, and then along to a winetasting, and on to Just Plain Interesting for lunch.
Came back along Twin Streams cycleway, and through to Te Atatu Peninsula by 3pm. Despite slight showers and the news from the far South (earthquake) a pleasant ride.

We ARE still cycling. . .

2010-08-09T09:45:00.002+12:00

Yes, no photos, but we are still cycling. Shorter trips up to the supermarket to load up on groceries and fill the panniers, and zips around the peninsula. Yesterday four of us went back to Ambury Park, in Mangere Bridge, and went even further than before. We tackled wind, rain and a very strong smell of sewage - but it was well worth getting out there and feeling like we were in the country. Its a great ride for people 'muscling up' again for the longer trips taken over summer.

Amblings around Ambury Park

2010-07-19T07:35:00.007+12:00

Very pleasant morning on Saturday, starting off from Ambury Park and heading toward Puketutu Island where the old settling ponds were. Weather showery but it felt very much like the Rail Trail.

Stopped at the bird watching hut to view the birdless expanse in front of us.

Puketutu Island quite picturesque in the low tide.

It did have all the makings of an excellent spy base.

Glorious - if frosty - winter weather for cycling

2010-07-12T21:09:00.005+12:00

I did a solo trip just to 'warm up' from Te Atatu to Henderson on Saturday, enjoying the clear skies and winter weather. The nice thing about cycling in midwinter, is that you never get too hot!

. . .and on Sunday, John Cowan and I took to the hills leading into Devonport and caught up with Naomi and some other friends for coffee and a bite just off Victoria Rd in the main centre, before cycling back to the car. I always forget how many hills there really are in Devonport!
. . .the video below taken on my trip to Henderson, through the bare branches of the trees and ducking amongst plenty of pedestrians and their dogs.

Still crawling along through winter - to Pt Chev this time

2010-07-03T13:28:00.007+12:00

Sheesh, it's been hard to get out there these days, but today dawned blue and clear so Helen and I hit the trail from Te Atatu to Pt Chev - jostling between a mighty contingent of cyclists all enjoying the day out and about.
It was great to get some exercise, but it was painful to realise how much we'd lost in the way of fitness and form. Oh well.

The coffee stop was good, at Pt Chev.

Highland Park to Botany Downs and back

2010-06-05T17:21:00.015+12:00

We had a few newbies today - this is the six of us about to set off from the carpark at Highland Park, along the green marked off road cycle route on Eastern Districts Cycle Map.
A pleasant and surprising path meandered behind the suburbs and followed the stream a long distance in and through Botany Downs.
Stopped for a photo at Howick Historic Village
Who'd have thought this was tucked away there in the burbs?

Eventually stopped for a coffee at the Kings Garden Centre in Botany.

I continued on by myself when we got back to Highland Park, and tried out the cycleway and pedestrian path which hugs the coastline by Pakuranga. Lovely.

Around Onehunga and Ambury

2010-05-23T13:42:00.005+12:00

We took a ride around Onehunga yesterday and discovered a whole area previously not found: Ambury regional park, with its animals and the bike track that goes from there all around the coastline. Only managed to begin that portion of the trip before we needed to return, but it is fixed in mind for a longer jaunt another day.

Homewards in the dying light

2010-05-12T08:36:00.006+12:00

After such a long summer and mild Autumn, the days are starting to get much shorter and more unpredictable. Last night I just made it back to Te Atatu before the sun dipped below the horizon. Still, it was satisfying to be on the bike and not one of the many cars crawling along on the right.
Just a few light showers but nothing like the weather today - strong gusts and sideways rain - so I'm glad I'm working from home today. I actually took the camera to capture images of some of the many motorscooters that use these cyclepaths, which personally, I find very annoying. Some of them go quite fast, and come upon you without warning. I don't know how other cyclists feel about them, but despite signs up to show they are not allowed on the cycle way, they still persist - even to the extent of taking their license plates off.

I didn't come across any last night. Phew. Just long stretches of open path, golden light, and tight streams of slow moving traffic on my right.

Snakes on a plane - er BIKE, I mean.

2010-05-10T19:43:00.003+12:00

It took me a moment to realise what this strange apparatus on the front of the bike was, when a friend uploaded this photo, taken in her garage in Atlanta. Not some clever new basket holder, but a rat snake! Something I'd rather not find on my own bike in the early hours as I headed out to work in the dark.

To market to market to buy a fat . . . cabbage.

2010-05-02T21:27:00.007+12:00

We went further afield with the trailer on this perfect Sunday ride - from Te Atatu along Rosebank Road, to Avondale market. Had to ride along a fairly busy/narrow road (been spoilt with many cyclepaths lately), but today they were fairly sedate weekend drivers. Very glad NOT to be a car in the queue to get into the carpark.
It was jam packed with people, and we didn't choose the best place to park our bikes, but mental note for next time to park closer to the fruit and vegie section.
Huge range of cheap produce - can't believe we haven't been here before. For a pittance we loaded up our panniers, baskets and trailer, and negotiated the traffic at the entrance to get out.

Helen tackles her trailer for family shopping

2010-04-29T17:21:00.004+12:00

Helen attached her bike trailer and headed off to get a pile of groceries yesterday. It's taken her a while to organise the locks and chains to make it securely attached, and unpinchable, and feel confident getting along with it pulling behind. But when she returned with a sack of spuds, two bags of groceries and smile on her face, it was obviously well worth it.

If you have the sound up, I can only deeply apologise for the giggling - I don't know what came over me.

