You may remember a while ago I wrote a blog post about training for a long cycle ride. Originally I was training to cycle 120 km as part of the great Harbour Bridge crossing which Antoine has already blogged about.
However, they have changed many details of this race since the initial announcement and for complicated reasons it’s no longer possible for my team to participate. So, I have decided to do the 15 km cycle ride instead and dress up in a stylish fashion.
I am not generally that into Frocks on Bikes (I can do the bikes, it’s the frocks I find challenging…). But I thought that for this event I’d make an exception. If you’d like to join me wearing a suit, casual smart clothes, or a beautiful frock then I suggest you get in and register now.
It’s fairly expensive for a 15 km ride but having crossed the bridge in 2009 I can tell you that it was a great experience. It may lose it’s specialness a bit this time around due to the lack of police, NZTA officials, barricades etc… They also have all these lames rules like you can’t stop in the middle of the bridge (this was half the fun last time).
But I still think it will be a good day out. Given the time of year it’s also (hopefully) going to be a lovely warm day – perfect for showing off that new sundress.
And don’t get tricked into registering for the 50 km ride! I did that and then realized it doesn’t even go over the bridge.
Finally, I need to find a new cycle ride which is about 120 km long that is happening somewhere reasonably close to Auckland before the 26th of November. Got any suggestions?
Thanks for finding this out.
Given how you've described the changes I'd plump for another 'ride/walk' over on some random time/date.
Good on you Lucy. We want lots of people around that communicate that this is an event for both the road warriors and the everyday cyclists!
Though me for once, I myself will be going "against type", and attending as a road warrior (though without lycra). Couldn't not do the 110km event – though I will treat it more as survival than as a race
I'd be in but for the $65 charge, a bit high for the "unwaged"
yeah, I admire the organizers for persevering but it sounds as if NZTA are being incredibly paranoid (as usual). Apparently you have to cycle across the bridge in squads of 100 cyclists. You can't race, you can't stop, you can't take photos….in short, it sounds like they've pretty much tried to take all the specialness out of it. We will also be flanked by 160 buses (very much hoping their engines will be OFF, otherwise air pollution will prob take years off our lives). But still, cycling up the busway will be cool!
Lucy, I understand the "squads" arrangement is actually intended to do something that should appeal to frockers – make the bridge crossing into a light-hearted experience, rather than part of the hard-out race that some people will want to do!
The no stopping is going to not appeal to some, sure, but with several thousands of people to get across the bridge in just a few short hours, that may just be needed (because for some it IS a race, they want to get to the timing mat and go). So please don't see it too negatively – it will be a blast!
The buses, similarly, I think will be quite cool to see them aligned like a huge snake or wall. Of course they aren't going to run their engines for hours while sitting in the same spot.
Let's celebrate this as much as possible, boys and girls. It's another first, and a step in the right direction!
@ Max. Well, yes, as I said I sitll think it will be a good day and I admire the organizers.
But I don't tihnk it is a taken for granted conclusion actually that the buses won't be running their engines, because I have sat at Britomart and observed buses running their engines continuously for half an hour at least while not moving from one spot. I am glad to hear they won't be though
The buses are an inspired move to create a barrier where there in none between the motorway lanes which will be still available to vehicles,and the busway, which will be totally available for cycling. The buses can be parked and removed alot faster than the other option – concrete or water filled barriers, and will not be running their motors for the 3-4 hours that they are needed.NZ Bus has made their buses available at reduced rates to help make the event happen, so I say – 'Hoorah' for them. I also love the idea that the bus drivers are keen to be part of the event if only as spectators, as they will have to stay with their bus.
We could do a swap? Swap places with a bus driver – get them to ride our bikes while we mind the bus? Be an easy way to get them on our side!
Chris, if you are keen to swap places with bus drivers, contact Barbara Insull at Cycle Action Auckland's website. They are running workshops with bus drivers, where they are given bicycles to ride and vice versa.
@ Lucy – it is going to be a fantastic day. But part of what is going to make it so special are the sheer numbers and having bikes of all types coming together. I have training info for you and Jesse.
@ Chris – I'm working with Barb Insull on the CAN BikeNZ road user workshops for both bus/bike & truck/bike. If you are keen to learn more email me at jenaniq@gmail.com