The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

New Zealand North Island: Hubs and Scenic Loops

March 13th to March 27th

Ride Director: Ronald Youngash
Ride Co-Director: Deborah Chamitoff
Report by: Stefa Katamay

We are gathered to load gear and bikes onto vans. The sea of multi-coloured jerseys featuring names of far off places overwhelms this BAC cycle touring virgin. Yet helping and outstretched hands, smiling faces and excited banter dissipate my nervousness and the trip begins.

Our first hub is Cambridge. The trip leaders, Ron and Deb, provide riding options that satisfy hard-core riders and those of us needing to shake winter cobwebs from our legs. The bucolic setting of rolling hills offers up the requisite sheep and cows and bird song that piques interest in identifying native species. Riders keen to further their immersion in New Zealand’s natural wonders tour Sanctuary Mountain or the Waitomo glowworm caves. Hobbiton delights fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies and the simply curious. All are content with the exhaustion of a good day of riding.

By the time we reach New Plymouth this body is surprised with weariness from the transition from moderate North American winter temperatures to moderate New Zealand summer temperatures. Electrolyte drink is purchased and consumed with gusto and a rest day self declared. And fellow riders introduce the wonders of butt butter to address other surprises of the first few days of riding. The camaraderie in the group grows!

From New Plymouth we start a two-day point-to-point adventure. Riders choosing the long way around Mount Taranaki are treated to sections of road enveloped in lush greenery. Once out in the open necks crane to the left to see if Taranaki’s cloudy shroud has lifted. Only once gathered for happy hour in Stratford does the mountain expose her peak. Carrying on to the Republic of Whangamomona riders push themselves up hills to reach each of three saddles and are rewarded with stunning views of pastures, thickets of trees and mountain ridges before flying down the back side of the saddles.

The trip leaders not only set up riders to succeed with multiple ride options. They set up the group to succeed socially. We enjoy happy hour and dinner together on our first night in each location. Reflections on rides completed since the last happy hour helps like-minded people connect with one another. And with dinner tables set up for four there is much mixing among those previously unfamiliar to one another. We feast on sumptuous three course meals while recounting the day’s adventures and marvel at the warmth and good humour of the people of New Zealand. It is with that backdrop that new friendships blossom among us.

In Napier varied interests scatters riders in multiple directions. The aquarium and surrounding marshland appeal to some while many undertake a walking tour of this Art Deco haven. Legs get a much-needed rest. There is a warm and relaxed vibe to the group now.

In Rotorua, where our ride will end, a few more kilometres are logged, sheep shearing viewed and mementos purchased to bring home. The bubbling mud, rising steam and sulphuric odour to the air again brings the magnificence of the natural world of New Zealand to the forefront particularly when set in the midst of a living Maori village.

This trip was whatever you wanted it to be with your bike getting you to New Zealand’s offerings. There could not have been a better way to be initiated to BAC cycle tours.