Stories from Christchurch

Better late than never, but was good to do. 129km in a day.

Topic: Other

Again being an ebike commuter paid dividends when the Port Hills were ablaze again. All Motor vehicles were stopped from getting into the Suburb but my trusty ebike took me thru to the cordon wher... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I'm definitely going to get that 100 badge today as I have no other options. Set off just before 7am this morning to try and beat the heat and wind, but it's already 25 degrees. Beautiful day for t... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Karen Griesel Thanks for the inspirational post. Plan on riding that trail tomorrow.

Thanks for the inspirational post. Plan on riding that trail tomorrow.

I started riding my bike to get fit, I then started taking my 11yr old to teach him some road sense and then started riding with my dog to get fit (and burn some energy!). My partner then thought h... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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Well, I try thought after a few wet days in Christchurch I would be good to ride again today. Sadly, I was caught out in the rain, on the bike home. The outcome... I didn't melt, I did find traffic... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Peter Daly Remarkably few cases of melting humans over the years. We voluntarily get wet in the bath or shower, but fear melting when ... read more

Remarkably few cases of melting humans over the years. We voluntarily get wet in the bath or shower, but fear melting when it rains. Go figure.

My challenge to myself this year was to bike everyday in February. So far I have managed it even with 34°C heat and the rain from the tail end of Cyclone Gabrielle (thankfully very minor compared t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Peter Daly I'm rocking my motorcycle wet weather gear, and my council gumboots, on the wet days. It's turned out to be not as bad as p... read more

I'm rocking my motorcycle wet weather gear, and my council gumboots, on the wet days. It's turned out to be not as bad as people would think.

Decided to try out some of the Wharfedale Track with friends. Can't say I've tried riding a DoC track before, or that my bike has been hugged by ferns. A bit of technical uphill and then a fun ride... read more

Brendan Van den Bosch I rode that myself a few weeks ago. Unfortunately after the saddle, it gets a bit hectic with continued slips and fallen tr... read more

I rode that myself a few weeks ago. Unfortunately after the saddle, it gets a bit hectic with continued slips and fallen trees on the way to the hut. Still doable but that trail needs some love.

We've heard there re plans to build a cycle route from Blenheim to Kaikoura and beyond. But we happened to be staying around Kaikoura on a sunny day, and had our bikes, so thought we'd see if there... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3

It's been around 33 degrees here in ChCh but I'm still getting out on the bike. This bike challenge has been a fantastic motivator to get me on my bike more regularly and for longer distances. I've... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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On day 1 of the challenge my Boss sent me a link to his location. We raced to work, me from Edgeware and him from Parklands. He caught me at Hagley Park for a quick chat before he was off again. ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

I took my kids to the bike park yesterday, and we rode around the flat tracks for an hour and a half, we tracked it on strava, and we had (or atleast i) had done 10.37 kms. Great motivation to k... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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Gareth Simpson Great idea! Might try that myself. Westbury is a great wee spot and the kids can go on the playground if they've had enough.

Great idea! Might try that myself. Westbury is a great wee spot and the kids can go on the playground if they've had enough.

Criggie . I recognised the location from the road layout :)

I recognised the location from the road layout :)

I decided to walk to work in the morning. 5km walk and it took my about an hour (short legs). I ended up taking the bus home. Overall, I did 15K steps that day!

Topic: Other

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Waiting for a knee replacement. Hopefully in the next 2 months. Then I really hope to be back on my bike and riding with you. I can still only do 2 - 3kms. Cheers

Topic: Other

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Dave Fastiggi I just had mine back in Dec. 2021. I am back riding and am participating in the May Bike Month Challenge. It's been a stru... read more

I just had mine back in Dec. 2021. I am back riding and am participating in the May Bike Month Challenge. It's been a struggle for me, but everyone is different. However you feel after your surgery just don't give up. You will get there. Good luck and a speedy recovery

Lyle Smith I had my knee replacement surgery jus before Halloween, 2017. I did my PT religiously and walked a good bit. I was back on ... read more

I had my knee replacement surgery jus before Halloween, 2017. I did my PT religiously and walked a good bit. I was back on the bike by February 2018, commuting to work, training for century rides and getting back to the daily joy that cycling gives me. You'll be back on your bike soon enough. Walking and just getting around in daily life will be much better, too! You just gotta get past those first 72 hours after surgery. Good luck with the new knee!

Tina Worrall Cycling is brilliant pre-knee replacement too because there is no impact

Cycling is brilliant pre-knee replacement too because there is no impact

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Hubby and I took a sabbatical in 2018 (thank goodness we chose then) and biked around Europe for seven months carrying all our gear. Come the end we were still together and I was bored with my limi... read more

Anne Heins Ha ha, I love the wardrobe comment - can totally imagine! Sounds like an amazing trip!

