Napier – Cross Country Drain Loop

The 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 reading

Night Ride to Bayview

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.

Continue reading

Carry on cycling thru the covid-19 lockdown

New Zealand went into Level 4 lock-down on the 25th March 2020 in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the corona virus Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone who was not deemed an essential worker was told to “stay at home”. The world came to a halt, as did our Ebike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group rides.

Continue reading

Ahuriri to Puketapu

The Hawkes Bay Trail alongside the Tutaekuri River on both sides, to and from Puketapu is a popular route. This ride can be extended to approx. 50 kms, starting from the carpark beside the Boat Ramp Eatery in Ahuriri, and taking in the Water Ride from Watchman Road to Park Island, suburban streets and the Iways. This makes a diverse and satisfying e-bike ride.

Distance 50kms

Continue reading

Visiting Hawkes Bay

You may have heard about the wonderful Hawkes Bay Trails, an extensive, approximately 200 kms, network of mainly limestone, shared pathways which are very much suited to eBike riding.

“While most cities and provincial areas in NZ now have cycleways and trails, Hawkes Bay has an entire network of pathways, tracks and trails, almost all of which are inter-connected. This enables you to plan your ride to take in coastal paths, wetlands, parks, gardens, wineries, markets, museums, riverbank rides, etc and for the large part, avoiding busy roads. A truly well planned infrastructure. And E bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay has an impressive list of rides on their fb page to help you plan your bike tour. With the summer coming, I recommend that you take a look at the possibilities and get on your bike!!” Geoffrey S Russell (e-biker extraordinaire).

Continue reading

Water Ride to Bayview

There are multiple points where you can begin the Water Ride out to Bayview. You can choose to do the complete Water Ride starting from Park Island, or you may choose to start from Ahuriri. The return ride is from Bayview along the Coastal Path. This is a flat ride, and the scene is forever changing, so keep an eye out for something new. Stay clear after heavy rain. Be sure to check the tides to ensure access under the road bridges if riding from Park Island. Est. distance: 45kms

Continue reading