Organiser: Margaret Law
Cyclists: Margaret Law, Marlene Hiestand, Maureen McRae, Simon Bucherer, Sarah Ley, Ron Jackson, Susan Jackson, Sheryl Martin, Neil Davis, Maria Jackson, Kay Willcocks, Ngaire Russell, Mandy Machen, Livia Mandeno, Chris Lawson, Bill Pepler, Pieter Holl, Sue Woolnough, Kathy Wilde, Ellen Wang, Brian Alexander, Reg Churton, Warwick Lord, Pat Shaw, June Cripps, Nancy Rankine, Bruce Rankine, Janette Lloyd, Peter Sommerhalter.
Day One – Sunday 5th October. Loop from Opal Hot Springs, Matamata to Te Aroha, return. 69kms
Author: Maria
Opal hot Springs Matamata. Great spot to stay a day or two and ride out from.
Cycleway to Te Aroha – stop and read the history of Stanley Landing.
Morning Tea at the fabulous Cafe 77.
Lunch in an absolute downpour at Te Aroha band rotunda. A brilliant and fortuitous spot to gather! Check out the gallery. It really is worth a look.
Day Two – Monday 6th October. Loop from Opal Hot Springs, Matamata north west via Kereone, Walton, and Walton, return. 68.5kms
Author: Kathy
Cycled from Opal Springs Holiday Park to Matamata for morning coffee. Two cafes were frequented so as not to overwhelm cafe staff. Gentle rolling hills, quiet scenic roads with an extra early lunch stop at Kereone Hall then a further 10 kms further a 2nd lunch stop at Walton domain and well kept tennis courts. The large cycling group pedalled off in groups of 6, which worked really well for vehicles passing, well done ride organiser, Margaret Law, and all riders
Late start after heavy rain
Lunch at Walton Domain tennis courts
Day Three – Tuesday 7th October. Loop from Te Aroha Holiday Park via Kotare Mara rural cafe, Waihou, Tirohia, return on Hauraki trail to camp. 43km
Author: Christine
We woke to heavy rain on Tuesday morning, after a meeting it was decided to delay the start of our ride till 11am. Unfortunately, Pieter and I both had flat tyres, so Bill and Pieter stayed behind to do repairs while the group set off from Te Aroha Holiday Park.
We 3 caught up with the group at Kotare Mara Rural Coffee Stop. Great coffee and food (we found out that the husband cooked a lot of the food). We looked around their amazing, raised vegetable garden.
After a nice break we set off, we broke into smaller groups and cycled through Tirohia and found our way onto the Hauraki Trail. Here we stopped for lunch. We continued cycling along the Trail, rode through Te Aroha and back to our Holiday Park.
A lot enjoyed a cup of tea, before having a soak in the hot tub. At 5.30pm everyone made their way to the Te Aroha Hotel where we had a drink and chat before moving into the restaurant for dinner at 6. It was so busy for a Tuesday evening, everyone enjoyed their meals. A very popular place for locals also. A lovely get together for our last night.
A great day out riding on the long straight flat roads, so many beautiful blossom trees out in bloom. We saw many large herds of cows & calves grazing in roadside paddocks. All signs of spring, including the weather. It was a wise decision to delay the start as the weather was fine for the entire ride. Thanks to Margaret for another great day cycling.
Day Four – Wednesday 8th October. Loop from Morrinsville to Gordonton, return via Tauhei. 63kms
Author: Maureen
This is the last day of the hub tour. Everyone packed up and checked out of Te Aroha and drove over to Morrinsville Recreation reserve where there was very good parking, and even a dump station for the motorhomes.
We rode out of town for a short time then along the main road before turning off onto a side road only to discover it was closed. After our leaders negotiated with the stop go man and explained we needed to avoid the busy road they very kindly allowed us though. Although he had just turned away a stock truck right in front of us.
It required quite an effort getting to Gordonton Matte Black cafe as there was a very strong head wind. So the coffee was very welcomed. One of our members was celebrating his birthday. From here we flow back (wonderful trail wind) to Tauhei hall for our lunch. Arriving back in Morinville in good time.
Another enjoyable tour was enjoyed by all. A huge thanks to Margaret again the leaders and tail end Charlies.