Stories from New Zealand

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

2 near misses in 2 mins

I have to share this to the interweb as a sort of therapy... Hello, my names Tim and I'm a bicycle addict.... I survived two near misses last night on my commute home. Both times I reckon it is ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Carless life in wellington

We've been without a car in wellington for some 15 years now through choice, initially we just walked and bussed and taxid when needed everywhere then we decided to get a family cargo bike when we ... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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World Car Free Day

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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From Broken back to pain free cycling

Hey all πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ 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 πŸ˜” Started... read more

Topic: Other

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Cheeky

Did a 40k ride not going to lie i loved it but my cheeks didnt 🀣

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Waiting !

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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Image for story Life Changing

Life Changing

Diet and exercise have gone up a notch in my life due to a stroke a few months ago and a CAE procedure 2 weeks ago to remove the blockage (plaque)in the severe stage. Biking has been a savior to ge... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story ESSENTIAL ITEM FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

ESSENTIAL ITEM FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

LOVE.

Topic: Other

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These gas prices!

Highly motivated to bike more with the price of petrol getting out of control. I'm considering much longer trips and adding a trailer too.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Lake Dunstan Trail

Lake Dunstan Trail

Last weekend we hit the Lake Dunstan Trail... was pleasantly surprised by how many people were out and about. The cider at the Carrick Winery is amazing :)

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story 25km in one day!

25km in one day!

Very happy with this badge!

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Looking back on the 1997 Great Tasmanian Bike Ride

Looking back on the 1997 Great Tasmanian Bike Ride

This photo of me cycling in Tasmania is still pinned to my parent's fridge. It's 25 years since it was taken and really captures the spirit of cycling that I still love. I joined the 1997 Great ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story In adversity finding your centre

In adversity finding your centre

I have done the challenge before but never took it seriously and never really set any goals to achieve, I was merely participating. This year about to become jobless and homeless all at the same ti... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story 3 lighthouses, 2 lakes, one shipwreck, great day

3 lighthouses, 2 lakes, one shipwreck, great day

Straight out the door from home in Eastbourne, Wellington is the Pencarrow Coast road, a great ride for all ages and abilities. With several bays to stop in the first feature are the old and new Pe... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Getting back after a crash

Getting back after a crash

31st August last year riding to work I was in a bit of a day dream and I remember thinking how much I was enjoying my commute. Next minute I was sliding down the footpath on my face as I had hit a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Biking to school

My son who is 12 wanted to get fitter for sport so I suggested he cycle to school and I could cycle with him. At first he was a bit unsure as it is 7km each way but a little encouragement and he wa... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Responsibility

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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We're here, and we're not going away

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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Image for story A Rail Trail tale

A Rail Trail tale

I have just completed 5 days on the Otago Rail Trail, on a push bike, and I was elated to reach Middlemarch in one piece, albeit with a few bruises and wobbly bits along the way. I am in my early 6... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Gems In The Country

Taking a break from driving through the Clutha District I stumbled on an unmarked trail at the Mt Stuart reserve and explored. Lo and behold it follows the old railway line and passes through cutti... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story I Do It for My Mokopuna

I Do It for My Mokopuna

My love for cycling started after I was introduced to an Iron Māori Quarter Triathlon Event in Heretaunga (Hastings), Hawke's Bay. I had suffered an injury that ended my love of playing Touch Foot... read more

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Image for story Family fun on the Puketapu Loop, Hawkes Bay

Family fun on the Puketapu Loop, Hawkes Bay

We're on holiday in the Hawkes and it's been great biking around, the cafes and sights. Today's adventure was a sixteen kilometre ride along the Puketapu Loop to the Puketapu Hotel for lunch and th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story TIA

TIA

A couple of weeks ago I suffered what they call a TIA ( or mini brain stroke). I am 68 and had just cycled 80 kms the day before plus 40 kms a day on my commute. Also did the 900 mile Lands End to ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I Like Biking

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

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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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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Te Wharekura O Rakaumangamanga - Roopu Paihikara

Wednesday 16 March 2022 - Te Raa Kaiako-Loaded up our bikes on the trailer and off to Ngaruawahia Squash Club Hired 20 Ebikes from River Riders(Electrify Hamilton) - TAANE up first Ride Ngaruawah... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Car free day

Every day. What's the big deal.

Topic: Other

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Biking to work

I have a trike - its nicknamed Big Red. - its not an e bike I ride it to work with my e-legs I was riding to work on the car free day with my music playing and swaying back and forth side to sid... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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anyone and everyone can bike

Hi my name is Liam and im 15 years old with cerebral palsy. I'm new to this group and wanted to introduce myself. I am just recovering from my 5th knee dislocation injury which doesn't stop me from... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Queens Birthday ride

Queens Birthday ride

As much as I'm looking forward to the new cycle path to Port Chalmers being completed, I still enjoy the alternative route through St Leonards Drive and Sawyer's Bay. I always throw in a loop arou... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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trying to regain confidence

I've only *just* got shakily back onto my etrike (trike because my balance is nonexistent on a two-wheeler) after almost losing control on a sloping patch a couple of weeks ago, and I'm finding it'... read more

Topic: Other

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CITY THAT I LOVE AND ADORE ... LOOKING YONDER ...

A favourite route .... I miss ...

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

Image for story Me and my mate Jase

Me and my mate Jase

Today was my biggest ride since I was about 16 years old! Managed a wopping 18kms, which is massive for me considering all I have been doing is a couple of k's to work and back in the for the four ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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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 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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Finally

Yeah, I have my bike! I have only done 500m, but that is better than 0.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Up the mountain

Up the mountain

A year ago had I told myself I would be riding 50km for joy riding few times A week and using aero bars I would not believe it. I signed up for the half ironman and needed a bigger bike. The bike... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story 8700km 13 countries 2018

8700km 13 countries 2018

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

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Have a day!

Have a day!

The race team for riders who don't necessarily want to race! To quote the website (and they have stickers!) β€œWE DON’T CARE WHERE YOU PLACE, JUST THAT YOU HAVE A DAY ON THE BIKE” Have A Day Race... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Biking changing with the times

I have many happy memories that involve bikes. They've always been part of my life. But when I think back, I realise my relationship with biking changed a lot over the years. I grew up in Christ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Getting my man out riding!

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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Image for story Big Red

Big Red

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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jelly legs

Friday was my first ride on my bike for a long time, actually since my heroic bike challenge of 7km last year. After finally fixing a slow leaking tyre, installing a side mirror and purchasing a o... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Port Hills Christchurch

Port Hills Christchurch

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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The whole family are feeling inspired this month

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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Centaurus Road/Barrington Street/Whiteleigh Ave

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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Image for story Parental exercise when WFH

Parental exercise when WFH

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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First Ever Hill Ride

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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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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Lake Dunstan trail

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

Topic: A happy riding memory

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