Ha ha, I love the wardrobe comment - can totally imagine! Sounds like an amazing trip!

When I got hit by a Lanscaping van last week the driver and passenger accepted responsibility for driving through the roundabout and hitting me, instead of trying to blame me.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Debbie Paardekooper Kia roa Chris, I am glad they took responsibility! Are you okay?!

Kia roa Chris, I am glad they took responsibility! Are you okay?!

Kylie Tai Rakena Oh no that sounds awful, hope you didn't sustain to many injuries, sounds frightening

Oh no that sounds awful, hope you didn't sustain to many injuries, sounds frightening

Had a great ride to the shops yesterday, and not just because of the light Sunday traffic. The footpaths on High St were crowded with pedestrians, there were a few motorbikes cruising along (and on... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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When our office moved into the city centre and there was no longer free parking, I figured my only option was to commute by bus. The Aotearoa Bike Challenge reminded me that actually biking to work... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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John Aramowicz Nice outcome.

Nice outcome.

This year my 5yos have started at a school that's 4.5km from home - worth the journey, because it's a reorua class, but too far even for Mr Confident to cycle without afternoon meltdowns. So we inv... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Stephanie Chernishov Sounds like a lot a fun!

Sounds like a lot a fun!

It's very fun riding in to town on the bike paths :D.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I love riding on the CNC shared path! It's so smooth and fast. I love seeing all the happy people using the path (and pets too!). It's a fantastic asset to Greater Christchurch, enabling safe a... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Sue Bidrose Excellent! Couldn’t agree more with everything you say! In fact, 8 months into our time in Chch we sold our house and bough... read more

Excellent! Couldn’t agree more with everything you say! In fact, 8 months into our time in Chch we sold our house and bought one nearer to that bike path, so I can cycle 50km without going on the road at all!

I used the long weekend, with some help from Twitter people, to try and work out a commuter cycle route 25km to work that is mostly in cycle lanes (separated as much as possible) and avoids the rou... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Fiona Bennetts Tautoko :)

Tautoko :)

On my daily rides I often see children in the back of cars. They often stare at me or my bike. I hope it is my bike. I wished their parents would take them out on bikes. They look like they want to.

Topic: A happy riding memory

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I decided not to own a car a few years back, and just rely on my bicycle for getting around. It's been quite good for me, as I'm a lazy person, and if given the option, I might cave and use a c... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Leave the car at home, stay away from the petrol station for a month or more. 25mins to work in car, 29mins on the bike on the best day. Powered by craft beer and pizza! More bikes at work as ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Richard Earl I note this photo demonstrating the inadequacy of so many 'bike parking' spots. Cyclists avoiding using them because they'... read more

I note this photo demonstrating the inadequacy of so many 'bike parking' spots. Cyclists avoiding using them because they're installed as last minute lip service.

Daniel O'Carroll Hi Richard, bike rack has been here for a long time. I prefer something I can rest my bike against as the weight of the pa... read more

Hi Richard, bike rack has been here for a long time. I prefer something I can rest my bike against as the weight of the panniers means front wheel bike stands are not so good. Modern upright stands where you can rest a bike on and lock seem to be what is being installed more and more.

How staunch a cyclist are you? Do you bike in rain or snow? Do you own a fluoro jacket? Have your cheeks a healthy glow? Perhaps you are a ‘wannaʼ Wanna travel urban style, with pup in w... read more

Topic: Other

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Our not-for-profit community preschool is running its annual Trike-a-Thon this Saturday. We are fundraising for a new bike track with better drainage, so the track is accessible to our Tamariki all... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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I joined the Bike Challenge last year as a new rider and was the only one riding from work. I enjoyed it so much I kept riding and have convinced my work colleagues to join me this year. I have a... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I rarely cycle for fun. It is generally just to get around. It's quite enjoyable just travelling from place to place via bicycle. It turns what would generally be a stressful activity to an enjoyab... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I’ve been a regular cyclist for over 25 years, and today, on my first ever 100km bike, I made a handful of lazy choices that dampened the occasion. So, I’ll be doing the following religiously in fu... read more

I live in Rolleston and commute 27km to my office in Christchurch by bicycle and bus. I #lovetoride so cycle to the bus stop in Rolleston and from the Hospital stop in Christchurch to my office a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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We don't have any children but we have a little dog that is blind now but still loves his bike rides. I can't open the garage without him coming to see if we're going for a ride. Sometimes just sho... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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Peter Daly That's beautiful

That's beautiful

My passion is getting out for a ride at McLeans Island and I really enjoy taking my 8 year old grand son out for a ride with me

Topic: Ride with kids

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Stopped on the daimonds I patiently wait my turn The bike light stays red

Topic: Other

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Nick Carpenter Haunting

Haunting

Last time I was on a bike was 18 years ago. I sold it after a scare with traffic and relocating from the South to the North Island. I have borrowed a bike to compete in this challenge. The improvem... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Stephanie Chernishov Good on ya! Keep it up and the aches will disappear!

