Stories from New Zealand

I have always been interested in riding a bike. Growing up (in Malaysia), or family could hardly afford a bike and I always watched with envy our neighbours having their bikes. It was until years l... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Lisa Wilde Huzzah! Ebikes are the best :)

Huzzah! Ebikes are the best :)

Jayne Nock I love my e-bike. I would never be able to travel in and out the Valley, where I live, if it wasn’t for my e-bike and even... read more

I love my e-bike. I would never be able to travel in and out the Valley, where I live, if it wasn’t for my e-bike and even that was hard at first but such an achievement when I finally mastered it. I now bike to work 3 times a week and use the electric part of the bike as little as I can and it’s comforting to know it’s there if I need it.

My romance with my bicycle started when I was just 4 Years old and increased ever since. I just love my bike, love being outdoors, love nature, love to be fit and healthy, love to save petrol and ... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Sally Marett Yes the perspective is so rewarding I agree

Yes the perspective is so rewarding I agree

We set out from home nine and early and arrived in Roxburgh where our friend lives who offered to help us with transport. Got to the Roxburgh Dam and loaded up my bike with all the food, drink, ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Megan Page You did it, you prepapred well and you had by all accounts a great ride. Keep peddaling, pack togs and if you are worried a... read more

You did it, you prepapred well and you had by all accounts a great ride. Keep peddaling, pack togs and if you are worried about possible health hiccups along the way a plb is a good thing to have in your kit.

Fell in love with biking since 8 years old. With well used tricycle, nothing like riding and cornering till one back wheel comes up.

Since then had few bikes, Dad's old Morrison and Ralei... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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This last week of September 2020 marks 10 years of riding to work. I remember the first day vividly. I thought shorts and a t-shirt would be sufficient as I would be riding hard and probably be wor... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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The thing is, I live and work in a small town,so I don't really need a car. The main reason I have one is to get my cat to the vet. What to do? Find a bike-compatible, cat-friendly pet carrier of c... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Sam Stockwell Cats don't seem to mind going on the back of a bike, must be because they have a good view.

Cats don't seem to mind going on the back of a bike, must be because they have a good view.

For the second year, GHD Christchurch arranged a lunchtime picnic ride to encourage staff to ride a bike. Today we had a beautiful day warm day to go for the relaxed 3.5km ride off road. We had ano... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Sharon Lea What a great idea.

What a great idea.

My mum mostly grew up in Christchurch and biked as a kid, but hasn't since she was in her twenties for a few different reasons. She saw how awesome I found riding around once I got my e-bike, and g... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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H M Wenley I call my E-bike my freedom machine. I have joined E-bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group and we have not only clocked up he... read more

I call my E-bike my freedom machine. I have joined E-bike Social Riders Hawkes Bay group and we have not only clocked up heaps of kms but we have new friends. The group has suspended for now due to Covid-19 sadly.

I went for a bike ride around the area I live in - a short evening ride - it turned out to be a 45 min ride along some parks and places I would have not noticed otherwise. When you are on your cycl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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For the last several years I have been wanting to bike part of the way to work. Problem: it’s 56km between home and Christchurch!! If I could just bike some of it I would be happy. Well happier tha... read more

Topic: Other

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Jade A Nailed it!! What a great way to start the day. Fantastic to have finally achieved this goal :)

Nailed it!! What a great way to start the day. Fantastic to have finally achieved this goal :)

Anne Heins This is so great - I love how you thought about the barriers to your goal, figured out what you needed to do to make a chan... read more

This is so great - I love how you thought about the barriers to your goal, figured out what you needed to do to make a change, and went for it! Awesome :)

Peter Daly Best part is you can decide how much you want to ride, by parking at various distances away from work. Nice day? Park furth... read more

Best part is you can decide how much you want to ride, by parking at various distances away from work. Nice day? Park further out, ride further.

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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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Erin Billing Great story share - Thank you!

Great story share - Thank you!

On 5 Feb we cycled from Tekapo to Twizel passed canals, lake Tekapo, Ohau and Pukaki; scenery to die for. 6 Feb we biked to Ohau Lodge with a side trip to Ohau weir which was closed but very pictur... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Sharon Lea I too have done this ride and its spectacular. I'll never get sick of the scenery down south. Well done.

