Stories from Bay of Plenty

Read stories and get inspired! Share a cycling story and inspire others to get out and ride!

Image for story Balancing the bike and gym

Balancing the bike and gym

Took on a challenge for myself this year to keep up with the gym (35 day challenge) and getting out for rides on my bike, whilst increasing how often I bike to work and home. Been a successful few ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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CONNECTION and INSPIRATION

Planning on visiting my grandchildren on the weekend, I was looking forward to catching up with them. Having a lunch time meet up was a good idea, as it gave the modern generation time to get o... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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New lease of life!!

After 30 odd years of not having owned or even got on a bike... bought my first bike and joined the challenge, it is quite a challenge with all the gears and getting used to what works when LOL. Th... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Timber trail fun

Timber trail fun

One of the great rides in New Zealand, and one of the best days I've had on my bike. A little bit of planning, and you can see some of NZ's rail history, and our great wild environment.

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Cycling through post cyclone

A colleague and I were brave enough to venture out the day after cyclone Gabrielle had battered the Bay of Plenty on our journey to work. I was probably foolish enough to think that everything wo... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Riding with a Shredder

Riding with a Shredder

My favourite Mountain Bike Riding Buddy is my 8 year old son. The only problem I'm having is that in the next 18 - 24 months I'm not sure I'm going to be able to keep up... and he likes to remind m... read more

Topic: Other

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Scared by my own shadow!!

What a weird sensation, riding in the early morning , just before dawn and I sensed something passing me on the inside line. WTF was that? Nothing , just my shadow passing me due to weird lighting ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why i ride

Why i ride

We started this adventure when our whanau of four kids left no time for me to exercise or do anything much for myself. As a survivor of an aggressive cancer that messed with my body as much as my h... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Walking the talk

Walking the talk

One of the goals I set for myself when I started my new job at TCC was to bike to work. My role is Corporate Sustainability Lead, so biking makes sense for a lot of reasons. Fitness, wellbeing, env... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Team Christmas Ride

Team Christmas Ride

The Safe and Sustainable Journeys team took a Christmas Ride to end our 2019 work year. All 6 of us rode the Ngongotaha cycleway and then the newly built Linton Park cycleway :)

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Out and about

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge has got not just me but my husband out and about biking on the weekends. It is amazing how many individuals, couples and families are out enjoying a bit of free air and ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Moerangi MTB track. A steep but rewarding challenge.

Moerangi MTB track. A steep but rewarding challenge.

I love riding deep into the native forest. I recently rode the Moerangi MTB track in the Whirinaki Forest. We rode from Okahu Road to the summit and back again the same way. No e-bikes to be seen... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Putting the Mountain in MTB

Putting the Mountain in MTB

Effort-rewarding views from Mt Moerangi in the Whakarewarewa Forest this morning

Topic: Other

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Image for story Building Confidence

Building Confidence

Our 8 year old has always been a bit nervous on her bike. Growing up, I was the same so can sympathize with her feelings. During this challenge we've gone on a number family bike rides, and today ... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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Personal goal

I am really happy to have logged my rides during the Aotearoa Bike challenge. Never knew that I've been riding about 200 km per month mainly to commute. And it is saving me money, avoiding traffic ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story CANCELLED - New goal acquired - new soul food

CANCELLED - New goal acquired - new soul food

With my glass back pummelled back into shape and my snapped saddle replaced (winter weight gain?) the training could start in earnest again. December saw the km's getting racked up, lots of flattie... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū! Feel the fear and do it anyway! My name is Jill Walters and I am the Organisational Development Lead at Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. I live ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story SH2 Chaos

SH2 Chaos

Started driving my daughter to school from Brookfield to Bethlehem on Friday. Traveled a short distance before witnessing a heavy traffic on Millers Road as far as the eye could see. Knowing that S... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Family business

My grandparents owned a bike shop in the UK so I have always loved bikes. Their bike shop was famous in the local area and everyone got their bike from Renhams. I used to love the smell of the sho... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Stories from around the world

Image for story Sunshine

Sunshine

Ride a bike rain or shine..hehehe

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Florida Monsoon Commute

Florida Monsoon Commute

My commute has always been a bit far, and sketchy for riding by bike even though I’ve always ridden quite a lot. The recent purchase of an e-bike has made it practical, except that it’s storm seaso... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Finally had some nice weather so I take a nice bike riding to Beverley it was about 18-22km round trip. Can’t wait for my next adventure

Topic: Other

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Image for story Group ride

Group ride

I enjoy getting as many people to ride as much as possible

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Image for story Freedom comes on two wheels !

Freedom comes on two wheels !

I’m Fatima, I moved to Blackpool after I qualified as a doctor but I’m originally from Pakistan. I’ve been cycling since I was a child of around 3 or 4. I was tiny and the bicycle that my father ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story First 💯km!!

First 💯km!!

