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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Guest bloggers: Tour of the Bay success!

Congrats to Rochelle who successfully completed, loved and couldn't get enough of this year's Tour of the Bay.



The day of the 50km Tour of the Bay arrived too quickly. Feeling excited and more than a little nervous I ate my porridge, donned cycling gear and filled the water bottle with Powerade.

The Hastings Sports Park was packed with cars and cyclists and that’s when the heart really started racing. I walked my bike to the start line, hoping I’d done enough training to get up the hills. My family smiled and waved from the sideline as the countdown began and I did a wobbly smile back.

Then we were off! The group quickly spread out, with everyone giving each other plenty of room. I managed to get in behind a small bunch of cyclists on Omahu Road – Dad’s ‘slip steam’ training paying off.

The Ohiti Road hill loomed and I switched to my lowest gear and worked up it. It was an amazing feeling reaching the top and not having to get off my bike. \I knew then that I could finish the race. The remaining hills and straights passed by and I concentrated on keeping my speed up and eating the odd wine gum.

I finished the race in 2 hours 17 minutes. Apart from a slight mishap with a spoke breaking (I jammed it behind some others) all went well. No falling off, no passing out – I can actually do this!

Next year, I’m aiming for under 2 hours.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Tour of the Bay one week to go!

This week we caught up with Rochelle who did her last big training ride before the Tour of the Bay this weekend (ekkk). We're in love with her dog Emma too!



Right, so now I’m feeling I may be able to finish this bike ride and not collapse in a jellied heap half way. Week four I actually did go for the 45km bike ride I’d planned. I put on the worn-once-before padded cycling pants and my new cycling top, not minding that I was wearing the Lycra. I cycled it in 2 hours 23 mins; 37 mins faster than the first time! Highlight: 59.8 km/hr down Apley Road, lowlight: 2 seconds after reaching top speed when a magpie dive-bombed me. I must admit, I swore a bit as I tried to keep going straight.

Feeling quite good, I decided to drive around the course route that afternoon. I took my dog Emma to give her a walk in Pakowhai Park afterwards. It was at 60km on the car odometer I was working out my pulling-out email. By 75kms I was even more annoyed at the staff who measured the course. At 80kms it all happened at once – the realisation that I’d written down the 100km route, that I was almost out of petrol, and that Emma had just thrown up all over the back seat!

It was a tense remainder 20kms. I found a petrol station just in time, proceeded to Pakowhai Park, gave Emma some water and she perked up and went for a run, then spent the afternoon washing the muddy dog and the back seat of my car. I also checked the 50km cycle route to make sure the huge climbing hill on Ohiti Road was only in the 100km one. Nope, it was in the 50km one too.

I didn’t go for a bike ride on week 5. I told myself I was saving my energy for the event the following weekend, but really I’m a tad nervous.

Rochelle :)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Spin class as Tour of the Bay training


My Tour of the Bay training hasn't been as good as I'd hoped. I don't even have an excuse with daylight savings and the perfect weather we've been having.

In saying that, I did get up early this morning and go to a spin class with a friend.

Cue 45 minutes of an over energetic instructor yelling at you to 'climb that hill' and 'be aggressive' minutes after you've woken up, and with a belly void of food I might add.

During the six minute hill climbs and the sprints to the finish line, I was hating the class, but in all honestly afterwards I felt great.

Apparently you burn 1,000 calories doing a spin class, and what better way to train for the race. This weekend I'll get out in the sun (it's meant to be raining on Saturday so Sunday it is).

How's your training going?

Guest Bloggers: Tour of the Bay training schedule

This week's Guest Blogger is Rochelle who's completing the 50km Tour of the Bay next weekend (eekkk). Hear how her training is going.


After initial feelings of ‘what have I got myself into’ and questions to laughing colleges like ‘How far is 50 kms, is that more than from Napier to Hastings?’ I decided I might as well get into it. So on week one, I completed my first bike ride to the Avanti shop in Taradale and back to Tamatea.

The friendly staff serviced my bike while I shopped. Turns out I needed new brake pads. That was lucky. The knowledgeable lady helped me with arm warmers, a bike pump and a flash odometer thing so I can see how fast I’m going. Really impressed with their service; they attached the odometer, new front light, bottle holder and pump while I continued shopping!