Showing off the new cyclepath

2010-04-26T22:00:00.003+12:00

Four of us went from Te Atatu on Saturday afternoon to check out the new cycleway at the bottom of Kingsland. They were suitably impressed with the wide path, fencing and nice little off ramps onto local streets. Plenty of pedestrians seem to find it a good walk, and many families were making use of it as well, with tricycles, and small pink bikes.
Now all I'd like to see is something similar continuing on into the city without going up the steep walkways further on, but I'm CERTAINLY not going to complain.

Today the Kingsland portion of the cycleway was completed.

2010-04-15T20:53:00.003+12:00

It has finally happened - after months of cycling past the diggers and men in fluoro vests the brand new patch of cycleway from St Lukes Rd to almost Newton is finished. I rode in to work today but missed the opening by a couple of hours, however it was pristine and open when I rode home at 5pm. LOVELY.

Movie of the trip along the Northwestern cycleway in Autumn

2010-04-11T13:46:00.004+12:00

Still going in to the city, and a trip to Howick

2010-04-11T13:32:00.010+12:00

I'm still going 14.8kms into the city on the days I work there, along the cycleway - and it's perfect weather for cycling right now - gentle cool breezes, blue skies, not too hot. The sunstrike hits pretty much in the face for much of the trip but it's so worth it.
Very pleasing to be on the bike and not one of the rushing vehicles to my left.
And for a touch of contemplation, there's always the still blue waters of the inner harbour.
And yesterday, John Cowan and I went for a long voyage out to Howick to check it out. Didn't take the Eastern Cycle map, which was a pity. We encountered a few hills, and hardly any cycleways, to our disappointment. But the ride was a new adventure, and well worth it.

John's helmet needed major readjustment after it had been fitted to some young boy's heads the previous weekend.
Cockle Bay.

Central Otago Rail Trail

2010-03-21T20:00:00.010+13:00

Well, after months of planning and anticipation, this trail has been done. Down in the South Island, over 160kms of old rail tracks. . . a great ride, and plenty of challenge with head winds, and bumpy terrain, and tunnels.

I almost have too much to say about it and too many photos to put them up here. I think I'll do a separate blog and provide a link from this one, to it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

On the way out of Middlemarch

Approaching our first tunnel

Between Ranfurly and Lauder

Country roads around Woodhill and Parakai

2010-03-06T16:39:00.011+13:00

We attempted a ride in Woodhill Forest this morning, but got told we could only do the main road through the forest (with logging trucks) and all the rest private land, so we did a short run up and down to the path through to Murawai and decided to drive over to Parakai and cycle from there.
Well kitted up for the journey with the French Stick, thermos and coolie bag full of picnic stuff.
Leaving the Parakai Aerodrome after a look around.
Heading off for the main road.

A good 20 kms cycle today, up hill and down dale, with a picnic on a grassy knoll at lunchtime.

Great day!

Up to Swanson via Henderson Valley

2010-03-01T21:11:00.008+13:00

The three of us went from Te Atatu Peninsula through Henderson and a fair happening by The Falls, up through Corban Estate Art Centre (viewing exhibition on the way), and through the back to Border Rd. Then we turned right UP the horrendous hill that leads toward Ranui/Swanson. Two of us walked it, and John was waiting at the top.
This is the railway line crossed just below the Swanson station.

Naturally we enjoyed a delish lunch at a cafe in the shopping centre before coming back via Ranui and Universal Drive.

Around Dairy Flat (Hah!)

2010-02-20T15:41:00.012+13:00

I drove across to Torbay and met up with the Cowans and then convoyed up to Dairy Flat this morning, where we did a respectable 20 km ride around the rolling countryside past the aerodrome and some lovely lifestyle blocks.
The worst hill was the one we came down to start with, behind Naomi in the picture above. It went on and on.
The official group portrait (above). On the return voyage we went past a car in the yard with what looked like a body on it. Upon closer investigation it was a gallery of sorts so we went into the yard and found that the owners were friends of the Cowans. A delightful stop over including chat, coffee and cake, and roaming the grounds looking at sculptures that international artists were presently working on for a coming exhibition next weekend.

LOVED Bob the Aussie Terrier cross below.
Then I returned to Te Atatu and found Helen had gone off and obtained this delicious bike trailer. Opening the way for longer trips involving tents and equipment. Yay.

Bike to Breakfast 2010

2010-02-17T13:23:00.026+13:00

Looking forward to this annual event the night before - we met to check out our bikes and pimp them up suitably.
Neighbours, friends and family got involved of course.
The next morning, about to head off at 5.45 from Te Atatu, awaiting Jan who had slept through her alarm.
Taken on the Waterview bridge.
Jan's basket. . .
Helen's basket. . .
My basket . . .
and the helmets of course.
Joined the bike bus at Pt Chev and continued along the cycle path toward the city.
We didn't have a police escort down Queen Street this time, but still, it was great fun.

Arrived at the Viaduct and got swept into a frenzy of photos and television which was unexpected and very exhilarating. Breakfast was forgotten what with interviews with Tamati from TVOne breakfast show (below). That's Jenny from Cycle Action Auckland with Jan.
The winning helmet!
Helen won an Avanti bike for her outfit.
Finally got to take helmets off and enjoy a great breakfast, before cycling back up Queen St and home.
My angel looks exactly as I felt upon arrival back at Te Atatu.
Some clips from the tv show.

