With threatening skies overhead we rode around Auckland in a little pool of sunshine, the cycling gods were looking after us today.
Not a big turn-out, but a happy bunch of 30 or so riders cruised through Ponsonby, along K-Rd, over Grafton Bridge, past Newmarket and down to Parnell for coffee. Things got a bit fractured from here and with caffeine coursing through their veins people shot off in all directions – the ride was effectively over. A few of us carried on to the Library as that was the final destination but riding up Queen Street was not a pleasant experience and a first for me. I won’t be hurrying back there.
The group dynamic could have been better if the lead-riders had kept a more sedate pace. The bunch tended to string-out a little and was occasionally severed by light changes at intersections. People still had a good time though and were grouped with those of similar pace, chatting to each other when the traffic allowed it.
Cruising K-Rd (maybe not the best description)
Still on K-Rd
K-Rd. Hey, it's a long road!
No trouble finding parking outside The Strawberry Alarmclock.
Sketching bikes inside.
The finished item. I was sitting in front of that coffee on the right but was apparently invisible to the artist.
The thing I enjoyed most was the smiles and waves from the public, especially when the children came past. I think they recognized we were just ordinary people like them, all shapes and sizes, genders and ages, out in the sunshine having fun.
Thanks to Rob Thomas for organizing the ride. I’m wary of anyone with political aspirations but he rides a bike so he can’t be all bad ;^)
I hope you can be convinced not to be wary of (would be) politicians who are working hard to improve cycling conditions in Auckland. The City Vision team is also committed to improving Auckland's cycling infrastructure (the full Transport Solutions policy is available here http://www.cityvision.org.nz/page/policy). Thanks for the post and pictures from the BIG Auckland ride. I've put the ones you took of me on my blog here http://www.pippacoom.co.nz/cycle-action-auckland/just-please-dont-call-me-a-cyclist/ . Look forward to seeing you on the next ride.
I said wary, not afraid. Votes can certainly be bought Pippa with applications of fresh espresso & muffins.