Western Loop de Loop

This is a variation on the Te Atatu peninsular ride we have done in the past and consists of two parts. First part is a morning ride from a new start point down Henderson Creek out through the Corban Arts Centre and along the Opunaki Stream to Henderson Valley road. We then turn round and retrace our ride until close to the end where we go to lunch at Kreem on Universal Drive. This is well known to all who have ridden with us before however for the new people the first part is a little narrow at times, undulating and one troublesome hill just after the start. The second part after Corbans is wide, flat concrete through parks and farmlands and thoroughly pleasant.

Following Lunch we track back to the cars before starting on the second part of the ride being the Te Atatu peninsula with guidance from John Spray who introduced me to it on one of his Monday rides. The initial ride up to Spinnaker drive is very familiar being concrete cycle path and gravel tracks with the occasional lump to test power delivery. What follows is an exploration of the parks at the top and west of the peninsula with quiet road links between. This includes tight corners, boardwalks, short punchy rises and even a set of steps (six) to negotiate with a channel alongside to try out your walk function on the bike. Some urban mountain biking which is not especially difficult and a bit of fun. This ends back at the Te Atatu town centre after which we track back to the motorway via the cycle path and on to the cars.

As we go back to the cars at the mid point after lunch riders can split the ride and do whichever half suits them or just enjoy the whole thing.

As per our other rides then:

• Please bring a spare tube for your particular bike wheel size.
• We travel at circa 15ks an hour except for down hills.
• We will cancel for rain but not for showers.
• 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.