Check out the link for Wed 17 Feb 2010 - chapter 6
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast/video

Waiwera and surrounds

2010-02-07T10:08:00.012+13:00

We four did the trip from Waiwera along the country road inland following the inlet/stream yesterday. Beautiful day, and a patch of 3kms of gravel within the 23kms we did on which to practice for the Rail Trail.
Heading off around the corner under the bridge leading into the township.
On gravel (below) and enjoying a break from the jarring.

We stopped at a War Memorial that was pretty substantial as far as they go.
And on the way home found this private bridge appealing - if only we could have jumped into the inviting water below.
We did have an iceblock and a swim in the sea at Waiwera before returning to the Cowan's for bbq and champagne. Then a bit of desultory planning for the Rail Trail and some more pictures to view on the lounge wall from John's laptop.

Bike Wise to Work Challenge

2010-02-02T20:41:00.001+13:00

I am finding this challenge a real incentive to getting out there. Have done my third trip in to work in the city, as well as some adventure cycling in the weekend, and amassed 133 kms in the last week alone. Stunning - for me that is! I find it amazing that only a couple of years ago I watched the cycle lane from the bus on the North Western motorway and just didn't even contemplate that I could get that far, let alone to work. Yee ha.

Te Atatu to St Heliers, then Devonport and back

2010-01-31T10:54:00.019+13:00

We had about the best adventure yet on our bikes yesterday. Took most of the day - 12 hours - and set off at 8.45 toward the city, just following our noses with a thermos, sandwiches, blankets and togs.
High tide mark still showing on the North Western motorway cyclepath.
Took the customary photo on the Waterview bridge.
Got in to lower Parnell and discovered the cafe at the Fabric shop.
Great coffee!
By the time we arrived at Okahu Bay we were ready for a swim even if the tide was half out.
My trusty steed was holding up fine.
Headed around to Kohimarama and St Heliers.
I spotted some friends at Kohimarama beach and stayed for another swim with these two went on to St Heliers. Then we cycled to the Viaduct and caught the ferry across to Devonport.

Great day for it too. A stiff breeze at times but it cooled things down. This is Helen and Nicola at the pier at Devonport before we did a bit of a cycle further into the suburbs.
Skytower behind Nicola.
Came back for a coffee/chai/tea at a cafe in Devonport.
Nicola headed off up North to Greenhithe and Helen and I went back on the ferry and up Queen St (in togs and with salty hair). We found a nice man in the booth at the carpark below the Town Hall, who secured our bikes in an area near his booth, and we went up and had a roast dinner at the Food Hall before going to see 'It's Complicated'.
Came out in the pink light of evening and set off toward the sunset and Te Atatu. This time we followed the road down through Grey Lynn and caught up with the cyclepath at St Lukes.
Got home after 50kms and 12 hours, having had a glorious day.

Albany environs

2010-01-24T11:04:00.003+13:00

John, Naomi and I went to Albany on Saturday to check out the cycling around the campus and the parkway there. It's great to see a growing consideration for cyclists: the new stairways under the Albany bridge have ramps with grooved tracks to easily wheel your cycle down.Overlooking a pleasant scene of ducks, children and stream, just behind the Albany township.

Every which way for the summer holidays

2010-01-18T09:31:00.008+13:00

Two of the Handlebras were at Waihi beach for some of January - this is Helen and I on our way to Flat White cafe for dinner, on a balmy evening.
. . . and the next day we cycled up to Bowentown and had a coffee in the only cafe we could find at that end of the beach.
I went on to Lake Rotoiti, where the cycling was limited if you didn't want to take on the busy highway. Not wearing a helmet because it was a 10kph zone in front of the bach.

I did, however, wear a helmet on this stretch of road. . .
. . . scary stretch of road negotiated with logging trucks and large vehicles with boats, 100kph zone, just to go get the paper from this cute little shop. I had eyes in the back of my head and ears on full alert.

The other Handlebras were doing more challenging rides up near Waiwera and we have all planned to return to that area and do it together. The gravel portions of the track will be useful in preparing us for the Rail Trail in March I'm sure.

High tide mark

2010-01-03T13:47:00.009+13:00

First of all, I have to say - my summer holiday is MADE because of the invention of the two simple items pictured above. That's ALL you need. Seriously. A place to relax outside, and a way to get places in your own steam with all you need on the cycle - amazing machine that it is. As you can see (look closely) the theme of this year is grapes. . . flowers are so last year.
To our delight, my niece and I discovered we hit the NorthWestern cyclepath to Pt Chev right on the dot of high tide, and yes, it does cover the track.
Very glad of my mudguards, as I swooshed through this rather deep tide.

. . . then we stopped for the usual photo on the Waterview bridge.
and reached the end of Pt Chev road for the promised coffee. Perfick.

Slow leisurely solo cycle for New Years Day

2010-01-01T17:46:00.006+13:00

It being a lazy New Year's Day, and no one else available, I went on a bit of a ramble toward Henderson and onwards. This is taken at the Falls, Henderson, where I stopped for a while.
As you can see - pretty pleasant spot!

And then there was the lying around in my hammock for much of the afternoon. This is the sight you look up at from the prostrate position.

Cycling with the children

2009-12-20T17:32:00.008+13:00

Had a short cycle up and along the Te Atatu Peninsula cycleway, with my niece and her sons this afternoon. Love the monocycle attached to the back of her bike, that allows her youngest son to have an active and involved cycling experience too.
Heading up Yeovil Rd to the busy main street. We crossed at the pedestrian crossing and went along the cycleway on the road initially.
Then it was a wonderful free for all, along the new pathway.