The next weekend I decided more of a challenge was needed. So, ignoring my Dad’s advise of a small loop on the map, I decided on some different roads that looked a bit longer and biked off, new arm warmers on and odometer ready. Maps don’t show hills. Three hours and 45kms later and after puffing around Puketapu, Puketitiri, Apley and Dartmoor Roads I arrived home exhausted but happy I’d accomplished it.

Every cyclist I met waved and said “hello”, it was a great experience. It was only sheer determination of “if that person can bike up the hill without getting off, so can I” that got me through it.

Highlight: 52.4 km/hr down a hill on Apley Road, yeeee haa!

On week three I biked with a group of people, including my Dad. He taught me how to bike in the slipstream of the person in front and how to rotate who the leader is. Like the lycra-clad cyclists speeding around the velodrome. Except there was no velodrome and thank god, no lycra. It was a bit scary at first, but by the end of the 38kms I was more comfortable with it.

I didn’t go for a bike ride last weekend, but may do the 45km route again this Sunday and try to improve my time. That’s what I’m planning from the warm comfort of my office chair, anyway.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Tour of the Bay novices

This week we talked to Rochelle Elgie who's cycling with myself and two others from Hastings District Council in the Tour the Bay 50km event next month.


Karen, (me) and Rochelle ready for the challenge!

How much cycling do you do?
None this year. Last year I worked for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and biked there a handful of times, but I live in Napier so it wasn’t far.

When you are planning on biking into work
That’s a bit daunting at the moment, I’m used to the car radio and doing 100 kmph on the expressway! I might try a weekend bike in a few weeks just to see how long it takes and if I can do it and be functional for work.

What other training will you do?
Weekend bike rides

What kind of bike will you ride?
An Avanti Women’s road bike. The one with the normal sized tyres and comfy seat.

How competent a rider you are?
Average. I’m a bit nervous about biking with a bunch of people, I don’t want to fall off!

Have you entered in anything like this before
No!

So why are you entering the Tour the Bay?
I want to improve my fitness and get in shape a bit and this is the perfect motivation.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Angela Hirst's fancy new wheels


This week we talked to Angela Hirst who recently purchased a new bike to cruise with her six year old son Jack. A real flash bike too we might add! Enjoy :)



O3 September 2011: Today I am officially a bike owner. But not just any bike.

For years I said I would never be caught dead on a bike. I have a real dislike for lycra and I don’t do exercise at the best of times.

The tipping point came a few weeks ago when Jack, my six year old told me that I should not be scared to ride a bike and that I could get trainer wheels if I am shaky. He went on to say that if I was really scared his dad (my husband) could hold the back of the seat and run while I got used to it. I assured him I would not need any help and that I had rode a bike many years ago. I really didn’t think he believed me though!

04 September 2011: It’s a beautiful day. Jack really wanted to go out for a ride. So by 4pm I had given in. I told Jack that as it was my first bike ride in years so we needed to take it easy and keep it short. Up onto the marine parade we went. It was beautiful on the pathway and what a thrill to have the sea breeze and the wind in my hair.

We passed some tourist who actually had the balls to point at my bike. Jack said ''Don’t worry Mum, they’re just jealous of your flash ride.” I had to agree. I love my new bike!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Remembering the first time

This week we took a trip down memory lane with Abbie Harker who remembers what it was like to learn to ride a bike without training wheels. We're sure a lot of iWay fans will relate to this weeks post :) Happy weekend everyone xx







Recently my four year old daughter Nat decided she was ready to pass another of life’s big milestones – riding her two wheel bike without training wheels.

Finally sun and a Sunday afternoon coincided so we headed down to the Domain to give it a go.

This brought my own memories flooding back. That summery day wobbling along the grass at home feeling so proud at how fast I was going and so impressed that dad was keeping up (he was of course holding onto my seat to keep me upright). And as I looked over my shoulder to give him a cheeky grin as if to say ‘yay us’ I realised he wasn’t there ... I was riding all by myself!

There’s been no looking back since then. I can remember mum campaigning for everyone to have helmets, family bike rides with kids strategically placed next to the footpath, heading to the river with friends and (before I was too ‘cool’ for a helmet and walked) my daily ride to school. While I never went on to ride Tour de France or launch myself down a steep narrow track on the side of a mountain, I did spend a lot of time on my bike as a child/teen growing up in The Bay. So when we got to the Domain the other weekend with Nat’s newly training-wheel-less bike I’m not sure who was more excited at what lay ahead – Nat or I!

