FUN RIDERS’ GUIDE NO. 4 Take time to enjoy the scenery

Press, 30 January 1986, Page 17

FUN RIDERS’ GUIDE NO. 4 Take time to enjoy the scenery

In this article we look at the three routes and what they entail. All the rides start and finish at The Princess Margaret Hospital. The routes are the same until, near Lincoln, the two longer rides branch off. From the start, cyclists travel along Cashmere Road around the foot of the hills. The few small rises on this stretch are very short. At Halswell the common route follows the Akaroa Highway and then the Old Tai Tapu Road.

This road passes through some enjoyable farming country and takes riders to the township of Tai Tapu. They cross the main highway and continue alongside the river towards Lincoln. There is a shop at Tai Tapu where refreshments are sold. Toilets and water are available at the Domain, a short distance before the township.

At Lincoln, the 40km ride separates from the others and returns by way & Ladbrooks, fofjDwing Sparks Road from Hals-

well, then turning into Hoon Hay Road and back into Cashmere Road. There are refreshment facilities at Lincoln and Halswell, and on Sparks Road.

The 60km and 100 km rides continue through Lincoln, turning before reaching the College to travel along Collins Road and pass through Springston South. The iwute heads towards the hills

again along Davidsons Road. At Davis Road, the 60km ride turns to return to Lincoln, then takes the same route as the 40km course.

The 100 km course continues to Motukarara along Ridge Road and for a short distance along the Akaroa Highway. Motukarara has a dairy and tea-room. Toilets are reached through the tearoom.

The ride reaches Gebbies Pass, a short but stiff climb but within the ability of most cyclists. On the Lyttelton Harbour side of Gebbies Pass there is a steep drop to Teddington. Cyclists turn left there and begin the enjoyable bays section of the ride. Once again, the ride is not a race, and some of the scenery on this stretch is well worth taking time to enjoy.

From Teddington there are a few small climbs to Governors Bay. Call at the dairy and tearoom if you wish. Toilets and fresh water are available in the Domain. The road evens out for a short distance through Rapaki, Cass Bay and Corsair Bay and into Lyttelton. Cass and Corsair Bays have shops. Toilets, refreshments, and water can all be obtained at Lyttelton before the climb over Evans Pass. Evans Pass is the last and longest climb of the day. Treat it with respect both on the climb, and on the fast descent

Tjje road is well sealed some excellent views over the harbour.

The 100 km ride returns by way of Heathcote and St Martins. You follow the Heathcote River for much of the way. Riders can expect to complete the 100 km by the prescribed finish time of 4 p.m.

At the start-finish there will be a number of lucky draws during the day; so be sure to hand in your numbered card at the end of your ride. Complete the registration card before the start, and pay the entry fee of $2. The cards give you a chance to win a prize.’ They also let the organisers know who has, and who has not, completed the ride. On the rider’s copy of the form is a map of the routes, and other information about the event.

Riders who complete their ride before 4 p.m. will receive a certificate.

The next article will tell you how to get fit for your ride.

By Craig Adak in association with ipryce Sims of “The Press.”