Cohen loves peddling behind his Mum, and keeping up a steady commentary on the way.

Twilight ride in to the practice for Christmas in the Park tomorrow

2009-12-11T23:12:00.010+13:00

We decided to make the most of the balmy evenings to do a cycle in to the domain tonight at 5.45pm from Te Atatu Peninsula. This is the stop on the Waterview bridge.
Bought takeaway burgers in Kingsland to eat in the park when we got there.
The burger place used to be a petrol station.
Finally got there and cracked open our cider.
We were joined by niece Nicola and her family. She brought her bike to do the return journey with us.

Got home at 9.45pm. Wonderful to cycle in the cool of the evening. I think the round trip was 31kms.

Twin Streams, Henderson and back

2009-12-07T09:12:00.008+13:00

This last weekend was the Christmas Parade through Te Atatu Peninsula, so four of us took the opportunity to dress up our bikes and hit the streets. Unfortunately we weren't part of the actual parade, but we made the most of the empty main road and the crowds and cycled up and down in front of everyone before the parade started, until we were SHOOED off by an officious gentleman in uniform!
Yesterday, John and I cycled from Te Atatu to Henderson and then I showed him the Twin Streams cycleway, which is great. This is us resting on the bridge across to the Falls - which has been closed due to vandalism for the last month or so. Nice to finally get across but it would be nicer if they replaced the splendid light shades that were either smashed or taken.

The Twin Streams cycleway has the occasional tile and ceramic work embedded in the path.

Stopped at 'Just Plane Interesting' for coffee before heading back. The Pohutukawa are all out and make quite a show on the side of the new Te Atatu cycleway. Merry Christmas All!

Ranui/Swanson and back with bruises, broken mirrors and bent wheels

2009-11-21T17:16:00.007+13:00

Cycled from Te Atatu today, on a meandering journey that took in Huruhuru stream and bridge (where John lost his mirror to the water), and the cycle path along Henderson creek, (where John fell off and grazed his shin), to the trip up to AvantiPlus off Lincoln Road, (to straighten John's wheel). Still, it was an adventure, and a bit of a trip of nostalgia for him, going through some of the places of his childhood.
and we ended up in Swanson at the Redwood Cafe enjoying a sturdy lunch and great coffee.

before coming back via Corban Estate Art Centre, and this display of old bikes forming some sort of fence to the pile of old hairdryers. We looked at the gallery and then made our way home.

Out and about in Onehunga

2009-11-14T22:18:00.020+13:00

It was a briskly windy day today but three of us went over to Onehunga, and cycled along the path which went on for some way into the backblocks, following the edge of the inner harbour.
Wind behind us in this direction felt pretty good. Lovely broad path, that three of us could have cycled abreast had we so chosen.
The nearby work on the airport motorway.
Naomi and I following on closely behind John, who shot this over his shoulder.
Container park and customs area.
Naomi stopping while I took the photos.
Yet another factory at the back of Penrose.
Pleasant overbridge with a train or two passing in the distance.
Not sure this was the most respectful way of perusing the old gravestones, but we covered a fair few of them this way.
Lunch at the Library cafe.
Mmmm. And (below) the wharf area of Onehunga, and the old bridge, now a pedestrian and cycle path only.
The main motorway to the airport.

The small and meandering path on the Mangere Bridge side of Onehunga area.

And below, the short film I took of our voyage back toward the bridge.

Halloween day cycle to Kumeu and Riverhead

2009-10-31T22:20:00.019+13:00

It was a simply glorious day today, and so we made quick plans to get out on our bikes and go to Kumeu, via Henderson and the train up to Waitakere. This is Helen and Jenny about to set off.

This initial journey to Henderson is about 11 kms along this rather pleasant meandering pathway.

Getting to Henderson 10 mins after the train left, we had a 50 min wait, so spent it having a coffee across the road.
then hanging out at the station. Had to take bikes up and down escalators to get here.
Loved the murals/billboards on display to the waiting passengers on either side of Henderson train station.

Finally the train came and we loaded our bikes - a mere $3.60 to take ourselves and them up to Waitakere township.

.. . where John awaited us. He'd flown in from Whakatane this morning and got to Waitakere to wait for us there.
It was then a hefty ramble up and down hills to Kumeu and discover Carriages cafe closed. So we headed inland to Riverhead and had lunch there. Naomi joined us for this.

Back via the vineyards and a spot of wine tasting at Soljans, (carrying a bottle for dinner tonight in my panniers).
All up, Helen and I did 50 kms today - not too bad really. John did about 28 kms and left us at Waitakere township. My knees are feeling it now - need to lose some weight and am in the process of doing just that. Great day.

Prep for the Rail Trail in Otago

2009-10-28T13:59:00.005+13:00

These two lucky Handlebras/Handlebros headed out to visit rellies in Otago and checked out the Rail Trail for the rest of us. We plan to do it in March 2010, and will be well prepared now that we've got bookings and a feel for the track. They didn't do it all, just a bit - still, I'm envious!

Roll on the day!

Getting out there. . .

2009-10-19T10:37:00.003+13:00

It's a bit tough when you're an 'adventure' cyclist, and Spring this year is particularly windy and rainy. The trip down to the shops and back is easy enough between showers but the DISTANT HORIZONS still call, and just getting out to the bike and rigging up can be a bit of an effort. Still, we're doing it. The Rail Trail in Otago is calling us, and we're booked for March next year. So, despite pretty disturbing conditions we are taking to the cycle trails to get in shape.
Recently I managed the trip in from Te Atatu to AUT in Wellesley St, despite a flat tyre, brake repairs and tyre come out from the rim situations. The bus strike helped.
Last weekend, the Cowans took to Devonport and Helen and I went to Henderson to do some shopping and get some fresh air.