I too have done this ride and its spectacular. I'll never get sick of the scenery down south. Well done.

My partner and I love to bike, and when camping at my favourite family spot, he took me on a bike ride to Mystery Lake - about a three hour climb! Half way the the wind was howling and I was pretty... read more

Sharon Lea Congratulations to you both.

Congratulations to you both.

Rob Cant Wonderful story. Im sure you'll be very happy together

Wonderful story. Im sure you'll be very happy together

Today around 30 staff from our office went for a short lunchtime cruise to Rollicking Gelato in the beautiful New Regent street, a 3.5km round trip. I'm pleased to say drivers were really courteou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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When I first met my now husband I knew that he loved mountain bike riding, yet I had not been on a bike since I out grew my childhood bike.
Yet (with my permission) he purchased me a cross cou... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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It’s been many years since I have rode my bike... so long that it had cobwebs on it. I took it to the bike shop for a checkup and 6 days into the challenge I went for my first ride on Waitangi Day.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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David Sweeney Well done. I can say that the ride TO Paeroa is surprisingly easier than the opposite direction. Having ridden from Paeroa ... read more

Well done. I can say that the ride TO Paeroa is surprisingly easier than the opposite direction. Having ridden from Paeroa on a family ride some years ago, our then 7 and 8 yr olds complained of being tired. So they did the return leg in the car with Grandma... and we all found out how much easier, as we coasted much of the way, where we had been steadily pedalling in the opposite direction! 😀😂🤣

I absolutely love my cargobike. Although we've been car free since 2010, the cargobike is a much more recent acquisition. Whilst I like to walk, and use public transport, having the cargobike jus... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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William Porth That's what I'm talking about!

That's what I'm talking about!

Hubby and I met June 2015 and he was aware I loved to exercise alot, so we naturally went on a ride for one of our first dates.
I over estimated his biking fitness and he got cramp and was ve... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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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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Yvonne Rooney Thanks for sharing your journey! Can't wait to hear more about how you're finding your bike commute. I know that having a s... read more

Thanks for sharing your journey! Can't wait to hear more about how you're finding your bike commute. I know that having a small human in the house can make an active commute seem impossible, but it's not - well done!

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 ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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We finally got the bike seat attached to the bike! Usually Blake and I just play at home while my husband goes for a run. Now that we have a bike seat- running/ biking is now a fun family activity.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Jen Harries Thanks Denise for your story! Blake and you have won a Let's Go prize. Enjoy your family outings!

Thanks Denise for your story! Blake and you have won a Let's Go prize. Enjoy your family outings!

I was riding with my sister in Riverhead Forrest Auckland in 1995 and met some friends and a group of their friends, one of whom caught my eye. After a number of fun filled years including regular ... read more

My husband is so romantic and came for 3 evening bike ride dates in a row. It was so special and I appreciate my husband biking with me. When I have been out biking and he sees me through the win... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Sharon Lea My hubby is the same, its pretty special to be with someone so considerate and thoughtful.

My hubby is the same, its pretty special to be with someone so considerate and thoughtful.

Bike riding was never my thing.I rode bikes when i was younger but was serous about it..since doing this challenge for the first time has made me realise that bike riding is a kewl exercise as well.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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The days was wet, , we both had to go places , the mother in law had been sick needed checking out
So off on the bike I went, drop in to see the grand kids, drop a book off , round to the moth... read more

Growing up, I was lost confidence in cycling. In the few times I dared to get on a bicycle I was nearly hit by cars and was car-doored in undergrad in Ōtepoti Dunedin. It was terrifying for me, and... read more

Rob Cant Wonderful Story Anna. Inspiring words and a heap of wisdom. Thanks for Sharing.

Wonderful Story Anna. Inspiring words and a heap of wisdom. Thanks for Sharing.

Sally Marett Thanks Anna great story - its nice to hear its not just me that is intimated by the the traffic and lack of awareness of ot... read more

Thanks Anna great story - its nice to hear its not just me that is intimated by the the traffic and lack of awareness of other people to what is or is not helpful to scary to cyclists. More bikers the better I could not agree more.

