After three days of talking about cycling at the 2WALKandCYCLE conference in Nelson 29-31 October, you'll want to get out on a ride, and there are few better areas than Nelson (the "Heart of Biking") to do it.
We're planning a group ride after the conference. It won't be challenging - a maximum of 70km a day, and we'll plan on staying in economic accommodation, so there'll be no need to carry camping gear. We'll allow plenty of time for networking and cafe/restaurants. We're looking at a couple of options:
1. A shorter two day ride, following the Great Taste Trail, starting the afternoon of Friday 31 October after the end of the formal conference, finishing back in Nelson on Sunday 2 November. Proposed itinerary:
Friday 31 October - meet at conference after closer (2pm) ride to Wakefield, 31km.
Saturday 1 November - Wakefield to Motueka, 69km. Bit of a climb, and some gravel, to go over Dovedale Hill.
Sunday 2 November - return to Nelson along coastal section of Great Taste Trail (63km), perhaps with a morning excursion to Kaiteriteri and/or Marahau
Or
2. A longer four day ride: starting by following the Great Taste Trail from Nelson to Motueka and through to Tapawera, then heading south to St Arnaud and then back to Nelson. Itinerary:
Saturday 1 November. Meet 9am at Information Centre. Nelson to Motueka on the coastal section the Great Taste Trail (63km).
Sunday 2 November. Motueka to Tapawera. 47 km. Following the Great Taste trail up the Motueka Valley.
Monday 3 November. Tapawera to St Arnaud. 70 km. Via the Tadmoor saddle, a quiet back road with about 10 km of gravel.
Tuesday 4 November. St Arnaud to Nelson. 90 km. with a couple of hills in it. BUT you start at 640m and ride to sea level at Nelson so it's not as bad as it seems. This joins up with the Great Taste trail at Wakefield.
Both groups will be in Motueka on Saturday night, so we'll have a chance to catch up and compare notes.
If you think you'd like to join us, please email Alastair (agsmith37@gmail.com) and let us know whether you'd prefer a two day ride (finish Sunday evening), or a four day ride (finish Tuesday).
Accomodation (basic backpackers) has been arranged for everyone who is coming. All the places have at least basic meals available in the evening, so no need to bring food or cooking gear.
Bike Rental: the conference website has a list of bike rental companies, if you won't have your own bike at the conference.
Comments
Better than talking about
Better than talking about cycling is only cycling itself! And when after a conference you are able to ride a bike with friends or people you just met and share the same interests it's perfect. Especially, when the area of conference and cycling is incredibly beautiful! This is the reason why writers' conferences like for http://essaydune.com/do-my-assignment/ are organized in meaningful places.