Rotorua

2009-10-01T10:24:00.013+13:00

John, Naomi and I went to Rotorua for a few days at the end of September to check out the easier touring routes. ALMOST didn't make it - both Naomi and I had bad colds, and coughed most of the time, and the weather was very SPRING. i.e. wet and windy for much of the time there. HOWEVER on Tuesday which happened to be the funeral for Sir Howard Morrison down there, it was also mostly blue skies, so we got our gear together and headed out.

Very glad we did! The thermal region cycle track was interesting enough without being too taxing for the not-so-well members of the Handlebra group. Really enjoyed going through the steam and the boiling mud areas.

We even unwittingly joined the funeral procession on our way back to the camp ground at Ngongataha. Going past a billboard for Sir Howard Morrison, John hongi'ed him.

We managed the edges of the Redwood Forest before coming back on the circuitous route.
Neither were we without incident. Surprisingly it was the car that needed a tyre change.

Spring Cycling . . .

2009-09-14T09:09:00.002+12:00

Yep, that's the cycle at the moment - all ready for a Spring trip out of the Peninsula somewhere. I have big plans every weekend - to sew, to get into my garden, to do housework - and then I get a call from the Cowans or my sister and before you know it, I'm clad in far too clingy outfits, and heading out to the garage. My bike lives beside my car in a corner where it is easy to exit and enter without too much damage to the car (ha!). As you can see, the panniers are covered with the neat little built in rain cover, and there is a nasty CAPE resting on the basket drying out. I wore it only yesterday, during a sudden squall coming back from Henderson. My sister has yet to wear hers.
Cowans and I 'did' the Peninsula shore track over gravel on Saturday in the rain, no less. Seeking shelter as we could beneath some huge pines, before negotiating the track again. Naomi suffered one spill on the boardwalk but arose to continue the rest of the path virtually unscathed apart from an unpleasant scrape on her leg. Whew. It could have been much worse - the smelly mangroves just beyond the boardwalk would be a nasty landing.
Helen and I went to Henderson for the first time this 'summer' yesterday. Once again, it was in fitful Spring weather, but we need to face all of that on the Rail Trail, so it's good practice.

Sept 5 FIRST SPRING trip out of the Peninsula

2009-09-05T15:40:00.014+12:00

What a glorious day for our first official outing of the Spring. Blue skies, no clouds, a brisk fresh breeze, and some bikes to be dusted off and made long road worthy. (Helen and I take our bikes to the shops or her work regularly).
Just sorting a handlebar issue on Naomi's bike.

And finally we are ready to go. Off to Pt Chev with all our guff about the Rail Trail in backpack and bags.

Trying out the new cycleway means crossing Yeovil at the end of the road where Te Atatu Rd is pretty busy, and goes from four lanes to two.
But once on the other side, it's new cycle lanes on the road, all the way to the park where the new cycle path goes down into the grassed area.
Lovely to get off the road. . .
and cruise along the prisine pathway to the end where the motorway onramp has a traffic light for cyclists.
Made it easily to the bridge at Waterview, for the customary stop and drink.
and then along to Pt Chev cafe to pore over our maps of the Otago RailTrail and plan our route and accommodation. This is all happening in March next year. Yay.
We packed up after and headed back on the road.
But we made a detour to Adventure Cycles, near Western Springs, to visit Bruce, and sort out panniers and rack for John's bike. Oh, and new bike for Naomi. ALWAYS worth a stop in there.

The Road goes ever on and on. . .

2009-08-27T12:40:00.004+12:00

Yay - SPRING is almost upon us - the roads and cycleways around Te Atatu are filled with blossom and new growth. I can't wait, because it means going further afield on two wheels at last. And the NEW CYCLE PATH is finished at last and leads OUT and IN very nicely, from the motorway and the rest of the West. I might get on my wheels this weekend with friends, and give it a go.

Cycling in Melbourne

2009-07-27T15:28:00.019+12:00

What a perfect city for cycling Melbourne is. We came here for a 3-day holiday, and found it very busy with cycles. Hired one each for $20 for 2 hours, and set off along the Yarra river to check out the sights. My bike had no gears and back brakes, so it was a learning curve, but since there were hardly any hills, it didn't matter.
Some of the local wildlife stopped us in our tracks.
It was great fun! The paths were well maintained and used, and took you a good distance south of Melbourne.
We finally crossed one of the many bridges and came up the other side back into the Southgate side of Melbourne.
I stopped for a bit of minor adjustment.
Returning to the bike hire place, it was an interesting ramble through the back of buildings.

And Helen took every shot she could of all the cyclists we encountered. UNLIKE Auckland, most were clad in ordinary, or stylish, clothes, and negotiating the streets easily. SO IMPRESSIVE.

Loved this bike (below) seen tied up in St Kilda. Lots of pretty decoration all over it, and a wide seat and basket.

Progress on Te Atatu cycleway

2009-07-13T19:39:00.005+12:00

It's a bit sad when my posts are filled up with such things as the building of cycleways, but it IS winter, and my cycling is restricted these days to short trips down to the shops and back. Something to do with the weekends all being tempestuous and wet these days. Anyway, the good news is, that by spring there will be a much easier route in and out of Te Atatu, and it's somewhat thrilling to find one's wheels turning on virgin pathway (so to speak).
Plenty of footwear seems to have tried the new concrete route, but wheels will be turning in the future I'm sure. I only hope that it's possible to negotiate the pedestrians and pushchairs on the cyclepath that crosses the park. The green cycleway below ends in the angled parking of the main shops - and you need your wits about you to avoid backing cars.

