Wow, the calendar is starting to get rather full of things to in the coming weeks, either celebrating biking or just providing a good opportunity to use your bike (rather than getting stuck in traffic, etc). So here’s a quick run-down of all the things I have come across that you may want to note in your diaries (some of these may get a more detailed post later):
- Go By Bike Day is tomorrow morning! (Wed 7.00-9.30am) Find your way to the new pathway in South Hagley Park by the netball courts for some nibbles and other activities – more details here.
- The Cricket World Cup is hitting town, firstly with the Opening Ceremony in North Hagley Park on Thursday evening, followed by the opening match at Hagley Oval on Saturday 14th (and two more after that). Transport for Chch have provided some useful information about getting to the Thursday event and to the game days themselves (incl. where bike parking is).
- The iconic Coast to Coast multisport race finish is at New Brighton this Saturday 14th, and our friends at the Avon-Otakaro Network are encouraging people to get on their bike to cheer on the competitors. There’ll be heaps of bike parking available near the corner of Beresford and Marine Pde, and lots of fun activities around the finish area all afternoon and evening as the competitors finish.
- Frocks on Bikes Chch also have an event this Saturday – Frocks on Mountain Bikes in Urban Wilderness. From 11am-1pm, starting at Hansen Park near the Hawford Rd entrance, explore 17km of off road trails around the Heathcote River, with a coffee break at Cassels café and bar at about the 12km mark. Frocks optional, but a mountain bike and padded shorts are advised!
- Also next Saturday, a new TV series “Along for the Ride” starts on TV One (7pm). Radio NZ presenter (and dedicated bike nut) Simon Morton heads off on a nationwide quest to find out how the humble bike has influenced NZ in all sorts of unexpected ways over the past 150-odd years. Christchurch features a bit in there – see here for more details about each episode.
- CycleCHCH presents two social rides during the month of February to bring the cycling community together and enjoy the Garden City on two wheels (or one, or three): First the Lights & Movie Night Bike Ride, Sat Feb 21st at 7:30pm. Meet at C1 Espresso (corner of Tuam & High Sts), ending at DARKROOM (336 St Asaph St). Dress in bright clothes and lots of lights as we light up the town! Free movie screening afterwards. Then there’s the Hair on the Dog & BBQ Bike Ride, Sun Feb 22nd at 2:30pm. Meet at XCHC The Exchange (376 Wilsons Rd), ending at RADBikes. Ride along the river and join us for a BBQ after! BYO grillables.
- The next Lazy Sunday Ride will also be on Sunday Feb 22nd, final venue still to be confirmed – check with the team on their Facebook page.
- The next ICECycles Bike Maintenance Workshop is on Sat 28th Feb, at the Linwood Community Art Centre, Cnr Worcester St & Stanmore Rd, from 1-4pm. Bring along your bike to get free bike maintenance and advice (or learn how to do it yourself).
- Next month, the “CAN Do” 2015 National Cycling Summit is being held in Christchurch on the weekend of 28-29 March. An inspiring programme will show you what else is happening in the cycling world in NZ and beyond, and allow you to connect with those who are making biking happening across the country. More details later, but you can register now if you want.
Phew! For those events that are happening around Hagley Park or town, we provided this handy map a couple of years ago to help you find your way in from the ‘burbs.
Are you going to any of these events? What else is on?