Kick start your riding experience this Spring.

Snapped in one of Auckland's magnificent natural playgrounds.

Ambury Farm and the Manukau Foreshore is almost my backyard and I have been fortunate to have been able to enjoy it with my children many times over the years. Therefore, it made sense that I would lead the first of Cycle Action’s series of Spring rides. Although, by the ride home, the serious hunt for a coffee meant I was able to take it easy at the back of the peleton.

I recognise that it is easy for cyclists with decades of positive experiences of cycling to overlook the needs of people new to cycling and those who just need some guidance on how to get started or restarted. I highly recommend this ride if that description fits you or a friend you know. I noted during the ride that there were alot of locals out and about enjoying their local playground by bike. The quiet residential streets of Mangere Bridge and parks are very suited to novice and experienced cyclists alike.

Mangere Bridge has also just become more accessible to ‘out of towners’ with the recent opening of the new Onehunga train line. Make a day of it I say. Put your bike on the train and take the easy way to Onehunga to kick start your trip. The first Spring ride did not go entirely to plan…all in a positive way of course. Once the group had arrived at Ambury Farm it was decided to venture further afield. There is great cycling to be enjoyed further afield on the Manukau Foreshore. So good, I have already taken my family back at the request of the youngest of the family. We can tick that item off the school holiday list as another positive family experience.

I think this Forshore path also has tourism potential if it could be turned into a connected route from the airport to Ambury Farm and beyond. I could imagine tourists arriving in the country and getting their first taste of Auckland with a ride along this scenic and semi-rural part of town. The path could run from the airport past the Otuataua Stonefields, along the foreshore and through Ambury Farm. The challenge would be then to develop a link to get them safely into the city. Watch out Otago Rail Trail. It would be great if this could be included in one of Prime Minister John Key’s New Zealand great cycleways. Watch this space…