EcoMatters Bike Hub launches West Auckland cafe cycle trail

16/01/2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A new cycle map is making it easier for riders of all ages to explore West Auckland’s best cycle paths and coffee stops by bike.

The EcoMatters Bike Hub has launched the Flat White Ride, a 33 kilometre loop which connects the top cycling and coffee destinations between New Lynn, Waterview, Henderson and Glen Eden. Four of the loop’s seven stretches are on cycleways or shared paths, and cyclists can choose which sections to ride based on their cycling confidence or fitness levels.

EcoMatters Bike Hub Manager, Brent Bielby, says the Flat White Ride has been created so that cyclists at every level can easily enjoy a day out on their bikes.

“We’ve tried to create a ride for everyone. That means if you’re riding with younger kids you can choose to swap the traffic for the trees on one of the shared paths, or hop on and off the train to avoid the steeper sections of the ride. For those who want a bit more of a workout, they can tackle the full loop,” he says.

The route includes scenic sections that showcase some of West Auckland’s best natural gems, such as the Henderson Creek and Oratia Stream. It also features six participating Bike-Friendly Cafes, many of which are offering special deals to cyclists who stop in while biking the route and mention the map.

“All bike rides should be rewarded with an ice cream or a coffee. We’re lucky to be partnering with some great local cafes who have put their hands up to support the community as they get around by bike,” says Bielby.

The route includes a stopover at the EcoMatters Bike Hub at Olympic Park in New Lynn. This is where Bielby and his team of community bike mechanics provide free advice and teach basic bike maintenance skills. They also have a range of donated and restored second-hand bikes for sale and loan.

“We aim to keep the bikes we sell at the Bike Hub as affordable as possible and thanks to funding from the Whau Local Board and the Lottery Community Fund we are able to do just that,” he says.

Copies of the map are available at the EcoMatters Bike Hub (1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; open Thursday-Sundays 10am-2pm) as well as at the six participating Bike-Friendly Cafes: The Waterview Coffee Project, The Falls Restaurant and Cafe, Coffee Studio @ Corban Estate Art Centre, The Packing Shed, Bodega Eatery and The Tannery.

Download the Google Maps route at www.ecomatters.org.nz/flatwhiteride
Pedal & Pizza event dates

Rather not ride on your own? Join us for one of our guided rides! Pedal & Pizza is a series of social two-hour bike rides that begin and end at the EcoMatters Bike Hub in New Lynn. Woodfired pizza from the EcoMatters pizza oven is shared at the finish.

Sunday 11 February, 9am (rain date 24 Feb) – Māngere Bridge
Sunday 25 March, 9am (rain date 1 Apr) – Te Atatū Peninsula
Sunday 27 May, 9am (rain date 3 Jun) – Flat White Ride

Buy your tickets at www.facebook.com/EcoMattersNZ

ENDS

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