Fully briefed, Nat was ready to go with her Pop-pop holding her up. There were a few inevitable spills but determined wee thing that she is, she bounced back up to keep trying.

The elation in her voice when she got to riding solo was undeniable. After an hour (and a worn out support crew) the offer of a bit of a play in the playground was most emphatically refused. Nope, must keep practicing. And now we’re off to the park to practice on a regular basis and looking forward to making the most of the Rotary pathways this summer. Which I guess means I should get myself a bike. Apparently you never really forget how to ride which is a good thing as I have no doubt I’ll be pretty rusty!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Guest Blogger: Ditch the car and take the bike

This week we spoke to Hastings Mum, Mandy and her 3 year old daughter Danica who bike to kindy twice a week. They've even ditched the family second car!



This all started with a New Years resolution to ditch the car and walk to work for the 2 days a week that I work. Was lovely walking in the summer and Miss 3 loved her walk to Nana and Poppa’s on the days that I was working. We also walked to kindy most days as well. The walking soon turned to biking as this was the quicker option and sometimes getting home at the end of the day was a struggle – tiredness on small legs made for some long slow trips.

We were offered a small bike for Danica to learn to ride, she was whizzing around after 10 minutes. After some practice at the weekend on the Rotary Pathways and mastering the brakes we started the commute with her biking to Nana’s with me along side on the road. Some simple commands made this easy for us. She learnt to stop when I said stop and also to stop and wait at road crossings as she whizzed ahead of me most of the time. Biking to kindy became normal, far more exciting than being strapped into a car. Even with the cooler weather coming she was keen to bike, so the second car some weeks would not move off the driveway. A few layers of clothing and some gloves and we are off even when it was cold. A few spots of rain did not faze her either, some days it added to the adventure.

Seemed like a good idea to get rid of the second car so that left the driveway in June.

We are now keen to use other forms of transport – our favorite is going by bike. This is easy, either locally we bike together or a little further we use the seat on my bike. There are a few things that we cannot manage so have to wait for the weekend for the car to be available (like the weekly supermarket trip). But we can easily pop to the supermarket or veggie shop for small top-ups during the week.

I wear normal clothes to bike in, even heels if needed for work! (no nasty unflattering lycra) – the only important kit is my high visibility jacket. Not only is this wind proof (a must on cold mornings), but it keeps the rain away also. In the summer I just pop a high viz vest on.

We have also started to use the bus – our first real adventure was going to Napier on a Friday afternoon to meet Daddy after work for dinner. Danica has used the bus with her Nana lots and thinks this is a better way to travel than in the car.

We are committed to keeping up with the alternates – not only does this provide a good dose of exercise every day (and makes me feel good), but the cost savings are amazing. I would suggest to others that they give it a go for a while, borrow a bike and try the Pathways.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Friday inspiration



Another end to a long week. Although the weather hasn't been too great for a bike ride, I still feel inspired by this image. Roll on Summer and your long days and light nights!

Guest Blogger (or is it Bloggers!?) to come Monday sorry! Awaiting a spectacular pic to accompany the story.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Guest Bloggers: It's a biking gang

This week's Guest Bloggers are Shane, Craig, Kate and Simon from here at council. They bike in most days of the week together so I thought I'd get them to contribute to the blog about why they love cycling. Happy reading and happy weekend.



Watch out! You’ve been warned. There’s a new gang in town. We all wear flouro. We are fast. We are cool. We don’t chafe.

Our leader is ‘Dan Ackroyd’, who likes to lead from the front, though he wishes to only to be known by his mysterious alias. ‘Dan’ powers along in his super high visibility jacket, he shows the way for our office-worker-based gang as we all cycle home.

There are usually at least four of us: Dan, Kate, Simon and Shane, though in the summer our following multiplies.

‘Dan’ says:

“I must say, biking in a group has its advantages, not only can you have a chat to your mates about how much your boss rocks, how cool your job is (no seriously, I’m not trying to suck up to anyone), especially on side streets which don’t have much traffic!!! But you are also far more visible in a pack than you are on your own. Even at the busiest time of the day, people will see your biking posse control their patch of the street. In all seriousness though, whilst I’ve had a few close calls from cars not seeing me biking by myself, I’ve never had a problem biking in a group.

