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Nov 1997
When I moved to Wellington 14 years ago, I got the distinct impression that cycle commuters were viewed as freaks. They were indeed a rare, brave breed, willing as they were to tackle the steep windy windy streets of Wellington (and some of it’s drivers) on skinny-tyred ten-speeds. Fortunately, a neo-cycling revolution was about to take place.
Viewed at first with widespread scepticism, the now ubiquitous mountain bike has revitalised the world of cycling. Little matter that most seldom, if ever, see dirt; their fat tyres eat pot holes and broken glass for breakfast, laugh at drainage grates, and jump curbs just for the hell of it. Their sturdy, straight handlebars run rings around opening car doors and defy gusts of wind that turn umbrellas inside-out. Bullet-proof brakes, capable of stopping suddenly on the steepest streets in any weather, give riders the confidence to descend at eye-watering pace and saviour the adrenalin. And, the tiny hill-climbing gears transformed Bolton Street from a push to a pedal, without the need for steroids. Now cycle commuters are common here.
For the more adventurous fat-tyre commuters, a number of ‘off road’ routes offer the opportunity to get away from traffic and enjoy some of our green space. If heading out of town for Brooklyn, Central Park is a great detour. Between Newtown and Brooklyn there are two sealed paths off the top of John Street. If riding from Kilbirnie to Island Bay, it’s worth detouring through Melrose Park and over Mt Albert on a fine day. For those wanting a good work-out on the way from the city to the western or southern suburbs, Hawkins Hill (via the wind turbine) is a high-heart-rate mecca. Beats the view at the gym too. Finally, Mt Victoria, one of the town belt’s true gems, hosts a myriad of sheltered tracks good for ‘long-cuts’ between Hataitai and Mt Vic or Newtown. Great for getting just a wee bit lost.
So if you haven’t ridden to work this summer, dust down that steel steed, put some air in the tyres and give the brakes a squeeze. Get up on your bike. Forget the parking hassles. Reduce CO2 emissions. Save some money. Feel your pulse. Feel the rush. Get fit. Explore. Discover. Live a little on your way from A to B.
By Simon Kennett
Cycle Aware Wellington.