Well! the word is out and we are going back to ride New Zealand next March. This time it is the South Island, riding from Mt. Cook to Oamaru on the coast and then onto Christchurch.
Each year the U3A Peddling For Pleasure group democratically choose a destination either within or outside Australia where we can cycle and enjoy each others company for 5+ days. It is preferred that the trip is organised through a Cycling Tour Operator, who is familiar with the area and can either supply maps or a guide. Also we like the operator to organise accommodation and back-up in the case of fatigue, illness or bike failure plus bicycle rental.
The package we have chosen reads extremely well, but, like everything else, the proof lies within the pudding and I will post extensively on the ride when we return.
In the meantime you may wish to look at the web site by hitting on the following link http://www.advsouth.co.nz/cycle/road_cycling/Alps_to_Ocean_Cycle.tour . The tour we are taking is "Cycling the Alps to the Ocean".
In the past, our group has partaken in the following rides:
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| Hawkes Bay Ride, NZ |
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| Havelock North to Waipawa section of the Hawkes Bay ride. |
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| Old rail tunnel on East Gippsland Rail Trail |
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| One of a number of wooden trestle rail bridges on East Gippsland Rail trail. |
2012....East Gippsland Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia....http://www.snowyrivercycling.com.au
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| The view from Mt. Buffalo on the Murray to the Mountains ride, Victoria |
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| Ovens River, Porepunkah on the Murray to the Mountains ride Victoria |
2011....The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail....http://www.murraytomountains.com.au/the-rail-trail/
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| Map courtesy of Google Mapping |
2010....The Otago Central Rail Trail....www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz (As I wasn't on this particular trip, I can't give specific details on the operator used.)
In the past, I have posted on Hawkes Bay and East Gippsland rides. Unfortunately, I wasn't blogging when I did the Murray to the Mountains ride.
Of the three rides I have partaken in, very little criticism was given at the time and I am of the opinion that the majority, if not all riders thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.
It's great fun travelling in a group of familiar faces but if you are not a member of any riding group, don't feel intimidated because a lot of riders from around the world participate in organised rides and it is a true and tried formula for travelling and meeting other people.
The only way to really see and appreciate the country you are travelling in is to either walk or ride. Once tried, you won't want to do it any other way.
Cheers and safe riding,
Jimmy Bee
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