Pakowhai Park and beyond
Wednesday 10th Feb 2021
On a grey, overcast morning, the Boots on Bikes team, (fifteen in all), gathered at Pakowhai Park to ride one of our favourite circuits – along the stop bank trail to Hastings Golf Club and home (by various routes).
Undeterred by the weather forecast (which proved to be wrong – again!) we set off in the direction of Omahu Rd, making good progress, despite having to negotiate a number of gateways scattered along the trail.
Exercising extreme caution, we crossed Omahu Rd and continued on to Highway 50, stopping at the Roys Hill Reserve for morning tea (or “lunchette” to use Graemes’ definition), after which we continued on down the trail, turning left into Ngatarawa Rd, then to the Golf Course entrance on Maraekakaho Rd, just past the airfield.
Arriving at around 10-30am, we passed a large collection of vintage cars on our way to the upstairs Cafe, where we ordered our favourite treats, sitting on the balcony, enjoying the view and admiring the immaculately manicured putting greens.
After an enjoyable interlude, we set off on the homeward journey, in various directions, according to our final destinations.
All in all it was an enjoyable ride – the high overcast kept the worst of the heat at bay, the headwinds were minimal and the predicted rain did not eventuate.
Riders: – Christine H, Lynn W,, Heather S,, Rodger Burn, Raewyn R, Alan B, Pam P, Sharon W, Peter H, Jim H, Joan R, Alasdair S, Ray M, Des S, Scott C
Waipukurau to Takapau Township: Cycle Ride
Weds 24th March 2021
We had originally intended our group of 11 people to meet up and leave our 7 vehicles at the Waipukurau railway station. However, we discovered on our arrival there, that the deserted old Waipukurau Railway Station, has now been transformed into a very busy place, with 30mins only, parking restrictions. This recent change has come about because there is now a popular takeaway coffee outlet established in the old railway station building. It was decided the better option was to drive the short distance to Russell Park and leave our cars there.
Our objective was to cycle to Takapau Township, and return by whichever of several alternative routes, people were comfortable with. The cycle route to Takapau Township took us along Porangahau Rd, Arlington Rd, Woburn Rd, and Oruawharo Rd. As we approached the old historic Oruawharo Homestead, a group of us decided to be a bit cheeky and ride on up their gravel driveway to investigate further. Christine and Des approached the current owner occupier Peter Harris, and were lucky enough to get permission from him to wander freely thru the grounds and magnificent 1879 historic homestead. It was just amazing to see the authentic interior of the homestead, and listen to the owner tell us about some of the time, effort, and huge amounts of cash involved in restoring this 142yr old piece of N.Z. history. The background classical music that was being played out-side, was totally in keeping with the place, giving it a timeless and peaceful feeling of what it must have been like back in the day…
We eventually made it to Takapau Township where we all stopped for our lunch break and general catch up. There were no coffee baristas to be found in Takapau township, so we settled for the public picnic table area, on the corner of Sydney St, to have our thermos tea and coffee etc. Having recharged our batteries so to speak, e-bikers included, we then decided on our preferred cycle routes to get back to our vehicles at Waipukurau. Nine elected to return via the way we had come, with a slight detour down Hatuma Rd. Des and Peter decided to return on a slightly more circuitous route, heading further south to join Highway 50, then along Highway 50, thru to Ongaonga, Waipawa, Tepairu road- end, Swing Bridge, and then along the limestone cycleway track back to Russell Park in Waipukurau. D.S.
Cyclists: Des S, Rodger B, Christine H, Garry S, Peter H, Joan R, Alasdair S, Ray M, Lynn W, Pam P, Sharron W.