Cycle trail allows books to bikes move for Kaikohe businessman
Tuesday 18 October 2011, 1:13PM
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A bookseller is the latest person to build a business around the He Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
Ray Clarke owned PaperPlus in Kaikohe for 21 years before selling the book and stationery store earlier this year.
He launched a new Paihia-based bike hire business called Top Trails on Monday after becoming a regular user of the first completed section of trail from Okaihau to Kaikohe.
“I ride the trail quite frequently myself and really enjoy it. I wanted to share the trail with others.”
Ray isn’t the first person to hire bikes to people cycling the trail which will be 85 km when it is finished.
Kaikohe 10-year-old Te Aroha Whareaitu began offering bikes for hire from his brother’s Station Road café Trumps in August.
But he is the first operator to target the Bay of Islands tourist market by offering van and trailer transportation to and from the trail.
“That’s where the people are. That’s where the accommodation is.”
Top Trails is also the first business to partner with the trail under the New Zealand Cycle Trail official partner programme.
The programme, which aims to boost New Zealand’s credibility as a cycling destination, allows businesses to be recognised as official partners of the trail.
Benefits of becoming a partner for a fee of about $300 a year include use of the New Zealand Cycle Trail official partner logo, increased business referrals and a listing on cycle trail web sites.
In return, businesses must meet cycle-friendly standards and promote the 18 great rides that make up the New Zealand Cycle Trail Nga Herenga.
He Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle trail coordinator Adrienne Tari says the physical trail is only part of the overall product that will attract cyclists to the trail.
Cyclists will need a range of services, including accommodation, transport, bike hire, food, petrol, sightseeing and entertainment.
Patronising businesses displaying the official partner logo tells them they can expect a high level of service and a warm welcome.
“It gives trail users confidence in the quality of the product.”
She is keen to hear from other Far North businesses that are interested in becoming an official partner of the trail.
Fees collected from trail partners will be used to maintain, develop and market the trail.
Phone or email Adrienne Tari at 0800 920 029 or email her at Adrienne.Tari@fndc.govt.nz