As for biking in general, I took up biking to work over two years ago when I moved to Havelock, and have never looked back. Now that I live in Parkvale, I find it takes pretty much the same time as driving during peak hour. The best thing about it is you get to work in the morning awake and refreshed. Sometimes I don’t think we utilize the great attributes of Hawkes Bay enough, we have great weather, and everywhere is flat!!! This is perfect for people of all ages and ability to get out in the fresh air and onto a bike, hardly anywhere in New Zealand do people have it as good as us.”

Kate says:

“I am probably not the most consistent cyclist of ‘the gang’, however I have to say that I have cycled to work often enough now to feel quite guilty when I drive! I always feel better having cycled in the morning – it wakes me up and there is never a hastle defrosting the car. Cycling home there’s always great company and it’s great to see the looks on some people’s faces when they see the flouro gang cycling past! I think it’s great that Hastings District Council are making cycling safer in Hastings, the new cycle lanes are great. Yes we wear fluoro. Yes we are fast. And yes we are very cool.”

Shane says:

''I bike to work pretty much every day now, rain or shine, and I used to come to work by car. I find being 2kms from work its actually slightly quicker going by bike and I don’t have to search for a car park and can conveniently park my bike at work. This gives me a very enjoyable start and finish to my day, and as I work in an office, getting a bit of air and getting the blood pumping make me feel good. The new bike lane on St Aubyn Street is real handy and cars are very good at giving me space on there, I even get the occasional smile from those nice patient drivers you sometimes find at roundabouts (its true they are out there!)

I think the Iway initiative is great for Hastings, Havelock and Flaxmere, and as my kids grow up will be pleased to see them being able to make good use of cycle paths and walking routes. It’s funny how in New Zealand most of us associate the best places we like to be as our great outdoor landscapes, whereas if you are lucky enough to visit Europe it is often the cities that are the best places to be – Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Prague, Budapest etc etc. the thing is those places are designed for people first. It is great to see that Hastings is gradually turning round to focus on its people first and not cars and to make our city a good place for us to be. Better cycling and walking facilities all add to this.''

Simon says:

“Put your hands on your head”

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Happy cyclist Katrina Brunton

This week's Guest Blogger is Katrina Brunton, who comes to work with a smile on her face after cycling in from Havelock North each day - what a star! Enjoy - happy weekend everyone x.


I am 34 years old. I am a wife and mother of one. I love all kinds of sports and have been involved in a fair few over the years; bodybuilding, running, swimming, cycling, triathlons and I have played netball for most of my life. Recently, while playing netball I dislocated my knee, tore some cartilage and am now waiting for surgery. So, while I wait for surgery, the netball has ceased, as has the running and every other sport that I love to do, that is all except the cycling.

To my pleasant surprise, cycling is the only exercise or sport that doesn’t hurt my knee.

Before moving to the Hawke’s Bay we lived in Stratford in Taranaki. I worked in New Plymouth, which at the time took me 45mins to drive to and from work every day. I despised the commute and used to wish I didn’t live so far from work. Then just over a year ago, I got a job in Hastings and we moved to Havelock North.

Since moving to the Hawke’s Bay I have been cycling to work most days. It is the first time I have lived within cycling distance of work and I love the fact that I not only get some extra exercise in my day, but I have saved huge amounts of money on petrol and car expenses.

While I know there are lots of reasons why driving to work is easier; no changing of clothes required, no backpack to carry your suit and your heels, you can turn the heater on and it is most likely faster, the benefits of cycling are truly great; you get fit, thanks to the endorphins you are happier when you arrive to work, it is actually fun and you definitely get to see more on the commute. Given the significant health and financial benefits I find myself constantly questioning why there are not more people cycling?!

As you can see from the photo of me cycling to work on Thursday, you don’t actually need to wear lycra, or any special cycling gear, you can cycle wearing almost anything as I did in the rain on Thursday, maybe not your heels, but I just leave those at work. The heater isn’t needed as you will no doubt be warm by the time you get to work and think of all of those calories you have just burnt getting there!

Now, I know cycling in the rain doesn’t actually sound like that much fun, but let me tell you it is honestly better than sitting in the car and realistically in the Hawke’s Bay it is very rarely raining.

It feels good passing all those motorists sitting in their cars crawling through the streets trying to make their way to work. Where there are cycle lanes, I simply pass them all by.

I am always amazed by the kids I see every morning cycling, or on their scooters or walking. More often than not, they are smiling and laughing and I often think to myself how you don’t often see people sitting in a car smiling or laughing. Maybe exercise is truly the key to happiness? There is a poem about sharing a smile and it comes back to you, well cycling in the morning and seeing these kids enjoying life is a bit like that. It makes me smile and when I get to work, I am in a much better mood than I would ever be if I had driven.

