This 50kms circuit starts from Anderson Park in Taradale. There are sections of road riding to connect to the Hawkes Bay Trails as we wind our way out into Zeffer Cider country. Today we were lucky to see clearly the snow covered distant Ruahine Ranges and the peak of Mount Ruapahue (Taupo, Central North Island) from the trail. At this time of year, the countryside is looking splendid in it’s fresh, green spring colours and the apple orchards are in blossom.

Zeffer Cider has a good selection of drinks, both non alcoholic and alcoholic. There are items that can be purchased to make up a platter. Another option is to carry on to The Puketapu Pub (on the return journey) for a wider selection of food.

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Route:

We will ride out along York, Guppy, Burness, south along the expressway trail, cross Meanee, up Johns Road down the Tūtaekurī River to Brookfield Road, cross the bridge ride up Brookfield Road to Gilbertson and around to Pakowhai, cross the bridge, then up the Ngaruroro River all the way to Fernhill.

We will ride a short 1.3 KMs along the road to Zeffer Cider for our stop and refreshments.
From Zeffer Cider it is back to Fernhill then along Swamp Road all the way back to Puketapu.

We will take the left bank (the track without the gates) back to Taradale where we will ride via Gloucester Street back to finish at Anderson Park. A second start point, for a shorter ride, is at Pakowhai at the Hastings end of the bridge.

Approximate distance 50Kms.

Hazards; urban and country road riding. Special attention will be needed when riding along and crossing State Highway 50.

Credit: Paul Hollings. Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay.