Cycling Through Summer with Summertime Rolls

Summer is the best time to get out and ride – and the Council has a series of events to help get you going!

The Summertime Rolls programme has events for everyone from toddlers to adults, to help people give cycling a go and to see the amazing things that professionals can do on bikes.

“Our aim is to encourage people to ride throughout summer, and to continue that throughout the year,” says Sustainable Transport Coordinator Nathaniel Benefield.

“We’ve got some great events, from bike fix-ups and a tour of public orchards to a street party and a Mayoral cycling challenge.”

The Council’s first event is this Saturday (19 JANUARY) when the best riders from around New Zealand will descend on the Coastal Walkway in front of Centre City for the Hynds Invitation NZ Bike Trials Championship.

The next day is Fruit Loop: An off-road guided bike ride to the Milne Street community orchard via the Waiwhakaiho and Te Henui walkways.

The big event is the Madd Street Jam on Friday 15 February. Currie Street will be the venue for this street party for everyone who bikes, scoots, skates or rolls.

“These events are a great way for the community to get together and rediscover the fun of being on a bike, scooter or skateboard,” says Mr Benefield.

The events, which are delivered by NPDC and community groups, are:

• Hynds Invitation NZ Bike Trials Champions, 11.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday 19 January, on the Coastal Walkway in front of Centre City.
• Fruit Loop, 10.00am on Sunday 20 January. Meet at the Wind Wand.
• Frocks On Bikes, 6.00pm to late on Saturday 26 January. Meet at the Bellringer Pavilion, Pukekura Park.
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking, 10.00am-noon on Sunday 3 February. Meet at the Audrey Gale Reserve, Mangorei Road.
• Let’s Get Going (for those aged seven and under – bring an adult), 10.00am to noon on Sunday 10 February. Meet at the Taranaki Cycle Park, Bell Block.
• Let’s Go Breakfast, 7.30am to 9.00am on Tuesday 12 February. Have a pancake breakfast at Puke Ariki Landing after walking, cycling or bussing into the city.
• Women’s Mountain Bike Ride, 10.00am to noon on Sunday 10 February. Meet at Plantation Road, Lake Mangamahoe.
• Madd Street Jam, 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday 15 February, Currie Street.
• Fix it Together Day (to fix up a donated bike for your use – $20), 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 16 February. Contact Duncan Carter at upcycls@gmail.com.
• Big Bike Fix, 10.00am to noon on Sunday 17 February. Bring your bike to the Inglewood Band Rotunda.
• Methanex Family Fun Ride and Mayoral Challenge (gold coin), 9.00am on Sunday 3 March. Meet at Ngamotu Beach.
• New Plymouth MTB Downhill Race ($25 club, $35 public), Sunday 3 March. Meet at Tarata Road, Purangi.

Any cancellations due to weather will be broadcast on Classic Hits 90FM.