NEWS RELEASE

24 January 2013

A Taste of Social Cycling This February

Dust off your bicycle and gather up friends and family for two social cycling events this February in the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Great Outdoors Summer Events 2013 programme.

First up on 2 February - a taste of mountain biking for beginners in the 'Hill Road Social Bike Ride' at Belmont Regional Park with 'Amanda's Social Beginner MTB Group'.

"Participants are in for an awesome, easy ride," says organiser Amanda Santos. "The ride goes up Hill Road so you'll get a little bit puffed but we'll be taking plenty of breaks - you definitely don't need to be super-fit to do it. At the top you'll be rewarded with great views that I reckon are the best in Wellington."

The ride is less than 6km all up, and perfect for people new to mountain biking, says Amanda. "Participants can ride side-by-side and talk to each other. The event is all about being a fun, friendly and sociable ride for beginners."

On 9 February - 'Cycle the Rimutaka Rail Trail', a unique opportunity to ride the historic Rimutaka Rail Trail from Kaitoke to Cross Creek in Wairarapa without having to organise your own transport back to Kaitoke.

"This is the first time we've arranged return transport for cyclists from Cross Creek. The cost is low and makes riding the trail much more doable for families," says the Regional Council's Events Adviser Catherine Wylde.

Beginning at Kaitoke, the 17km ride takes in tunnels, railway bridges and the site of Summit, an old railway village. Cyclists will be rewarded with a sausage sizzle when they reach Summit, providing sustenance for the descent to Cross Creek.

HILL ROAD SOCIAL BIKE RIDE
Saturday 2 February , 9.30am start
Belmont Regional Park, Hill Road entrance, Belmont
This event is free. Bring your mountain bike, water, first aid kit and a basic bike kit. RSVP amandasmtb@gmail.com

CYCLE THE RIMUTAKA RAIL TRAIL
Saturday 9 February, 10.30am Maymorn Railway Station or 11.30am Incline Rd, Kaitoke
$15 per person for return shuttle from Cross Creek or $40 per family. Event is free for those with own transport. Max 80 people for return shuttles. Getting there: By car, follow SH2 and turn right 9km north of Upper Hutt. Follow the signs to the Rimutaka Rail Trail. Booking essential: email bookings@gw.govt.nz or phone 04 830 4041.

ends

© Scoop Media