A few more bike pics

2009-07-02T21:31:00.005+12:00

I've been doing more DRAWING of bikes and adventures now that winter has set in, than actually riding mine, but it's all good. Having said that, I DO get mine out for brisk trips down to the local shops for mail, shopping and library books, but it has to be timed between showers for me. Have been asked to do these latest drawings. The top one for a header for a friend in England who is doing the London to Paris Race next year.
And these two for a community poster showing different aspects of neighbourhoods, and I'm very pleased the local council includes cycling in their future plans.

Cycle culture at AUT

2009-06-25T16:12:00.001+12:00

LOOK what I found in my inbox this morning from my workplace:
"A job order has now been issued to have a bike stand installed in the WH parking area.

As part of travel planning we are attempting to establish a Bike Club at AUT and require someone to lead this. Is any one interested? If so, please contact Susie George who is busy implementing travel plans. The group could also work well as a lobby group
to convince AUT to improve facilities for cyclists such as showers, lockers, drying facilities and perhaps your own coffee shop. We are keen to bounce ideas off cyclists so here is your chance!"

What a thrilling and unexpected occurance - obviously I had little to do with it, but I can see how life could change radically if it all goes ahead.

Photography month in Auckland

2009-06-06T15:34:00.006+12:00

That's my bike leaning against the pole while I enjoy a coffee outside this morning. . .Today we have to photograph anything from our daily lives in Auckland. These are my attempts.

Winter wistfulness

2009-06-01T12:10:00.005+12:00

Yep, that's what it's down to right now. Snatched moments on the bike, heading down to the shops for groceries/library/post when the weather has cleared. The gutters full of fallen leaves, the skies changing radically in one day between blue and downpour, and a cold southerly wind sneaking between the layers of my clothing and turning my nose red. BUT I'm still managing to get out there, and the cycle lane is still being constructed, and occasionally I've even pulled for a longer trip, albeit on my own.

Whooo hooo, we made it over the harbour bridge!

2009-05-24T16:34:00.024+12:00

Fortunately today dawned bright and sunny, and so I set off to join thousands who were supporting 'Get Across' in protesting the lack of a cycle/path across the harbourbridge. It was also 50 years since the bridge was built, so a good reason to push our cause.
I arrived to find a startling number of cyclists and pedestrians all ready to put pressure on the powers that be to let us across. Despite words that it wouldn't happen.
There were speeches. . . this is the banner for getacross.org.nz
Clambered up a hill for this shot.
The bridge . . .
Then we moved toward where there was a police barracade.
You can imagine a few chants and grumblings from the mob. . .
Heading back to turn up the road which is the onramp to the bridge.
Some breakaway cyclists got through the cordon, and it was all on after that. Four lanes of northbound traffic were held up at least an hour, so that we could all 'do' the bridge. Yay.
Heading towards it now.
Over my shoulder. . .

Met a fellow cycle blogger who took my photo and I took hers.
Pig condition protesters as well. . .

Deep sigh.

And here's the news link from the NZ Herald.

Perfect cycle to Pt Chev

2009-05-23T12:57:00.015+12:00

It was one of those perfect days this morning upon lifting my eyelids, and so I had to fossick around for warmer clothes and head off toward Pt Chev for a coffee - a 21 kms round trip down the motorway and along.
On the way, came across another Handlebra at the supermarket with her basket full of silverbeet and a bleary eye after celebrating her 50th last night. She LONGED to come too, but couldn't.
Heading to the motorway I see the cyclepath is still getting a look in with the bulldozer.
View of the city from a hillock not far from the entrance the motorway. Sigh. Perfect weather.
Someone skuttled past me towards Te Atatu.
LOVE this section of the motorway path - through the mangroves and out of the sight of traffic for a bit.
Photo taken over my shoulder.
The road goes ever on and on. . .
Folks who passed me on the long stretch.
Tide out and mudflats showing.
At Pt Chev you decide whether it's safer to ride the sidewalk or the road.
I did the sidewalk for a while. . .
And after Meola Rd, took to the wider road. The end is in sight. There's a cafe at the end of this road.
Perfect.

Let's get across the harbour bridge

2009-05-22T18:25:00.002+12:00

This is all happening on Sunday morning. Apparently 10,000 people have signed up to show support for the cycleway across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. I surely hope that the wonderful visions of what it could look like on this website, are realised. More to come. . .

Still churning those wheels between showers

2009-05-17T20:32:00.005+12:00

It was a surprisingly fine weekend despite some dire predictions, and so today Helen and I got the wheels out and started them toward the library at Henderson against a sturdy headwind.
A pleasant trip through swathes of Autumn leaves on the path in places, and great colours in some of the trees we passed.
. . . and hardly a soul on the track. We made it back just before the dark looming clouds that had threatened the return journey burst into a downpour. Whew.

New cycle lane mysteriously arising from grassy park

2009-05-13T11:07:00.006+12:00

WHAT?? Look what I saw from the bus window the other day as I departed the Peninsula for the distant skyline of the city! Some kind of path in the park - coming from nowhere and ending up close to the pony club. But it says it's a CYCLEWAY!! Who'd have thunk?? In a recession too. I'll be going up and down it like anything. I cycled there this morning on the footpath, just for these photos (and in a rare break in the rain this week).