When we moved to the Bay, my husband owned a Chevrolet 4x4 and I had my own car. As I was cycling to work and didn’t need two cars, we decided to sell the 4x4 and keep only the one car. My husband then bought us both a mountain bike (I have tended to only ever own a road bike). We also bought a toddler seat that goes on either bike for our four year old son. During the majority of the summer, my husband cycled most days to take our son to daycare and anywhere else they wanted to go. My husband says it beats driving through town any day! and I think secretly they both like the attention they get from the people who stop and stare and no doubt think it looks quite cute.

As a family, we are always on our bikes, and more often than not will choose our bikes to go to the supermarket for that bottle of milk, or to go to our favourite cafe for brunch on the weekend. Our son will quite often beg us to go for a bike ride after work or on the weekend and now gets grumpy if he can’t use his own bike - because he is a big boy now don’t you know!

So in short, we have made cycling an everyday part of our lives and we feel much better for it. It hasn’t been difficult and I suppose it helps we still have a car as well, but it rarely gets used compared to our previous life. My worry is that here, I am preaching to the converted; however I am hoping that consistency is the key to success of getting more people on bikes. The more we ride our bikes daily, the more it becomes a consistent theme in the daily experiences of those drivers and hopefully the accepted norm. While I don’t think we will ever see more bikes than cars on our roads, if I can just encourage one other person to cycle to work every day, I think I will have made a difference. Imagine if all of us who cycle convinced just one other person...

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Debbie Weeds from Christchurch

A post this week from ex-Christchurch resident Debbie Weeds who spent a month here after the devastating quake. Thanks Debbie for sharing your thoughts on our region.



We were recent guests of the Hawke's Bay. For one month our family got to escape shaky Christchurch and spend time in the beautiful, friendly, sunny and very cycle-friendly region.

We were so impressed by the cycle facilities in the Hawke's Bay. It seemed like everywhere we went there were fantastic cycle ways just waiting to take people on an adventure. Alas we did not have our bikes with us but I certainly would have gone biking on the Marine Parade cycle way in particular. The cycle ways must be a wonderful asset for people who are cycle training or commuting as well as being brilliant for a stroll with the dog.

Obviously Christchurch is at the start of a long rebuilding process and Napier/ Hastings will certainly provide inspiration for the iconic architecture that can replace what is lost, but I also think that Christchurch can be inspired by the cycleways in the Hawke's Bay.

Pre-earthquake, Christchurch had a decent cycle network and plans to improve it further, but now there is even more opportunity for creating cycle lanes and cycle ways. A common response from Christchurch residents when asked what they want from the rebuilt city is for it to be green and to have a world class private and public transport network. Interconnected cycleways like those in the Hawke's Bay certainly could contribute to a greener and safer Christchurch.

Happy cycling everyone. What a great part of the country the Hawke's Bay is.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Calling all coffee-loving cyclists

Ha! What better incentive to get on your bike than a free coffee?



Today iWay launched the iCafe coffee card where every fifth coffee is free when you show you've cycled to coffee shops Bay Espresso, Opera Kitchen, Taste Cornucopia, Jackons on Joll or Aurum. Each of these coffee shops also have a bike stand outside for easy parking.

I got my first stamp this morning at Opera Kitchen.



Cards are available from these coffee shops, or the Hastings i-SITE

Feeling inspired for a Tuesday

Loving these pics on a sunny Hawke's Bay Tuesday.









Sunday, July 31, 2011

Guest Blogger: Anti-iWay supporter, Pedro the petrol can

This week we talk to an unusual Guest Blogger, Pedro - who’s in fact a petrol can. Pedro first approached us after he thought iWay and our messages were a bit one-sided.




I am Pedro Supremo and I am here to bring some common sense and balance to the iWay programme.

Oil and car companies spend billions of dollars every year promoting their products, and the common people love to hear from them. But do ever see any of this mentioned on iWay? Of course not - and I’m going to put that right.

This week, the iWay team will be promoting something really big. And I’m telling you straight: DON’T GET INVOLVED. Stay home, watch telly, pick your nose, whatever. I don’t care.

I have many important opinions, but some of them are so important that you need to understand them right away.

I call this the “Pedro Supremo Manifesto”. Why not print it out and keep it?