Good on ya! Keep it up and the aches will disappear!

I don’t particularly like biking - it’s always too hard ! as I seem to always push myself too hard! And I’ve made many excuses in the past. But this is a great challenge for me - I am trying no... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Nickie Pepper Love it. Good for you 👍 👏

Love it. Good for you 👍 👏

Every day. What's the big deal.

Topic: Other

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Peter Daly Each day I get my bike out to ride to work and look at the car sitting, lonely on the driveway.

Each day I get my bike out to ride to work and look at the car sitting, lonely on the driveway.

Hey all 🙋‍♀️ As the title says 5 years ago I broke my back, through wear and tear over the years. I couldn't walk without pain and worse I couldn't cycle. I thought I'd never ride again 😔 Started... read more

Topic: Other

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Tim H Cycling is indeed, The Best : )

Cycling is indeed, The Best : )

Very happy with this badge!

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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My partner is not a huuuuge fan of exercise. He knows it's good for him, he's just not super keen on doing it all the time due to having various aches and previous injuries. I have been biking for... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Anne Heins This is awesome, love it!

This is awesome, love it!

Veronica McKinnon My husband doesn't like cycling and he gave it a go but not his thing. Great you and your husband ride together 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

My husband doesn't like cycling and he gave it a go but not his thing. Great you and your husband ride together 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

Taking a minute to express my love for my Surly. Bridgeclub. One of those really solid, reliable mates. Me and big red came together as a result of some more unfortunate circumstances. Having b... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Anne Heins Love this! My bike is called Big Red too and we are also great friends. We've been together for 12 years, she's seen me t... read more

Love this! My bike is called Big Red too and we are also great friends. We've been together for 12 years, she's seen me through 20,000 - 30,000km of commuting and day-to-day transport. Though being a step-through bike with 3 gears, I'll certainly never ride the length of Te Waipounamu on her!!!

Had an excellent ride up the Port Hills today. Blue skies and good vibes up Arapaho, along the single track to VIC Park and home via Cap. Great say.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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This commute is usually pretty busy as going in peak hours. Centaurus Road is usually fine in the morning and Barrington Street can be busy leading up to the Milton Street junction. If going close ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I had always believed I could never and would never bike up a hill. It was partly fear of falling backwards, partly belief that my legs weren't tough enough, and partly fear of riding back downhill... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Anne Heins I love this story so much - go you!

I love this story so much - go you!

John Aramowicz Our bodies are capable of amazing things if we have the right attitude

Our bodies are capable of amazing things if we have the right attitude

Criggie . Nicely done! FYI Evans pass is the lowest total climb, a hundred metres lower than Dyers Pass. And remember even walkin... read more

Nicely done! FYI Evans pass is the lowest total climb, a hundred metres lower than Dyers Pass. And remember even walking is still moving forward.

Show 1 more comments

There is so many lovely bike trails in and around Cromwell to enjoy - such a scenic place and some great coffee and wineries stops around. Especially enjoyed riding Lake Dunstan Bannockburn to Cly... read more

1: Learning the bike routes to work, but cant go both back home, the same way, Tuam and St Asaph are only one way, I wonded why I didnt get any bike traffic lights. 2: Glass, I need to take a sm... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Hao Ning Tan yes, the St Asaph St cycle lights are not the most cycle friendly. (I guess it's the trade off for being very bus friendly)... read more

yes, the St Asaph St cycle lights are not the most cycle friendly. (I guess it's the trade off for being very bus friendly) means there's the t

This morning I rode with my daughter to her high school and the journey seemed way shorter than the first time I biked. Then I had the rest of the journey by myself, or so I thought. I banged int... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Anne Heins Awesome! There's an online map of Christchurch's cycleways that will be handy if you're not already aware of it - just Goog... read more

Awesome! There's an online map of Christchurch's cycleways that will be handy if you're not already aware of it - just Google "cycleways map Chch" and you'll find it :)

Jo Johnson Yay for Bike Buddies showing us the best routes!

Yay for Bike Buddies showing us the best routes!

Two days a week my two year old (he started asking for this commute at age one and three quarters) bikes (on a walking bike) the 1.2 km to Playcentre, with me trotting along next to him. Some of hi... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Anne Heins I love this so much! Kids on bikes, adults on bikes, freedom and strength, so good!

I love this so much! Kids on bikes, adults on bikes, freedom and strength, so good!

Was planning to drive 3km up the road to get my booster shot but - it is Aotearoa Bike Challenge month so - why not cycle, I thought! Went swimmingly. In fact it was really nice to cycle home a... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Will try to go for a ride everyday come sun or rain. I hope the bike holds!

Tried downhill mountain biking for the first time last week. Made it all the way to the bottom in one piece, hurrah!

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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