The 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 readingCategory Archives: Hastings
Crownthorpe and Tractors
We have done rides around Crownthorpe previously, but this one took us directly up the Taihape Road to the property owned by John Roberts, a tractor collector and restorer. After viewing John’s extensive collection, we returned to the familiar route. It was a perfect day, with a pleasant temperature and no wind. This is a hilly country road ride, starting from Fernhill. Approx. 56kms.
Continue readingMaraekakaho Woolshed Tour and ride
This was my first time doing this eBike ride loop along quiet country roads, starting from the Maraekakaho Farm with the well-recognised historic woolshed. There are plenty of hills, with beautiful views. The section along the 100km/h stretch of Highway 50 isn’t too long and we were fortunate that it was quiet at the time. We all enjoyed a good lunch at The Chook and Filly pub (NB as at April 2022, the pub is closed). After lunch, Simon provided a tour of the historic farm buildings. An alternative start point suggestion: The Maraekakaho Hall (Kereru Road off Highway 50 beside the school). Distance approx. 30kms.
Continue readingCrownthorpe Loop Clockwise
I like to seize the opportunity to get out riding on quiet country roads. The 53 kms Crownthorpe loop is one of my favourite e-bike rides in Hawkes Bay. The countryside is undulating and scenic. Doing this loop clockwise, the long straight stretch along Matapiro Road is dispensed with in the first half of the ride. There is an option to visit the historic Crownthorpe Church by continuing along Matapiro Road, then coming back to turn into Crownthorpe Road.
Distance approx. 53 kms
Clive to Havelock North and beyond
A new loop route for the E-bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay, starting from Clive and going to Havelock North. The forecast was fine but with strong WSW winds gusting between 31 and 39 kph. The first 25 kms proved to be tough in the head winds. No time to stop to take photos of the beautiful countryside as the focus was on moving forward. We also had roadworks to contend with. This interesting ride will have to be revisited on a less windy day. Distance 36 kms.
Bridge Pa to Hastings Golf Course Loop
Bridge Pa to Hastings Golf Course takes in part of the Wineries Trail and has an optional visit to Roy’s Hill Reserve.
Cafe: Hastings Golf Club.Est. Distance: 35 kms
Ohiti Road – Crownthorpe Loop
If you enjoy quiet country road and hills with beautiful scenery, then the Ohiti Road – Crownthorpe Loop is a must. Be sure to start with a fully charged battery as the hills are quite steep. There are vast vineyards mostly owned by Delegat Wines (one of New Zealand’s largest family owned and managed winemakers producing super-premium NZ wines for over 50 years), as well as farmland, orchards and rolling hills. Estimated Distance – 47 Kms
Wineries Trail
This loop ride takes in not only the wine growing area called Gimblett Gravels, but you can view other crops growing in the fertile Hawkes Bay Heretaunga Plains, such as corn, apples, onions and asparagus depending on the season.
This flat ride can be very hot in summer and very cold in winter, so choose when to ride wisely. Estimated distance 30 kms
Te Mata Peak
For e bike riders who are used to riding along the flat pathways of the Hawkes Bay Trails, the Te Mata Peak climb can be challenging. Learning how to use your gears and adjust for pedal assist power are great skills. It is all worthy of achieving. Not only are the views amazing from the top of the Peak, you can also experience the thrill of the long downhill. Rewards for the long steady climb upwards. Est Distance: 35 kms
Cafe: Havelock CBD
Waitangi to Hastings loop
Waitangi Regional Park is a beautiful place to start and finish a ride. It looks magnificent whatever time of day, and whatever the weather. Distance 30kms.
Begin at Waitangi Regional Park. Click this link for Map
Learn more about Waitangi Regional Park