February | 2021 | Hawkes Bay Ebike Rides

The forecast was for fine weather and a full moon. Ten E-Bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay members assembled at the Jandal Bar, Ahuriri, for snacks and drinks before setting off at 7.20pm. 25kms approx. return from the Boat Ramp Eatery (formerly Jandal Bar).

Our route took us past Pandora Pond and onto the northern end of the Water Ride, past the airport. The sun quickly set (at 19.57 hours). And a little while later, after about 15 minutes, we watched the moon popping up over the horizon on the coast. Magic! All was quiet on the Water Ride as we watched in awe.

Returning via the Coastal Path, the sound of waves kept us company, as the moon watched over us. The night-life sounds of Napier returned all too soon.

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On the 8^th February 2021, seventeen members of the Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group set out for 5 days of cycling around the Wellington Region and enroute rides in Greytown and Palmerston North.

Having just a little bit of fun…

Day 1. The first stop off in Greytown involved a ride around the historical town followed by a ride out to Woodside Railway Station, after meeting for lunch in Greytown. (A suggestion for next time, would be to meet at Woodside Railway Station and then ride to Greytown for lunch/coffee.)

Day 2 Baring Head to Upper Hutt. The following day, we followed the same plan as last year, the shuttle bus and trailer carried us out to the carpark for the Baring Head Lighthouse, and we rode from there back to our accommodation in Upper Hutt. This year we had a head wind. The group was the first to stop at the Baring Head Visitors Centre before the official opening, that day. It is worth a visit.

Click on the images to enlarge.

Loading the ebikes

Getting ready to ride

Got to get over that hill

Made it up the hill. It was pretty easy.

Assembling at the top of the first hill

Wow what a view

Riding into the headwind

Baring Head Lighthouse

First lighthouse in New Zealand to be electrified

Hutt River Trail

Day 3 Upper Hutt to Featherston. The morning was rainy as per the forecast, and after discussing the options we decided to go ahead as planned. The rain lasted 3 hours and the afternoon burst with sunshine. The downhill trail after the swing bridge across Siberia Gully, had been worked on since our last visit, it is now wider, and it had been laid with shingle. The Cross Creek track is still narrow and stony.

Looking gloomy ahead!

Coming out of the first tunnel

Into the hills!

Into the tunnel

Summit lunch stop

We were fortunate to have local riders join us and share their knowledge on these rides. The scenery on the Remutaka Rail Trail is still glorious and some trees have been removed to provide more vistas. See the blog post from last year’s ride HERE.

Inspired Rides – Remutaka Rail Trail video

Day 4 Pauatahanui Inlet Loop. Charlie and Robyn had previously scoped the route for this intricate loop. There are lots of twists and turns and beautiful scenery. We were lucky to have a sunny day with just short blasts of wind.

Gear Homestead

Day 5 Palmerston North to Linton Camp. We joined up with a few members of the E-Bike Social Riders-Manawatu group. The scenery along the He Ara Kotahi was beautiful with lovely river scenery, a wide trail, and a beautiful bridge. A very pleasant way to end our trip.