These days I don’t get to take my bicycles for long rides nearly as much as I’d like. Living in the central city mostly necessitates short trips to the grocery or across town for a cafe mission if I’m lucky. Because of this, I jumped at the chance to cycle out to Howick to meet my wife and her parents for dinner on Friday. Well, I must admit, I initially planned on taking the ferry to Buckland’s Beach and riding from there. But I just missed it and the next ferry wasn’t due for over an hour. I figured I could ride the entire ~20km out and be eating dinner before the next ferry had even left Auckland if I left right away. So off I went.
My mind automatically leads me on the most straightforward routes, but cycling in Auckland, one quickly realises that the most direct route is seldom the best route to take. Remuera Road and along past the quarry at Glen Innes was relatively uneventful, but cycling the Pakuranga Highway at 5pm was enough to raise my pulse just a little too much. I didn’t really know the back roads well, but I quickly made a right turn onto the nearest side-street and let my senses guide me there!
That’s when I was reminded of all the times I’ve been lost when I’m out riding. What’s more, how enjoyable each of those experiences of being lost has been. The mobility and freedom that comes with riding a bicycle is one of my most favourite things in the world. At any moment you are free to hop onto the footpath for a rest, slow down to chat with other pedestrians, or even pause to take in a view or capture a photograph. Which leads me to explain the grainy mobile phone picture above. I was reminded of a ride last year where I was happily lost cycling on my way to my grandmother’s house last year in rural Ontario, Canada. A grainy, orange Ontario sunset.
I did make it to Howick in time for dinner. Sure, I had to double back once or twice but along the way I got to see some streets I’d never have otherwise seen. I rode winding pathways through suburban parks and past kids playing in the streets. Most of all my ride was safer, a little slower because I avoided the two-lane speedfest of Pakuranga Highway, but in the end, a whole heap more fun. Try taking the long way next time you’re out on you’re bike – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised!
Cool bro, I know what you mean!
I got a cyclocross bike so I can take the long way home, be it on pavement or dirt.
haha, yeah I've had my eyes on little Jump MTBs for a while now so that even staircases are not an issue
…….someday….
Another alternative to the Pakuranga Highway 'death trap' is a very nice path that follows the harbour. It starts opposite the Mall and winds its way out in the Howick direction. It has been upgraded so it's wide enough for cyclists and peds to share happily.
Great article!
Hey Mark – I'm interested in that path you speak of, any pointers on GoogleMaps? I commute back from Highbrook and am looking to avoid Gt South Road or Mt Wellington highway – would love to find a safe way to get to Howick and ride the waterfront to the city….
DOH! i mean St Heliers, not Howick! need coffeeee….
I haven't tried Google Maps yet…
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Welcome
Nice writing style.
Bye