Auckland Cycle Touring Association pedals for 70 Years

The Auckland Cycle Touring Association was formed on 24 February 1949, with the club today still catering for cyclists interested in riding in the company of others and partaking in and reliving cycle touring trips all over the world. One original member, now a life member, is still involved. Pelham a stalwart from way back has a passion for cycling and kayaking and even survived the Tangiwai disaster!

A program of events is planned to commemorate this memorable achievement for a NZ cycle organisation. One of these, a tradition for the club, is the Tour de Taupaki, basically, a treasure hunt on your bike, following and solving clues around the Taupaki area culminating in a club picnic in the Taupaki domain.

As a club last year alone the members rode a total of 80,564 km throughout New Zealand. This was made up from 3 weekly rides; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday plus weekends away and our regular supported tours (accompanied by a van) and unsupported tours (no accompanying vehicle).

Currently, the Club has a membership of around 130 families or individuals. At one stage the youngest member, who rode a tandem with her parents was 8 while the oldest was 84. Today we have a number of over 80-year-old riders with a few recently being assisted by ebikes. Members come from all walks of life and have a huge range of cycling skills. One of our founding members was Chas King who won a bronze medal at the Teams Pursuit in the 1936 Olympics and settled in New Zealand where he built custom made cycle frames to order in his garage.

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