1. 100% journeys by car – by 2020 I aim to see every short trip being made in a car. Even for really short journeys, like putting the bins out.

2. Quit whinging about the cost of fuel. Petrol is great value per litre (compared to perfume). That hundred bucks you just spent filling up? I earn that in half an hour.

3. Stop encouraging kids to cycle. Years ago we all cycled as children, but now we all drive and that makes it too dangerous for our kids now. Why should they get the same opportunities we did when we were kids? I don’t like kids anyway and I don’t want to spend any money on other peoples.

4. Remove the new cycle lanes. No one cycles anyway, at least no-one I like. Which is not very many people, actually.

5. Cyclists must pay for the cycle lanes. I know I just said there were no cyclists, but if there were some, why don’t they pay ?? And here’s something else that annoys me: do pedestrians pay for the footpaths ? Do kids pay to use the park ? NO THEY DON’T!

6. Let’s be generous. Almost all the money we spend on cars and petrol goes abroad, rather than staying here in NZ. I met someone from Kuwait the other day, and he told me how desperately this cash is needed to support good causes over there.

7. Share the Road? Pah! I don’t share my car, I don’t share my dinner, and I certainly don’t share any of the profits from my company. Why the hell would I want to share the road?

8. Don’t ever call me a “fuel can”

I’m not particularly interested in your opinions. But if you would like to talk about mine, just email me at pedro.supremo@myself.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Guest Bloggers: Ruby Evans, Sunday biker

This week we spoke with 2-year-old Ruby Evans, who every Sunday bikes with her Dad to a local coffee shop for fluffys and good chats.

This is me heading out the door

My new bike Mum and Dad bought me with an extra long handle for when peddaling gets a bit tough

Dad's yummy breakfast last Sunday

Oh and this is me on a recent family holiday to Vanuatu - we still visited a local cafe on Sunday!

I like Sundays. Sundays are the day when me and Dad get on our bikes and bike to our local coffee shop.

I get to hear how his week has been at work, and I tell him as best I can about my week and the kids at daycare.

The best bit - apart from the food and coffee (fluffy for me) - is the bike ride. Especially because Mum and Dad just bought me a brand new bike. It’s got a super long handle at the back too for when I get a bit tired from all the biking and Dad can take a load off.

We bike along the Rotary Pathway on the waterfront and I am amazed at the birds and other people out and about at that time of the morning.

Parking our bikes outside the coffee shop is a breeze as I’m allowed to take mine inside with us. Sometimes I see the other kids looking at my bike and I am happy that it belongs to me.

Once we’ve filled up on warm drinks and yummy breakfasts (see Dad’s breakfast last Sunday above) we’re off again. Sometimes I don't want the bike ride to end, well that's most of the time but eventually we have to head back home.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A confession






I've got a confession to make: I don't have a Guest Blogger for you this week. Yes I know, I'm slack. But, in my defense, returning from a week in Fiji (think 28 degrees, white sandy beaches and crystal clear water - photos above to make you even more envious) has proven to be a little more difficult than expected. There was the 70-odd emails on my return, an unexpected very expensive roaming mobile phone bill, and the numerous ''how was your holiday'' questions all to contend with.

So, this week I thought I'd share with you some interesting numbers about what iWay's achieved in the one year since its birth.

- 25 kilometres of new cycle lanes
- 55 new bike racks
- 177 kids trained in cycle safety
- 480 iWalk Challenge walkers
- 52 fashion models on bikes at the Heels on Wheels Fashion Show
- 49 bikes fixed up for local kids at the Hawke’s Bay Prison
- 2.1 kilometres of off road cycle lanes developed
- 378 bikes fixed at Big Bike Fixups
- 17 iWay events
- 1200 iWay water bottles given out
- Over 14 thousand kilometres cycled by Hastings District Council staff in February
- 748 iway friends on Facebook
- 139 intersections upgraded

I hope you all have a great weekend in sunny Hawke's Bay.

x

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Pre-Friday wind down: Amsterdam bike-styles













Yey it’s nearly Friday. And to celebrate, I thought you’d all enjoy a few cool pics of some cycling Amsterdam-styles.

Having been to Amsterdam and been completely blown away by the number of bikes in the city, I can appreciate that of the approx. 780,000 people living in the city, there’s over 600,000 bikes.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Guest bloggers: Ross Holden

A slightly belated blog post this (last?) week... Eloise takes one little holiday and the place falls apart!

