Ambury Park to Percy

For those who like a little grit with their cycling:

Meeting place is carpark at Taumanu Reserve or carpark next to public toilets at bottom of Seacliffe Road, Hillsborough. Ride follows along Onehunga coast on gravel onto seal along Orpheus Drive past the Manukau cruising club along to South Western Motorway bridge where we cross to other side of harbour. We then follow a narrow concrete pedestrian path all the way along the coast via the Kiwi Esplanade Reserve past Boat Clubs to Ambury Park. Once we get there the ride goes as follows:

- Up the coast to the Mangere Lagoon and round that once
- Along Greenwood Road beside Watercare
- Turn Right down the Watercare Coastal Path all the way to Stonefields
- Exit Stonefields area onto Ihumatao Quarry Road
- Transit 3k down Ihumatao Road to Maurice Wilson Ave.
- Go to Percy Cafe for lunch / brunch.
- After Food reverse course up Ihumatao road to Oruarangi Road
- Follow Oruarangi to the Boat Ramp and get back on Watercare path.
- Transit across to Puketutu Island and explore both sides.
- Back along coast to Ambury Park and to Taumanu Reserve carpark.

I rode this last Tuesday so some comments which may assist are:

- All up this is 32km however as 50% at least is gravel it feels longer. You need suitable tyres (think rail trail capable) - street tyres will not hack it.
- Even in the sun the long shadows mean that much is in shade and cold.
- 99% flat, occasional lump so suitable for non-electric trail bikes.
- As we go past Watercare twice, it may be fortunate if you have some winter ailment such as a blocked nose. No smell on Tuesday.
- There were a lot of long shallow unavoidable puddles on the Watercare path so you might want to think about waterproof shoes.
- Stonefields was a protest site so expect some visual reminders.
- Of concern is Ihumatao road (3km) which is used by large frequent quarry trucks and does not have sidewalks. Drivers stay away from you but I would wear something bright / lights. Other roads nice and quiet.
- Lots of birds out at Ambury park at present. Black Swans everywhere.
- Look up Percy Cafe Mangere on Google for further info. Ambience and menu is good. They also have cabinet food but more lunch than snacks.

My thanks to Wayne Treweek and Jacky Mclaren for information provided to make this ride work.

So if you feel like a bit of exercise and some sightseeing come and have a look see. As normal then:

• Please bring a spare tube for your particular bike wheel size.
• We travel at circa 15ks an hour except for down hills.
• We have a tail end Charlie to make sure riders do not get lost. We are not too fond of leaving people behind.
• Assistance will be rendered for any mechanical issues but we are not bike mechanics.
• If you are signed up for the ride but change your mind at the last minute please text or phone me on 021 348 979 to advise.
• The ride is subject to weather. If it is just showers we will still run it but rain will cause postponement in which case we will advise you.