Christmas Ride 2026

Christmas Ride 2026

Sometimes if you ride something backwards and then throw in a few variations it becomes something quite different. Sort of. The Christmas ride 2026 is a rehash of our standard Harbour Cruise with a bump as run recently except we are doing it sort of backwards and taking a few urban mountain bike shortcuts.

We start by meeting at Buoy Café at 10.30am going past the boats, across Victoria Park, up Nelson Street and along the Pink Path as normal. About half way down the hill at the back of the University we take a right turn and go up some gentle gravel paths in the Domain before going to say Hello to the Ducks and taking a photo opportunity outside the Museum. After which we head across to Newmarket Park and negotiate a couple of downhills (alongside Ayer Street) to come out at Shore Road after a gravel road. The hills are quite walkable if nervous (I did the first time) however they are really not that bad. It helps to have good brakes.

To avoid the traffic on Shore Road we go around the Hobson Bay paths which are flat medium gravel apart from a 200 metre stretch of Shore road on the pavement and a steep downhill on Victoria Avenue. This all ends up at Orakei Basin where we do a loop up a grass hill before heading off up Te Ara Ki Uta KI Tai (the cycleway from St Johns). When we get to the steep hill at the end we go left up John Rymer Place over Kepa Road and down to Kohimarama via Maddill’s Farm Reserve. It is then a straight run around the waterfront to the Okahu Bay Marina where we plan to have lunch at the Akarana Eatery about 12.45 am. Menu available at akarana.co.nz. We visited here on Nichola's ride earlier this year.

After lunch we go back to our normal ride and wobble back along the waterfront cycleway to downtown, across the viaduct and around to Buoy café.

It should be noted that while there are some “interesting” downhills the uphills are a lot more gradual. There is however a fair amount of gravel on this ride so that street tyres could be a little difficult. Tyres designed for gravel or Rail Trails will be fine. Note comments re Brakes above.

I would consider this ride to be suitable for all types of bikes, riding on primarily designated cycle paths but may include crossing or riding on roads for short distances. Pace is slow. Some rider experience and ability recommended. Total distance is circa 32km but may seem longer due to slow pace. While there is nothing overly difficult there are lots of twists and turns in this one.
As per normal then:

• Please bring a spare tube for your particular bike wheel size.
• We travel at circa 20ks 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.
• Riders are encouraged to wear Hi Vis or visible colours at least

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. Same if you are running late.
Merry Christmas to you all. Look forward to seeing you.