Palmerston North bike trip

When some families get together there is invariably a fight. In our case, there are invariably plans hatched for various bike trips that virtually never eventuate because the chances of diaries coinciding is pretty much zip. We still do it though.

This is one of those rare times when it actually happens. The original plan is for Wellington but Palmerston North is slightly nearer halfway and also happens to be one of those enlightened parts of the country that observe Wellington Anniversary. The intention is to go for a ride that can be enjoyed by all, without terrifying the less adventurous out of ever touching a bike again. Oh, and the usual good food and yack. 

Iona and Col gamely volunteer accommodation, food, transport and all those other small inconveniences that some hosts don't mind and some guests appreciate.

The Lower Hutt contingent are on the road by 6 am on Saturday morning arriving in time for pancakes and bacon for breakfast (after only one coffee stop on the way in Shannon). Over breakfast the plan crystallises, and the transport logistics are settled. The forecast is good and Palmerston North is enjoying an almost total absence of the gales that usually howl through its benighted streets. The Wind Farm Road it is then - and the convoy sets off.

Gorge Road

We negotiate the Manawatu Gorge, cross the single lane bridge into Gorge Road, and convene at the Bridge Cafe. Here the bikes are unloaded and the support crew (of one) is sent off to explore the shopping experiences that Woodville has to offer. The supposedly fitter two members of the party are dispatched to climb Hall Block Road whilst the more sensible ones head up in the ute.

Main assault party gears up 

Admiring glances at the beautiful blue Norco cross bike 

Hall Block Road takes an easy, winding route to the flat topped ridge. There's some pretty views over the start of the Gorge, the basin around Woodville, and across to the low hills in the east. One can't help but speculate how much prettier it would look if a slip finally blocked the gorge and turned it all into a big lake.

By the time we get to the top of the hill the main party has parked, and decamped south along the ridge. From the top there are views across the Manawatu Plains and even the odd mountain on the horizon. The most striking sight though is hundreds of wind mills doing bugger all - the lack of wind and the overcast make it perfect biking weather. 

Sister number one enjoying the view

Brother number two and sister-in-law cruise along the tops

The 'track' is a good quality gravel road that winds along the broad ridge with spurs to each of the myriad windmills. It's easy going, with little in the way of hills.  Part way along the ridge the main wind farm access road leaves us, and the track becomes more interesting. Deep puddles, clay, and the odd rocky base make the ride a little more challenging.

Just before the going gets muddy 

A few people have to assay inelegant dismounts as a puddle proves to be deeper or the exit more slippery than anticipated. Glenys and Peter, in an apparent attempt to out do each other, throw them selves respectively into a rocky puddle and a fence - a credible amount of claret gives Glenys bragging rights for the most spectacular 'off' of the day.

Iona rather unsportingly avoids the bottomless quag 

A long easy down hill on North Range Road brings us to the top of the Pahiatua Track. We re-group to exchange notes - yes we all came across the dopey bunch of walkers determinedly strung across the road despite five bikes coming through in succession.

We regroup again after the 200m drop down to Fernhills. The supposedly fitter members head off down Tararua Road which is in good nick and provides a nice little meander on gravel, but is definitely not a short cut. The sensible ones head north on Ballance Valley Road and eventually join into Gorge Road. We all arrive at the Bridge Cafe within minutes of each other and anticipating a late lunch.

The cafe service is a bit hit and miss but the food and coffee are pretty good and it's a nice spot. We exchange war stories and the support crew relates her experiences in Woodville and environs.

All up it was the perfect ride for the people and the day. It would be a good family loop although you may not want the littlees dicing with the traffic down the Pahiatua Track.

With the serious business out of the way the next 24 hours are given over to those other great family past times - eating and chatting. Tapas at Chez Iona and Col that night and then Aidan and Janne swing by and we head to the Elms for Sunday lunch.

A most satisfactory weekend.