What started out a wet morning turned into a beautiful autumn day. 25 riders left Pedal Pushers for the 184km ride from Palmerston North to Napier to commemorate Anzac Day.
It was an awesome site seeing so many lights head off down Main Street. We cycled out to the Gorge where Malcolm pulled us through single file. On the other side we had heavy sun strike from the wet shiny road and the rising sun. You really had to focus on the tire in front to see where to go.
We arrived in Dannevirke dry, warm and in good spirits. There we had a quick courtesy stop at the local McDees where most riders got changed into short sleeve jerseys and shorts, which proved to be a good choice. Everyone was so enthusiastic to get back on the road; we had one rider leave without his helmet!
The hilly part of the ride came next and was well controlled with all riders staying together. The Takapau Plains proved to be very speedy once again but as we approached Waipukarau we struck the railway lines and blew out 3 tires. The bunch carried on while Dennis rendered mechanical services and then bought the riders back up. We carried on through to Waipawa where we stopped for a great morning tea at the Misty River Café. By this time it was hot and sunny and the sunscreen was being passed around.
Once back on our bikes, watered and fed, we had a trouble free ride through to Hastings were we stopped briefly for a quick top up of water bottles before riding through to Napier. Our finish on Marine Parade was celebrated with a complimentary glass of champagne and a group picture. This ride distance was a personal achievement for many of our riders and especially for Tony, who only just got his bike in January and had never ridden over 80kms in one ride before.
The Hogg’s Breath Café was the choice for a hearty carbo load before heading back to Palmy on the bus. We arrived at Pedal Pushers at 6pm where everyone unpacked their gear and heading off home with a smile, a tan and a great ride under their belt.
The actual riding time was just short of 6 hours 30 minutes, which made it achievable for all who rode.
Thanks to Fraser for being our fantastic photographer on the day and to Dennis for being ride support and mechanic. Also thanks to all who rode and for keeping it a team-building event.