John Fridd Great post, Anna. Fortunately, Dunedin now boasts some great bike paths, including the one around Otago Harbour, which have... read more

Great post, Anna. Fortunately, Dunedin now boasts some great bike paths, including the one around Otago Harbour, which have inspired many more folk to jump on a bike.

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I have to be honest I prefer bikes to cars and love looking at other peoples bikes.
My grandparents owned a bike shop which was famous in the Eastleigh UK area. The shop had a very distinct sme... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Rob Cant No doubt they would be proud. I know the smell you mention too and the type of bike shop. I hope they had brown overcoats... read more

No doubt they would be proud. I know the smell you mention too and the type of bike shop. I hope they had brown overcoats ;-)

I took advantage of Saturday afternoons open day for the new Christchurch Northern Corridor. Headed from Edgeware Rd, joined at the Cranford St roundabout, then all the way north up the cycleway, a... read more

December 2007 I started riding to work at a new job with Palmerston North City Council Parks. In the 13 years since I have probably gone by car no more than 20 times - car for service etc. Its been... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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David Cushing Also from Palmerston North. Like above I have seldom been caught out by bad weather while biking to / from work. And over ... read more

Also from Palmerston North. Like above I have seldom been caught out by bad weather while biking to / from work. And over the 20 plus years I have been working in Palmie I would have used the car less 100 times (usually on days I give blood!). Fully agree with all the bike trails around the city and river.

My 3 year old had so much fun riding on my bike during the ABC this year, for her 4th birthday last week she got her first pedal bike (thanks for the discount Torpedo7!). I've never seen her so exc... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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We had a lovely day out on Sunday with workmates and friends and even dragged my partner's son Matthew along, who at 21 years old had never rode a mountain bike, he loved it! We had a delicious lu... read more

Really enjoyed my first ride out on a bike for a really long time!

Borrowed a bike from the local business and Wow! they sure make some amazing bikes to ride these days don't they!
<... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Rob Cant Great business that offers loan bikes. Keep it up.

Great business that offers loan bikes. Keep it up.

I saw a Little Blue Penguin on my cycle to work this morning along the West Harbour Cycleway SH88 shared path. It made my day :) [address removed]

Topic: My commute by bike

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When I drive I rarely take the time to enjoy the city I live in but with biking I an so easily stop, hop off and have a wee explore. Yesterday I decided to visit a piece of remnant bush in Christch... read more

My 17yr old son bikes to school. Biking has allowed him to choose his preferred schools, which were not his closest options. Trying to encourage him to to sit his learner drivers test I said he'd ... read more

Topic: Other

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A colleague invited me to join the challenge early in the month. I thought about it and did nothing. On the night of the 17th someone broken into my car, with the intention of stealing it. The d... read more

I have been a bicycle nut for years and always try to ride everywhere (better for the planet, and better for my fitness and stress levels). Last year I decided to buy a cargo bike to take the next ... read more

Topic: Other

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Julie Wotton Fantastic - inspiring!

Fantastic - inspiring!

Anne Heins So inspiring, love it! I'm thinking it might be worth starting a conversation with my flat about whether we go in on one to... read more

So inspiring, love it! I'm thinking it might be worth starting a conversation with my flat about whether we go in on one together...

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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Sally Marett Now you have a decent amount of room to ride up the side we don’t get that in Wellington unfortunately

Now you have a decent amount of room to ride up the side we don’t get that in Wellington unfortunately

Mark Ashurst Good - call. That's the story from Welcome Bay to city every day - makes the bike choice that bit easier

Good - call. That&#39;s the story from Welcome Bay to city every day - makes the bike choice that bit easier

Andrea Andresen It us so satisfying zipping past the cars on the causeway as I come in from Ohauiti!

It us so satisfying zipping past the cars on the causeway as I come in from Ohauiti!

