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 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 Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group was formed on the 28th March, 2017. This 5th anniversary ride takes in a section of that first ride – the Puketapu loop to the Puketapu Pub. The celebration ride was slightly late this year due to the clash with the South Island Tour. This anniversary ride began at the Boat Ramp Eatery in Ahuriri, and picked up riders at Park Island and Dolbel Reserve. Approx. distance 55kms (full ride).
Continue readingWe 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 readingAnderson Park to Bayview over the hills, is an alternate route to Park Island via hills. This is mainly an on road ride, with hills, taking in the trail to Puketapu. Distance approx. 45kms.
Continue readingThis 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.
Continue readingThis 45kms circular route starts at Clive riverbank and follows the coastal pathway to Black Bridge before turning inland to Havelock North and the perimeter of Hastings. It takes in the coastal scenery and then through farmland and orchards, stopping at Serendipity Café for a refreshment break. The return route is via the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds and Whakatu. At this time of year, the fruit trees are in blossom. For a little bit of fun, you may wish to ride the BMX track at Romanes Drive, Havelock North.
Continue readingThe whole of New Zealand went into Level 4 Lockdown when Covid-19 was found to be in the community in August 2021. This meant that we were no longer able to ride in a group or to call in to cafes. My husband and I decided that we would aim to ride this approx. 30kms Napier-Cross Country Drain loop daily, alternating between clockwise and anti-clockwise. It’s been wonderful to observe the start of spring and to see the daily changes along the route. We have also been very lucky with the weather as it has been mostly fine.
Continue readingThis 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 readingFour years ago, the Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group was formed. Since then, membership has grown as more people discover the joy of ebiking. To mark the anniversary, a ride incorporating the very first ride (the Puketapu Loop) was celebrated. We rode from the Boat Ramp Eatery (formerly Jandal Bar) in Ahuriri along the Hawkes Bay Trails, to The Puketapu Hotel return. Distance 62kms.
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Hawkes Bay Ebike Rides 