Our guest blogger is Ross Holden, a host with the Radio Network and an ardent sports fan.



When I was a schoolboy I was a cyclist but I am a little older now and walking seems about the right pace for my life.

As I look around Hastings and see the many kilometers of new cyclelanes, I remember back to my childhood in the small Thames Valley town of Te Aroha.

The college was located on the outskirts of the town and many of the students biked to school. The route was along a busy stretch of road and the towns fathers had the foresight to build an off road cycleway along that stretch of road. That’s over 50 years ago-offroad cyleways have been around a long time.

But I digress. Walking is certainly slower than cycling but it does give me more time to savour the great outdoors, breath the fresh air and take in all the great scenery which abounds around Hawke’s Bay. With all the new pathways which have been developed, walking has never been easier-or more enjoyable.

Saturday mornings the time. About 9 o’clock it’s off for a 2 hour stroll. Not power walking, just an amble with a friend and a chance to solve all the problems of the world and then some.

Last Saturday was a little damp but we braved the weather and set off as usual. After 90 minutes into the walk we were wandering along the walkway near McLean Park and the subject inevitably turned to how well will the Magpies will do in the ITM Cup competition and then to the two matches to be held at the park during the Rugby World Cup.

The world cup games will be so good for the region. It will be a time when we can show off our style and I reckon the pathways around the region will get well used by both cyclists and walkers. A few of those visitors may even be encouraged to return at a later date and enjoy more of what is on offer.

When the sun shines, or even if it’s a little mirky, a walk along the foreshore is most pleasant, looking out to sea, watching the small boats bobbing around on the waves and the sea sparkling in the distance towards Cape Kidnappers.

Yes, not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning-good company, good conversation, good scenery and a little exercise.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Guest bloggers: Paul Tiaiti changes lifestyle habits

This week we were lucky to talk to Paul Tiaiti, who organises HikoiforLife which is a social bike group cycling every Sunday morning around the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy and bring on the weekend!


Hikoi4life go out every Sunday for a cycle. We are so lucky to be surrounded with picturesque vistas here in the Bay and we’ve been going near-on two years now firstly for various events around our province like Duathlons and Half Ironmans and now we just get together and go for a cycle.

I organise our Hikoi every week and make sure it’s safe and that the guys and gals know what route to take - trust me there’s nothing worse than trying to find a cyclist who didn’t listen and gets lost LOLl! We even have a support car which looks after our cyclists.

But the greatest pleasure being out with the group is the socialising aspect and how close you become to your friends and how many other cyclists you see that are out there enjoying the thrill of cycling. There’s also the diverse range of cyclists from newbies to professionals that we encounter on our journeys - that’s what cycling has done for us, it has certainly changed our lifestyle habits. And why wouldn’t you, with great roads and scenery around our province?

We also try hard not to leave anyone behind. I suppose there is nothing worse than a (newbie cyclist as we call them) to be discouraged and left on their own.

For me I am looking forward to the challenge as I am a Paraplegic. I want to experience what my friends do every weekend - why you say? Because it looks like a whole lot of fun and I seriously think I’m missing out on it even though you get the odd grumble because we tackled a couple of hills. So for me, I am half way through fundraising for a Handcycle which will give me that experience that my friends enjoy every weekend.

Sometimes there is 13 of us and at other times just six but we enjoy getting out there and enjoying our roads whether it be in the city limits or along the countryside Highways. We love cycling so much it’s hard to imagine us missing out a weekend. It’s as simple as grabbing a bike and giving it a go cause. If anyone can, kiwis can.

Paul

Monday, June 27, 2011

This one runs on fat and saves you money



As well as running on fat and saving you money, we can think of 30 more reasons why cycling is good for you:

1. You get fit
2. You save money on petrol
3. You don’t have to pay vehicle registration
4. There’s minimal maintenance needed on a bike compared to a vehicle
5. Better for the environment
6. It’s social
7. It’s fun
8. You get outdoors and breathe fresh air
9. Exercise releases positive endorphins
10. If you don’t have a car it’s a great alternative
11. Cycling can be faster than driving a car
12. Cycling is a good stress reliever
13. Almost anyone can ride a bike
14. The commute to work can be the best part of your day instead of the worst
15. Exercise increases productivity at work
16. Don’t need to buy a gym membership - you can exercise for free
17. Cycling is nearly a life-long activity
18. A great way to spend time with your family
19. Cycling is low impact on the body
20. Cycling in your neighborhood is a great way to meet your neighbors and build community
21. Camaraderie of cyclists makes it a great way to meet a nice stranger with a similar interest
22. Free and easier parking
23. Leaving your car at home provides a parking space for someone less fortunate
24. Reduces the demand for new roads and paving the earth with asphalt and concrete
25. Reduces the demand for parking lots and paving the earth
26. Reduces air pollution
27. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
28. Reduces noise pollution
29. Easy to vary your route by bike
30. Cycling is cool

Have we left any out?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Guest bloggers: Biking saves time

This week Andrea Taaffe gives us an insight into her morning routine! Enjoy.



