This is for the Labour Weekend Saturday. Over the last year we have done Te Awa from Ngaruawahia to Hamilton and Hamilton Gardens to the Velodrome. This is the last section of the trail from the Velodrome to Lake Karapiro and back. To spice it up we start by going backwards to Hooker Road over the new 8k 5.9 million extension alongside the river which while it is challenging is well worth it in terms of great views and an extraordinary piece of cycleway. This is a ride we have done before a couple of years ago and enjoyed.
Once we get to Hooker Road then we reverse course and charge off to Cambridge, through their backstreets and out along the main highway to the Lake. This is not quite so enthralling as it is flat, straight however if you like horses, fresh country air and wealthy horse studs it is quite pleasant. The Lake itself is a nice piece of track among the trees, along a boardwalk and has a restaurant from which to watch the rowing. We generally stop there for a break and lunch.
After lunch we reverse course and go back to the Velodrome to go home. Dependant on timing we may stop at Cambridge or the Velodrome for coffee.
This track is 100% concrete except for the boardwalks so you do not need off road tyres – indeed these could be a disadvantage here. You should be aware however that the Hooker Road to the Velodrome section is Grade 2-3 as it has some fairly extreme hills. Older folk will need a strong electric bike to deal with this section. On the positive side some of the boardwalks through here are sublime being way off the ground going through trees. Lots of fun. Apart from this section most of the route is fairly flat apart from the occasional bump.
Ride is 23k long so 46k in total. Given that there is a lot of flat concrete where we tend to wind the bikes up this is not as bad as it sounds. If you feel like starting your weekend right and going for a ride in the country come join us.