Friends on Bike Newsletter: December 2021
Feature Ride: Bexley Reserve and BMX Pump Track
We’ll ride through the red zone to Bexley, have a play on the Bexley Pump Track (unless it's too wet), check out the Bexley Reserve.
There will be a refreshment stop at Level One.
Date: Saturday 11th December 2021.
Start Time: 2pm.
Distance (one way): 15km.
Meet Location: Victoria Lake besides the tennis courts (Hagley Park).
This ride is best done on a MTB but really any bike will do. There will be group ride options back to where we came from.
There are plenty of buses from New Brighton back into town.
The North Avon BMX Club are working with Christchurch City Council to build an international standard Velosolutions asphalt pumptrack on the paddock next to the Bexley BMX track.
Pump tracks are fantastic for youth, for families, for sport and recreation and wellbeing and for the whole community!
Pump for Peace also tells a heart-warming story.
You can donate to the Velosolutions asphalt pumptrack - donations close on 12th December 2021.
Having a staycation over the New Year? Why not ride the 360 Trail?
The plan is to do the whole trail over 4 alternate days. No need to RSVP - just come along on the days you like. Rides will not go ahead if wet/cold/really windy/temperature is forecasted over 35°C.
Start Time: 9.30am.
Getting there and back: All rides start and finish near public transport so bring your Metrocard if you wish to take advantage of this. There are opt out places along the way on some of the days.
Check the trail section maps to plan your day.
Bring: Clothing for all weather, sunblock, water and snacks, money for cafes, repair equipment and spares to be independent on your bike, vaccination pass.
Day 1 - Tuesday 28th December: Sugarloaf Hills and Godley Heads (45km).
Meet: Halswell Quarry car park (near loo).
Details: Riding to Ferrymead. HILLY! GOOD FITNESS REQUIRED! Recommended for mountain bikes.
Day 2 - Thursday 30th December: Estuary Marshes and Dune Wetlands (30km).
Meet: Scott Park, Mount Pleasant.
Bring: Togs (optional).
Details: Riding to Old Waimakarairi Bridge. Recommended for mountain bikes.
Day 3 - Saturday 1st January: Brookland Mouth, Waimakariri Braids (25km).
Meet: Old Waimakarairi Bridge (underneath).
Bring: togs, picnic lunch/morning tea and plenty of water. No cafes.
Details: Riding to Avonhead. Recommended for mountain bikes.
Day 4 - Monday 3rd January: Avonhead Gardens and Opawaho Divide (25 km).
Meet: Avonhead Park near Chesterfield Mews.
Details: Riding to Halswell Quarry. Suitable for any type of bike and any fitness. Bubbles for finishers!
Update on Hagar Ride
Our Hagar Bride Ride raised $1437!
Around 20 riders from Friends on Bikes and Revolve rode all or part of the way to Rangiora in October - a return trip of 100km.
This annual ride raises money for Hagar - a charity doing amazing work with trafficked women from Vietnam.
RAD Kids Bikes for Xmas
RAD invites all interested people to help out fixing up kids bikes. If you know children who need bikes, send them along!
Date: Sunday 12th December 2021.
Time: Noon to 4pm.
Location: RAD Bikes (70 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central).
Go to the Friends on Bikes Christchurch Facebook page for updates.