Should I drive or should I bike?

Well when you find out the distance I have to drive you will shake your head and say “that’s an easy answer’’! I live 1km from the centre of town (give or take a few 100 meters – that is actually quite important to a lady, it’s the difference between a lettuce leaf or a meatball at 10am!) Anyway as you can imagine whenever possible I ride my bike to work, or the shops, library and on occasion to an establishment of social engagements – stay focused!

To my amazement by the time I find my car keys (they have legs and are always on the move), start and warm up the car, get out of the car, open the gate, close the gate, get back into the car, get caught in traffic, find a carpark then walk to work it takes me 10 minutes longer than it does for me to get my bike out, open and shut the gate and bike straight to work avoiding traffic queues and parking problems. Now even easier with all the funky bike racks around! Plus not paying ridiculous petrol prices or getting stressed about being stuck in a queue – yes I am a tad impatient, hence cycling is the perfect solution for me. Trust me the next time you cycle past a queue of cars have a quick peek at the expressions on the drivers faces – something not far off a dehydrated mouldy lemon!

So get out there and enjoy the benefits of cycling, I am yet to see the down side and I am a changed woman – wait until you hear about Gloria (yes, I’ve named my bike)!

Andrea :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Guest bloggers: With social cyclist, Julie Speers

We are starting a new feature on our blog - Guest Bloggers. Each week will be asking a new friend of iWay to do an individual post for us. To kick it off we’ve got Hastings resident, Julie Speers.

Julie cycles almost every day looking super smart. We asked her why she chooses to cycle and what she gets up to. Enjoy!



June 17th, shouldn’t it be cold, wet and miserable, after all it is only a few days from the shortest day. Well not here in the sunny District of Hastings, it’s another absolutely glorious day. So what do I do on a day like today? Get on my bike of course, and why do I get on my bike?

- I’ve got chores to do in town and why get the car out for a small trip when I can save on petrol, parking costs and I can always get a park (check out the cool new bike stands in the CBD)

- I’ve got friends to catch up with – what a great way to socialise by having a leisurely ride on one of the pathways, grab some fresh air, some sun shine, see some new sights and have a chat along the way. Of course there is always the coffee or wine at the end of the ride!

- I need to get some exercise and recharge the brain, what better way to do it by combining it with a cycle trip, either to run an errand or a visit a friend, what a time saver.

Of course what I like most about riding around central Hastings and surrounds is that it’s mainly flat roads – I don’t like hills!!

Julie x

Thursday, June 9, 2011

In love with folding bikes





I first set eyes on these bikes in London while on The Tube. People in their suits and work attire would jump in the carriage effortlessly with these bikes by their side.

Anyone know where you can buy these in NZ?

Happy Friday...stay dry!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

New cycle trails website launched




It's Friday avo so thought you'd all be interested in checking out a cool new website Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail www.nzcycletrail.com

Featuring 18 of the best cycle trails in the country including none other than our very own Hawke's Bay pathways!

There's heaps of great images, maps and info - it might even inspire you to take a trip to visit some of the other trails, I know it inspired me.

Enjoy the long weekend...

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Off road tracks - unofficial 'nursery circuits'

Biking along the off road cycle track on Marine Parade, Napier

Biking along off road cycle track on Hardinge Road, Napier

Biking along off road cycle track on Hardinge Road, Napier

Biking on the off-road track at Marine Parade, Napier

Biking down Marine Parade, Napier

If you’re anything like me and haven’t ridden a bike in a while, the thought of sharing the road with cars can be a bit of a daunting prospect.

I reckon the best place to build up your confidence is the off-road cycleways - kind of like an unofficial nursery circuit.

I found some pics of other people riding the off-road tracks. See our Routes & Maps page to see where our off-road and on-road tracks are.