Twin Coasts Cycle Trail

We made the most of the stunning weather and got out on our bikes with Danny and Paula and did part of the Twin Coasts Cycle Trail today.  On the map in the link we did B to C, but we did there AND back. I am not a cyclist, in fact the last time I was on a bike I was probably about 16, so I really thought I hadn't a hope of managing a 28km cycle, but I did it and I completely surprised myself by actually enjoying it! Who'd have thought.

All set to go, after a little seat adjustment.

Lloyd just about to set off

Me just about to set off - check out my appropriate cycling gear! ( totally clueless)

Dead bikes! ( we really must get some stands for ours)

Some Maori carvings to mark the start of the route.

We  live right where the trail is, but have never seen the scenery from this angle before and it's really gorgeous. Lake Omapere was still and blue today ( usually its sludgy brown and wavy!) It was incredibly hot, bearing in mind it's still winter ( yeah, I know!) 

In the background is Te Ahu Ahu volcanic cone, it's extinct, thankfully!

We discovered a nifty new use for a water bottle holder - WINE bottle holder!

As the trail is mostly along an old railway line it's not got a lot of hilly bits in it so ~ allegedly ~ it's a fairly easy cycle. The only steep bit is right at the start and because we did there and back it meant the very last part was a steep uphill. ( I had to walk a bit, that was when I could actually still walk, I am now sitting down and am afraid I won't be able to stand up again for quite some time)

For anyone who lives up in this area I would highly recommend it, it's a great afternoon out and children could easily do it - if I can anyone can. It's had such a lot of work go into it it would be a terrible shame if it didn't get used.

We're going to do it again, I just need to get a wicker basket for the front of my bike and I'm set!