After telling my cycling buddies I'm going to do it for what seems an age I've finally crushed my demon! Far easier than I'd built it up to be in my head and loved every minute of the ride 😎

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

I had the privilege to bike ride and see some of the beautiful sights in Interlaken, Switzerland in June 2024. Bike riding provides a unique experience enabling you to be more in touch with your s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Holiday

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story St Helier constant roadworks/closures

St Helier constant roadworks/closures

There's no better feeling than passing all of the endless queues of stationery vehicles in St Helier , caught up in the constant roadworks and closures .

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Cycling holiday with public transport

Cycling holiday with public transport

We decided to cycle The Hebridean Way this year and use public transport to get to and from the start. We had pre-booked the train from Dyce to Oban and 18 tickets to proof it (for 2 of us)! So w... read more

Topic: Other

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Riding to porch fest

On May 19 I went to the Modesto porch fest and rode to listen to different bands with me. I encouraged my friends to join us but didn’t want to go at first but they changed their minds so they rode... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story campus bike circles

campus bike circles

Enjoying the efficient bike circles (aka roundabouts) on the campus of UC Davis.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Un défi mensuel qui débute bien la saison🤩

Le vélo a toujours été pour moi une source de recueillement et souvent individuelle. Je réalise combien de partager ces moments avec la famille est d’autant plus grandissant et inspirant! Un été qu... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Garmin connect challenge 200km

Have to admit the last 5.3 miles were the hardest when I added up the miles and was short of a challenge trophy. I just had to find a reason to ride out again. My excuse to my self was I had no ce... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Off-Road Expedition: Discovering the Majesty of the Falls of Feugh

Off-Road Expedition: Discovering the Majesty of the Falls of Feugh

The Falls of Feugh in Banchory Aberdeenshire...... Venturing off-road to the Falls of Feugh in Banchory, Scotland, offers a thrilling journey through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. As t... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Dreams come true

Dreams come true

Pedal the way up

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Herculean Sportive

Herculean Sportive

My favourite place to ride is the outer Hebrides and every year they hold the Herculean Sportive . This covers 100 miles and is over 5 islands accessible by causeways.. it is the most beautiful p... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Our Scottish Adventure

Our Scottish Adventure

In May, my family and I rode to Rugby station from our home 12 miles away and caught the train to London to get the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William. We spent a fabulous car free week there!

Topic: Ride with kids

Image for story Frank Brinkerhoff Century ride

Frank Brinkerhoff Century ride

I was with siouxland cyclists on Sunday 7/7/24 we started at craves parking lot at Sioux City Iowa at 6:30 in the morning. We traveled 3 states on bicycle by the time I got home I rode 110.45 miles.

Topic: Other

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Image for story May is Bike Month: Give it a try!

May is Bike Month: Give it a try!

May is Bike Month 2024 was so much fun. My husband’s workplace in Sacramento had an organized May is Bike Month competition, and he encouraged me to take part in Bike Month too, despite the fact th... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Cycling is for everyone !

Cycling is for everyone !

My name is Tony, I’m from Salford and moved to Blackpool a few years ago to be near family. I’ve been a cyclist for years and love to cycle whenever I get the chance! I regularly take my little b... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Car-Free June

Car-Free June

Car Free June day 28 - I've had an interesting month leaving the car behind and using a combination of bike and train to get about and get to work. Here are some findings: 1. Total km cycled = 1... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Finally back in the saddle

Finally back in the saddle

Great to be back in the saddle after being knocked off the bike feels great .

Topic: A happy riding memory

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"Back" to it!

Just a quick note, I had to share my news with someone. I am back on my bike! After a period of nearly 9 months with a dodgy leg from a back injury I am back on a bike and loving it! I went on a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Laissez les bons temps rouler...

Depuis 2021, je participe au défi : Mois de mai en vélo. Je n'ai pas manqué une journée de vélo en 124 jours (4x31 jours) et j'ai roulé plus de 1000km sans assistance électrique à chacun des défis.... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Many Bicycling Benefits of The Peoples Food Co-op Kalamazoo

Many Bicycling Benefits of The Peoples Food Co-op Kalamazoo

The People’s Food Co-op (PFC [address removed]) has, since its inception, supported a way of life that includes and promotes practical cycling. For many years the PFC has sold (for $5 no less!) an... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Image for story Tour De Coffee Culture done and dusted for '24

Tour De Coffee Culture done and dusted for '24

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

Topic: Other

Image for story #EveryDayCyclingFife

#EveryDayCyclingFife

The Everyday Cycling Fife campaign launched at Tree in the Park on Saturday, 25th May, to encourage Fifers to get out on their bikes for everyday journeys. Getting more people out of cars and onto... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Loving the countryside

I've always loved riding bikes, but after retiring in 2020 I took bike riding to another level. I live out in the country away from city traffic so getting on my bike each morning and taking a rid... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story I love underpasses BUT….

I love underpasses BUT….

Our bayou trails have lots of underpasses to cross big roads. And they’re great .. no stopping .. no cars .. and a quick ride downhill. But after heavy rains low spots can have mud or dirt that ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Confidence

Confidence

We're working on building self-confidence and I think bike riding is a great addition to our parenting tool bag!!

Topic: Ride with kids

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