In February 2023, Hawke’s Bay was hit severely by Cyclone Gabriel. Lives were lost, and bridges, roads, homes and farms were smashed. The repair work is still ongoing. Crownthorpe and Matapiro Roads were in final repair mode as my friends and I headed out. This was my first time back since the cyclone. The Crownthorpe Loop was 60 kms for me today.
Continue readingThe Great Taste Trail is a 200 kms loop that begins/ends in Nelson, at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. The scenery is diverse – rivers, mountains, agriculture, forests, pastoral and coastal. The trail surface varies from concrete to a smooth track, to gravel, along roads and off road trails. We rode the Trail, clockwise, over 4 days, with a day off in the middle to spend the day kayaking, walking and swimming.
Continue readingThis Porangahau ride was inspired by a Brian Brown video (see below) and created by my friend George who grew up in this region. The ride starts with a long and steep climb up Old Hill Road – a fully charged ebike battery is a must. From the top, the tar sealed road becomes gravel. The views are well worth the climb. Our ride distance was 36kms and took us two hours. This ride could be made longer by people with local knowledge. There are no cafes, so BYO picnic is advised. We were very fortunate with the weather, the sun shone and there was no wind. We enjoyed hearing the birds singing and seeing the new spring born farm animals.
Continue readingThese two sections (#5 Whakamaru and #4 Maraetai) of the Waikato River Trails are more suited to young/fit/mountain bikers. I fit none of those categories and I found it very challenging. The trail follows the Waikato River, along high cliffs and back down to river level. It passes through fields, native bush, pine forests and beside dams and power stations. The trail surface has been well maintained with fresh metal in place for our visit. The gradient varies between flat boardwalks, to steep inclines and sharp corners. It is well signposted by blue markers. Distance 44.5kms. We rode the new 5kms section from Ohakuri Road to Atiamuri Village Carpark.
Continue readingThe Great Ride, Te Awa River Ride, is a 65kms trail that runs beside the Waikato River between Ngaruawahia in the north to Lake Karapiro in the south. It passes through Hamilton, Tamahere and Cambridge. The trail surface is mainly pavers and concrete north of Hamilton, and concrete and timber heading south. The gradient is a combination of flat, with gentle and steep undulations. Classified as Grades 1-3.
Continue readingThe Around the Mountains Cycle trail is located on the South Island. It starts at Kingston or Walter Peak. The 186kms takes in the remote Wilderness. More Information: Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.
In March 2023, 4 intrepid riders from the Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group set off to conquer the trail. Here is their accouint.
Continue readingThe Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group embarked on another tour, this time taking in the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in Rotorua and the Te Awa Trail in Cambridge/Hamilton. There were 32 riders. 4 planned rides. Unfortunately, the wet weather caused the cancellation of the 4th ride, the Hauraki Rail Trail from Paeroa to Waihi.
Continue readingThe 60kms Waihau- Apley Roads loop, is all on road. The country roads are tar-sealed apart from gravelly Waihau Road. It is an undulating ride and requires good battery management. The scenery is mainly country farms and stunning views. We had a perfect weather day for our ride. Very little wind (the roads are highly exposed to the wind), sunshine and the magnificent snow-topped Kaweka Ranges in view. This ride is inspired by a video (below) made by Brian Brown. (We rode in the opposite direction).
Continue readingThe Tukituki River Trail extension is open and almost complete. We started our exploratory ride at Russell Park in Waipukurau. The new limestone trails are excellent with a good solid base. The loop took us as far as the Ashcott Bridge before we returned on the opposite side of the river. Distance 35kms.
Continue readingOur last day in Ohakune and we decided that as the weather was still holding out, we could fit another eBike ride in. The Ohakune Road Loop including Ohakune Lake (Grade 2 distance 21kms Duration 1h 30m). For a change, not on trails. A road ride, some sealed and some gravel/shingle. We were advised to ride clockwise to make the most of the downhill and the views. Trail surface: very lumpy on the gravel road. Reward: stunning views of the rural countryside and the omnipresent Mount Ruapehu with it’s dusting of snow.
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Hawkes Bay Ebike Rides 