Cyclic musings.

Have you ever noticed how cyclists riding on their own, have that dreamy far-away look on their faces? What on earth are they thinking about? Actually, you probably don’t want to know! In my own experience, I know that after a certain number of pedal revolutions, my mind begins to wander, mostly to things nothing to do with cycling. On returning home, I really have no idea what has been going through my mind, but I do notice that all the daily rubbish and clutter has disappeared! I’m sure others have a similar experience.

Of course cycling with others is another thing entirely! I’m sure that there is more to it than a chance to take a draft advantage or comparing carbon fibre components. The chance of exchanging information of all sorts is certainly appealing. From business deals to malicious gossip, the chatter goes on and on. No wonder they call it the new golf!

I recently took a journey to the South of the South Island. It was pleasing to see good numbers of cyclists out and about. Clearly, the number of cycle tourists is on the increase. It’s interesting to see all the different apparatus and technical paraphernalia that cyclists employ to improve the experience of the journey. Various arrangements of panniers and backpacks give way to more extensive trailers and buggies. Minimalists to pure comfort riders are out there sampling the great experiences available to those prepared to put in some effort and take the time to see New Zealand at a more leisurely pace than the harried drivers who zoom past.

As to the goings on at Independent Cycle Tours. We have plenty of self guided tours on their way. We also have places still available for our luxury tour on 10th-20th February 2010. I'm currently guiding a tour of 36 round the South Island who are all on tandems! Should be an interesting way to see in the New Year.

Happy cycling and a great new year.

Summer has arrived for ICTNZ

Long days and improving weather are inevitably leading to extended bike rides and the inevitable clash of timetables as the touring season gets underway. Despite the economic downturn here at Independent Cycle Tours New Zealand our tour bookings have increased by 20% over last year and our bike fleet has already seen a lot of movement.

Weekends see the local roads and trails filling with cyclists. The popular ‘Long Bays’ road circuit is seeing the small winter and spring bunches of the hardy-souled burgeoning into brightly coloured pelotons of brilliantly-attired riders. The local port hills trails are getting a hammering and plenty of flash new bikes are about.

This year has seen a push from the local cycling organization, BikeNZ to see a 1.5 metre distance for motorists passing cyclists. It’s interesting to see that even without a law change, motorists in general seem to have taken up the initiative, with only a few ‘letters to the editor’ in local papers with motorists bemoaning having to wait a couple of seconds to pass a group of cyclists.

Probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the cycling is the sense of shared experience and camaraderie amongst like minded individuals. Even the ‘hard core’ roadies are struggling to differentiate themselves from the mountain bikers, cycle tourers and BMX riders. More and more people are having a go at the different disciplines available.

The local trail system on our incomparable Port Hills overlooking Christchurch has been continuously upgraded and improved. There are now and astonishing mixture of cross country, downhill, bmx and touring routes, all only a few minutes from the city. Interestingly, one of the finest sections of road is our Summit Road’ which follows a route carved out in the early days of settlement here. The route was constructed solely as an access road for Victorian folk to take in the views and enjoy the ambience. The rider is rewarded with some truly incredible views. It’s one of the only roads I know of that really goes nowhere at all. Unsurprisingly it is thick with walkers, runners and cyclists at any time of the year.