FLATULENTFRIEND wrote:I've found their group riding skills pretty good in relation to motorvehicles. They have written instructions re group riding, have had some training in same and there are always the calls forward to go in single file etc so I don't really know what else they/we can do to now annoy / stay safe on the roads.
What do you find dangerous / annoying? Do you have any suggestions?

Hmm, not sure, partly because there are so many people and everyone wants to stay together, and in doing so make it slow to get into single file when a car is behind, but also there are some who are arrogant towards motorists and have no issue holding up a car or changing direction into the path of a car through some misconcieved idea that cyclists have right of way, ignoring the laws of physics and the fact that they will always come off worse vs a car ...

I got out for a 300k brevet from Ashhurst to Taihape and back with Kiwirandonneurs on Sunday, my first big ride in about three months.

The Randonneur calendar starts 1st November so it was only fitting that the ride should start at midnight. I got in about 30 minutes sleep on Saturday evening which seemed to be enough... ok, a letterbox jumped out at me around Apiti which is possibly fatigue related.

We had 5 riders but one managed to trash two rear wheels at the 50k mark. I spent nearly all of the ride solo, managed to tune into the footy as the sun came up between Cheltenham and Rangiwahia, I think that slowed me up quite a bit. As did the incredibly slow breakfast service at MacDonalds Taihape.

Quite a nice day, sunny but a cold breeze. Mostly downhill for the last 75km too. Finished back in Ashhurst at 7:30, so about 22 hrs on the bike by the time I rode back to Palmy. I think thats my slowest 300, should do betterer at Taupo.

znomit wrote:I got out for a 300k brevet from Ashhurst to Taihape and back with Kiwirandonneurs on Sunday, my first big ride in about three months.

The Randonneur calendar starts 1st November so it was only fitting that the ride should start at midnight. I got in about 30 minutes sleep on Saturday evening which seemed to be enough... ok, a letterbox jumped out at me around Apiti which is possibly fatigue related.

We had 5 riders but one managed to trash two rear wheels at the 50k mark. I spent nearly all of the ride solo, managed to tune into the footy as the sun came up between Cheltenham and Rangiwahia, I think that slowed me up quite a bit. As did the incredibly slow breakfast service at MacDonalds Taihape.

Quite a nice day, sunny but a cold breeze. Mostly downhill for the last 75km too. Finished back in Ashhurst at 7:30, so about 22 hrs on the bike by the time I rode back to Palmy. I think thats my slowest 300, should do betterer at Taupo.

Midnight300 - 1.jpg

Midnight300 - 2.jpg

Taihape.png

I was just catching you guys at the top of the Saddle, after getting slowed in the first set of roadworks, just cresting the climb after the wind farm when I got a puncture!
Fixed it and chased, just saw your lights at bout turn 3-4 on the Track when my battery decided to detach from th seat post and ripped the wires out. So I have to climb up and descend with only my little 3w flicker hun light. Managed to get a cheap torch at the 24 Hour BP and headed for home. Saw you guys lights in the distance on Kimbolton Road just before I turned to head home.
Normally I love night rides, but descending the Track with no lights wasn't a shed load of fun!

Perfect riding conditions out there today.

Nice easy 95k run. Such a sweet way to kick the long weekend off

Last distance ride pre Taupo, now I'm in wind down pre event LOL

Rik wrote:Perfect riding conditions out there today.

Nice easy 95k run. Such a sweet way to kick the long weekend off

Was an excellent day out , it has been 25 or more years since I rode up the Port Hills, loved every minute of it
Track last night .... now that's a different story, I am certain I burst a lung

Couple of long rides lately.

Last weekend I did the Taupo 2 lap enduro, had an extended bathroom stop in Tihoi which left me on my own for the next 250km. It rained on and off most of the night and day with the sun coming out for just long enough to burn me. Got in just before prizegiving.



Yesterday I organised a 200k gravel brevet around Apiti. Some great back roads with spectacular scenery.

znomit wrote:had an extended bathroom stop in Tihoi

happybaboon wrote:

znomit wrote:had an extended bathroom stop in Tihoi

I think driving to the start was a bad idea too, whoever scheduled my daughters dance show for the Friday night was very inconsiderate. The picnic bench on Kuratau makes a nice spot for a mid afternoon nap though.

Does this count?

200k out of Martinbourough down to the coast yesterday.
The weather was challenging with lots of wind and a bit of rain. I took the cross bike which slowed me a little but 35c rubber was magic on the stretch to the Cape Palliser lighthouse. A tailwind back to Martinbourough was much deserved.

I did one of my most enjoyable road rides ever on Anzac day. It was 140ish km from Tuakau (South Auckland) following SH22 down to Waingaro. Then back to Tuakau via Glen Afton, Rotongaro, Churchill etc. These were some of the quietest roads I have cycled that meandered through farmland and forest, and cruised by rivers and lakes. Great riding and highly recommended!

Thanks to the Kennetts NZ Cycle Trails book that list this as "Aucklands Great Escape" with the return route I did listed as an alternative.

God I wish we had flowing roads around Christchurch. "Quiet", "meander", cruise", "forest"... Aren't words that I could use for any rides around here.

If you waited long enough in the mornings it was warm enough to make for some beautiful riding conditions this week end in Christchurch

Has anyone else noticed a drastic increase in the number of drivers who cut blind corners? It's gotten to the point that I try to stick to the inside 1/3rd of my lane on such bends.....