Grab the kids or a gang of mates for a day cycling around the island at Easter. The weather is holding up, so pack your togs and get on that ferry.
Here’s 3 new reasons to take to the seas for Waiheke –
• Fullers announced to Cycle Action yesterday that the bike racks on their buses are all go again! Lucky me – I got the advice last night just as I was boarding the Waiheke ferry, so I couldn’t resist being the first to give the reinstated racks a test run.
The racks are natty devices. Each bus has space for 3 bikes, but takes firm handling to pull the lever to secure the bike. I’ve suggested AT and Fullers set up a “practice rack” at the ferry terminal to make it easier for newbies to get the hang of it before boarding their first bike-friendly bus.
The racks help visitors on bikes cope with Waiheke’s hills – I’ve often seen young red-faced cycling visitors sitting under roadside trees contemplating another steep slope. I frequently hear how they’ve had a wonderful day at Onetangi or Palm Beach, but have run out of grunt to climb more hills to return to the ferry at Matiatia. I know locals also love having the bike racks as an option to escape from winter wind-driven downpours, or to rescue them for a bike breakdown.
• A new cycling map for the island will be available next week with advice on the best cycling routes, plus updated info on Waiheke’s great wine tasting and eating places. I prepared the first map a few years ago with Fullers, and am working on the update, with generous help from AT to pay for a big reprint. (Thanks AT!)
• The smart e-bike operators at Oneroa are going from strength to strength, in response to huge public demand for their big range of bikes for all ages. There’s no question Chris and Darleen have raised the style-tone of cycling on Waiheke – this summer goes down in the record books as the year we had vast migrations of gorgeous young things flitting on e-bikes from beaches to cafés and wineries! Remember to text or ring to book your e-bike as soon you’re on the ferry. (They even do a “bike and bomb” combo if you’re staying longer and think you might also need a car to see even more of the island. Talk about versatile!)
Looking forward to seeing you on Waiheke at Easter!