. . . a decent distance from the main road too. I guess we'll be able to pelt along it, until we hit the motorway onramp just beyond sight in the lower photo. I'm not looking this gift horse in the mouth, that's for sure. Who knows what else they have planned.

Crisp late Autumn weather and perfect for cycling

2009-05-03T16:13:00.014+12:00

We of the Handlebra Easy Rider Club who hit the road this morning on this perfect for cycling day, caught up with a group of four who had just left the Peninsula and were headed the same way. They called themselves SCOFF, or 'Social Cyclists Over Fifty Fraternity', and fitted right in. We showed them to great cycle path along the Henderson creek and we all stopped for a chat and a coffee at the Falls Restaurant.
This taken over my shoulder as we left the Peninsula and headed toward the cycle path.
Once we were on it, it was free sailing in the summery weather.
Touches of colour in all the trees and lots of dead leaves to sweep through.

Long black shadows and not even midday yet.

The only shot with me in the picture as we approach a bend.
After coffee, SCOFF headed off.
And we three ventured further into the district and then turned and ran over the same trail home.
past this great little church which had an Indian congregation in full song as we swept by.

Will we, won't we, when winter comes. . .?

2009-04-27T10:13:00.006+12:00

Winter is almost upon us, and I have my first cold of the year - and the real test comes now, as to whether we can keep up the cycling. Yes, I know all you enthusiasts and stalwart cyclists out there who go to work in all weather would be scorning this comment as you read it. But you see, we started out at the beginning of summer, 6 months ago, and this summer has been wonderful, almost every weekend fine and blue.
However, I got out of my sick bed, and my sister and I headed over in a light rain to Henderson and met friend John at the Falls cafe. My panniers and basket had my fluoro rain covers on and it wasn't too bad.

Helen set off home. . .I went to the library. . . John set off for the other side of Auckland, and all in all, it was a worthwhile venture. Whew. We may just make it through winter.

The Great Cycle of Life

2009-04-15T13:32:00.003+12:00

It had to happen - the overflow of my eager new cycle adventures into my creative life. This is my most recent painting - celebrating the movement from child to older person and the wheels underneath.

Solo trip in to St Heliers

2009-04-13T16:49:00.007+12:00

Thought I'd head in to the city and meet friends on Tamaki Drive and have a coffee. This is after pumping my tyres up and checking all systems are go.
After the ups and downs of the back end of Kingsland and Newton, finally made it in to Tamaki Drive and along the waterfront. I stopped and did a 'joiner' of three photos at Kelly Tarltons on the way.
Found out my friends were not in there with their bikes, but painting the inside of their house. So we arranged to meet anyway, for a coffee at Kohimarama and while I waited I went along to St Heliers to see the sights.

We had a long coffee and lunch and then I set off on the gruelling trip UP to the top of town and along to the motorway and home. 47.5kms in all. I've had it.

CAA Social Bike Ride around Henderson

2009-04-05T18:53:00.015+12:00

An email that came out this last week:
CAA members, friends and family are invited to come along for a social bike ride this Sunday 5 April.

A chance to explore the Project Twin Streams shared walk/cycle way through Sunnyvale and Henderson.

Refer the attached link for more information and a map.

http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/AbtCit/ne/ts/walkcycleway.asp

Helen and I answered this call - and joined this worthy crew of cyclists who gathered this morning at 9am at Parrs Park in Sunnyvale to set off and negotiate the cycleways of Waitakere Central.We clustered for a while in the carpark making sure everyone who wanted to come had arrived, and then headed off along Parrs Cross Rd to the Oratia Walk and Cycleway.

This path wanders through the back blocks and is wide and smooth and a pleasant ramble.

Then we turned left onto Millbrook Road and headed toward the main part of Henderson the wide cyclelane that is part of the footpath.
It was a great day for it - not much traffic and plenty of blue sky.
We crossed through Henderson behind the railway station and under the bridge by the Corban Estate Art Centre, which has a cycle track running around it's perimeter. You come off the bridge behind it and find this long cycleway through a green swathe of lawn.
and pop out for a brief time on an industrial street, before turning right on the cycle path again. (Through Henderson Valley Park).

This path ends at Border Road, and we turned left and headed along it until we got to Henderson Valley Rd, then Pine Ave/Parrs Cross Rd. There's a little cafe in 'Just Plane Interesting' tucked in the valley with a vineyard and some small craft shops. Today, there was even a guitarist to entertain us as we had some refreshments under the trees.

Then I headed off to the library at Henderson and got a book out, which I proceeded to read under a tree on the cyclepath home from Henderson to Te Atatu Peninsula.

Trip to Devonport

2009-04-04T19:33:00.003+13:00

While John ,Naomi, and Jen pedalled west, I decided to make a solo trip to Devonport, via western springs, with my ipod making a pleasant accompaniment to the various whirs and clicks as I pumped along. On the way I stopped at Bruce's bike shop and had my basket attachment improved by a helpful man there. This is me enjoying lunch at western springs.
The balmy autumn weather.

A shot of the ferry interior and 2 older gentlemen, taken surrepticiously through my bike.
Devonport ferry terminal, as I headed off to explore and find a good coffee!

4 April trip out into the countryside

2009-04-04T14:52:00.030+13:00

The Cowans and I decided on a country jaunt today, via Henderson, the train to Waitakere township and then the bike ride North to Kumeu. We covered 35 kms on our bikes today, the short 7.5 km run to Henderson, train ride, and then 10 kms to Kumeu.This is us finally at Henderson platform. The usual trip to Henderson along the river path was a good way to get going, on another crisp Autumn morning, with the tide half in. Then we negotiated the railway station, attempting to get to the platform, with escalators not working. Found a lift eventually that took one bike at a time, and then got on the station.

