21 July 2013

On a somewhat grey day we descended on the Te Aroha Railway Station with an assortment of mountain & road bikes for our adventure along the tracks towards Paeroa. Our Leading Conductor for the day was David Cummings who supplied us with some historical pamphlets, showing old railway photos along the route.

Once we had a few miles under our belt our legs warmed up and the mostly flat ride was much more pleasant. David initially reminded all 16 riders that this was not a race, which was lost on a few, including ourselves when we cranked our trusty tandem into top gear.

Our destination was the old fuel depot at Tirohia some 14km down the track, where we were hosted to full English Devonshire teas, which certainly was required. We were shown around the boxed hedged garden and garnished with the local history by our hosts, before heading back along the track to Te Aroha.

For a serious mountain biker this leisurely ride through the countryside was most enjoyable, until our over enthusiasm resulted in a puncture on one of the many bridge crossings. The new rail trails developed around this area are a superb asset for the region and can be tackled by cyclists of all levels. (ideal for families)
The benefit of finishing our travels in Te Aroha was a well-earned soak in the Thermal Pools.

Trip participants were: Mike Nightingale, John Davies, Nettie Lowe, Paul McLennan, Joanne McLennan, Tina McLennan, Casey Walker, Barbara Walker, Pip Bowers (scribe), Geoff Bennett, John Wilson, Jean Wilson, Peter Phipps, Eileen Mullen, Waveney Parker, David Cumming