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As I pulled out of my driveway, I could feel all was not well with the left pedal. after a brief period of denial and hoping the problem would go away, I started looking closer while riding and the... read more

Well, took my husband for a bike ride and he tells me I’m biking with no power as I have the middle of my foot over the pedal. Now I’m biking (when I remember) with the ball of my foot on the pedal... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Christine Johnson My husband had the same conversation with me when I started riding. It does make a difference :-)

My husband had the same conversation with me when I started riding. It does make a difference :-)

Wow I am 2 days into my rides and yesterday I took a dozen eggs home in my panniers, surprised they weren't cooked by the time I got home.
Today brought in a fundraising cake for Relay for Life... read more

I'm setting off on this event, on 19 February, 3000km, Cape Reinga to Bluff. Self-supported. Hope to complete in 30 days. It's a personal challenge, as I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 8 ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Pete Doorbar Good luck Mike, safe travels

Good luck Mike, safe travels

David Sweeney All the best, Mike. I enjoyed our night ride around Hamilton a while back. Cheers, David

All the best, Mike. I enjoyed our night ride around Hamilton a while back. Cheers, David

Frans Voogt Good for you, it is going to be a great adventure and you will make a difference in other's lives. I am in the wave that l... read more

Good for you, it is going to be a great adventure and you will make a difference in other's lives. I am in the wave that leaves on the 20th and have just finished my final pack. I had a stroke in 2018 and it was a bit of a knock - training for this event has taught me perseverance, one straight at a time...you get to the destination in the end, so will you.

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I will not be taking part in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge this year, and as I am the only one from my work place taking part, I withdraw from this event. I was made redundant from my job this mornin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Anne Heins Oh Ivan, I'm so sorry to hear you were made redundant, that's full on. I hope you have some good support around you. You ca... read more

Oh Ivan, I'm so sorry to hear you were made redundant, that's full on. I hope you have some good support around you. You can still take part in the Challenge though - what about setting up a group to ride with friends, or any kind of social group (family groups, faith groups, sport teams - anything at all). You can create/join as many clubs/groups as you like by clicking on the + sign by "My clubs and groups' in your Challenge profile. Clubs have their own leaderboards too, so you can see how you’re tracking compared with groups of a similar size, either nationally or in your home region! Plus you'll still be in to win prizes, and be eligible for the great participants discounts!

Barney Fitzsimons Hang in there Ivan, your attitude will win thru, ka kite

Hang in there Ivan, your attitude will win thru, ka kite

When it comes to our Annual lunchtime bike ride to the beach, everyone's keen!
The team of six completed the 8km return trip to Ngamotu Beach for our team picnic, a total of 48km towards the A... read more

About 15 years ago I was on holiday in Europe with my boyfriend at the time. I hadn't been on a bike in many years, but we went for a ride on bikes that came free with our accommodation. I was a bi... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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My brother and I went for a bike ride around where our parents used to live near the Selwyn Hutts. We were on our way back when we were biking along the stop bank and my back Tyre got stuck. In wha... read more

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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My husband and I first tried a tandem bicycle around the Hawkes Bay Wineries in the early 1980's. We got married in 1984 and our first purchase as a married couple was a tandem bicycle. We have don... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Mark Shanks Ride together and stay together!

Ride together and stay together!

I live at the top of a hill called Bluff Hill in Napier. 'The hill' has been a bit of a mental obstacle to me biking anywhere since we moved into our house almost 3 years ago. However the bike ch... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Sian Hazell Great work, Helen!!! Good determination. I love stories like this. Well done!

Great work, Helen!!! Good determination. I love stories like this. Well done!

Simon Cohen Helen, great to hear from a fellow hill commuter. I live at the top of a steep hill in the Highlands of Scotland and it st... read more

Helen, great to hear from a fellow hill commuter. I live at the top of a steep hill in the Highlands of Scotland and it stopped me commuting for years, until I didn't have any choice but using the bike to get to work. I now slog the 228m home two or three times a week. Never had to contend with 30+ degrees but I've done it in the snow. And you're absolutely right NEVER get off and walk it's too demoralizing!

Back in 2017 I had trained quite hard for the World Masters Games for rowing. Unfortunately I had also injured myself during this time and carried that injury through to the Games. During the 'off'... read more

Topic: Other

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