I brought my trusty thermos of herb tea - raspberry today - out from my panniers, and we managed to down a cup before getting to Waitakere.

Offloaded at the Waitakere station and ready to go on. . .
As you can see, crisp clear blue skies, and a light wind made for perfect cycling.

One of me taken by John who took turns with the camera. It was a different experience negotiating the kerb with traffic doing 100kph right beside you.
Much of the way was gentle slopes.
with occasional steep climbs that Naomi and I went up on our feet.
Then there's the thrill of coming down again.
Leaves on the turn, and vineyards covered up.

And the final approach in to Kumeu at last.
Carriages Cafe in Kumeu has two old railway carriages done up as restaurant spaces, but we chose the outdoor area for our club sandwiches and coffee.

and then through the township to get back. I believe John was scolding me for not being careful on this shot.
Creatures of every shape and size on view - this was a dragon we passed exiting Kumeu.
and some of the many cows.
We had to negotiate past hedge cutting tractors as well, all par for the course when in the country.
Love this shot over my shoulder as the Cowans come up in the distance.
When we finally got back to Waitakere township, we went to the only dairy to buy iceblocks, and found these neat bike 'racks' carved into the concrete.
That's my iceblock in the foreground.
ON the train again, the bikes deserve their own ticket.

and these are the movies that got taken today. John took this one on the carriage on the way home.

I got the camera next, and was surprised when I came in through the door . . .

and when we got off in Henderson and headed back along the river walk, I got a shot of them cycling up behind me.

Family members get up and going

2009-04-01T17:00:00.009+13:00

I know it's pretty hard to tell, but this is my big brother behind me on a suburban road leading to my home. I was forced to take the shot on my cellphone as I didn't have my camera with me. But at least when I got home I could remedy that. And it was WORTH taking the shot.
Helen (sister) and I headed up to Whenuapai Air Base and beyond this morning, hoping to catch my brother on a day off, and do some cycling with him. He'd recently bought a bike, and was doing a few circuits of Herald Island and beyond with his eldest daughter Nicola.
When we got there, we were told he was 'dead to the world' having finished night shift an hour previous to our arrival. So we cycled 14 kms of the area and headed home. At lunchtime I heard from him, and he said he and Nicola were loading up their bikes and coming my way. SO I barely had time to down tools and prepare for more cycle action. It's just as well I'm a freelance artist working from home some days!
We left the Peninsula and headed along my favourite route to Henderson, which is mostly bike path on rolling green hills beside a stream. Lovely. Niece and bro really enjoyed it, and niece will be bringing my delightful great nephews for a cycle along the same spot. Had to hurry home, and then she scurried off to pick the boys up from school, while bro and I showed off his bike to other sister, who lives across the road from me.
She was most impressed with his 'easy rider' cycle. A smooth ride and leaning back, which can be a bit hard on the hills.
Here's almost every style of bike represented on the front lawn. Mine, of course, is the heavily laden one with panniers and basket. VERY useful as was found, for carrying keys, purses and the odd spanner.
Youngest of niece's sons shows off Incredible Hulk glove, when she arrived to pick up bikes and father.
And they were off. Great fun.

A Venture in to the city and Tamaki Drive

2009-03-28T18:43:00.018+13:00

We set off on another adventure this morning - enjoying the Autumnal weather - crisp blue sky, no wind, just right for cycling. John took this over his shoulder as I passed him on the North Western Cycle route. Naomi wasn't too well, and was waiting for us in at Tamaki Drive in the city. I told her 1 hour, but it was more like 2 by the time we had a mishap.John got very clever with the camera - I've deleted all the ones of his feet and the pedals. This is a glimpse in his new cycle mirror.

Still waters DON'T run deep in this case - the tide was in, and it was mirror still, but the water is only centimetres deep in much of the right hand side of the harbour.
Our first stop - the overbridge at Waterview.
. . .and that lovely sense of clowning around BEFORE the tragedy occurred. It DOES feel like flying sometimes.
Onward and upward with the golf course on right and the motorway on left.
Ah. . .and a long break from photos. John's wheel wobbled almost OFF as he was going up a steep hill, and it knocked him off the bike, and we spent some time hovering over it, with him adjusting and rebolting the wheel back on. It wasn't a permanent job, and fortunately I knew of this newly moved business not too far from where we were. Adventure Cycles is run by a very friendly and helpful fellow called Bruce, who took John's bike in to fix and provided him with a free bike to continue on our journey. What a lovely man!
Signing on the dotted line. . .
My bike acquainting itself with the friendly bikes for repair or sale out in the paddock.
John's bike up on the stand.
and then we were off again. This time heading back in to town with a different bike, along the tram tracks.
After a number of hills and hollows we virtually freewheeled down Symonds St and Constitution Hill and through the lower parts of Parnell to catch up with poor Naomi, who'd been waiting all this time for us.
She was first off the mark to head around Tamaki Drive.
Taken over my shoulder at the two behind me. . .
We stopped at Kohimarama for brunch, in this instance some pretty nice Eggs Benedict with bacon.
The three worthy cyclists enjoying coffee at last.
And the last photo taken on the way back to the car at Mission Bay. THEN we went to the cycle shop and I got a ride there in the car, and from thence I cycled home to Te Atatu. A great day!