Cycle tour guide for Canty

Press, 3 February 1984, Page 5

Cycle tour guide for Canty

Cyclists pumping up their tyres for the annual “Press” fun ride on February 12 might find a recently published book useful.

“Cycling in Christchurch and Canterbury” was published last week by the Canterbury Cyclists’ Association. It was written by the former vice-presi-dent of the association, Ms Helen Crabb, who also wrote "Cycle Touring in the South Island.”

The book is designed for use by all cyclists, from the inexperienced and those with children to those hardy enough to tackle longer week-end trips. About 13,000 people in commuted by

bicycle, and half of all schoolchildren (25,000) rode bicycles, Ms Crabb said. As well as providing information for such residents she also hoped the book would be used by visitors to Christchurch, many of whom hired a bicycle for the day.

About 34 rides are listed in the 95-page book, covering most roads in the Canterbury region. As well as trips to Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula, Kaiapoi, and areas south-west of the city, such as Lincoln and Leeston, there are also several rides round the inner city.

The shorter rides are to familiar places, such j as

Spencer Park, Queen Elizabeth II Park, city beaches, Jellie Park, the Yaldhurst Transport Museum, and Ferrymead Historic Park. A garden tour, and two historic tours, are included. Along with the more conventional historic highlights the book lists several points of interest in Canterbury cycling history. For instance, the Canterbury Public Library in Gloucester Street stands on the site of the old Pioneer Amateur Sports Club building. In 1879 a group of cycling enthusiasts met there to form the Pioneer Bicycle Club, to foster the “new and exciting sport of bicycle racing” on high, penny farthing-type

“Club rules insisted that every member wear the club badge and uniform on all tours and meetings. Miscreants were fined threepence for the i;rst offence and sixpence for the second and following omissions.” All the tours are rated on a one (“0.K.”) to four (excellent) scale and highlights, detours, and facilities en route are mentioned. General comments on safer cycling, night riding, and cycle maintenance are also included, and also a warning on the hazard of magpies. The problem is relatively rare but it is worth- remembering, Ms

Crabb says. “Lots of magpies nest in Canterbury’s big macrocarpa hedges in spring. They get very protective of their nests and may divebomb cyclists. They might attack you several at a time, and they do hurt,” the book says. If they are upset Ms Crabb advises cyclists not to ride too close to their side of the road, and to leave the area. Helmets also help.

The book is being sold in book shops and cycling shops, at $4.95. Funds from “The Press” fun ride last year were used to produce it, , and the Christchurch City Council also gave a grant. > P