It’s just like riding a bike
Sunday 02 February 2020
Save the planet, get fit, see the sights – what’s not to love about life on two wheels?
While the weather is still sweet and the sun shines later, getting fit and feeling good on your bike has never been easier.
In fact, Sport Bay of Plenty is making it even easier (and more social) by organising a bunch of cool local events for riders of all ages and abilities to get involved with, most of them free or low cost.
For the explorers, there are guided rides around key areas (some with a local Maori historian). For the families, give our awesome BMX track a go at their open day. If you’re new to biking or haven’t ridden your bike in years, register for a Be Cycle Savvy workshop and brush up on your skills.
And, if you have ever thought about commuting to work, the month’s flagship event Go By Bike Day is the time to do it, with the supportive people from Sport Bay of Plenty manning stands around the city which are stocked full with healthy snacks and free goodies – how’s that for an incentive to get out there?
These local events are timed around NZTA’s annual Aotearoa Bike Challenge, an online national competition for businesses from Feb 1 to 29 that encourages people to do more frequent short trips on their bike by rewarding you with points – and prizes – for the rides you log. The more you ride, the more likely you are to win.
Check out the events around town – for a full list head to sportbop.co.nz
Saturday, February 1 – 9am to 11am
Tauranga Moana Leisurely Ride
Te Awanui waka, Tauranga Strand
Free | Registrations required
Grab your pahikara and take a guided ride with a local Māori historian to significant pā sites around Tauranga.
Sunday, February 2 – 2 to 4pm
Kids Learn to Ride
Meet at the Pāpāmoa Recreation centre car park, Gordon Spratt Reserve
Free | Registrations required
A chance for kids of any age to learn how to ride a bike in a safe and fun environment.
Wednesday, February 5 – 6.30p to 8pm
Ladies Only Bike Maintenance Evening
My Ride Mount Maunganui
Free | Registrations required
Learn the basics including the easy way to change a tire and some simple maintenance skills that will save you time and money. Email [email protected] to register.
Tuesday, February 18 – Session 1 at 5 – 5.45pm | Session 2 from 5.45pm to 6.30pm
Strength and Stretch for Cyclists
Avenues Physio-Fitness Exercise Studio, 575 Cameron Road
Free | Registrations required
Strength and stretch session for recreational cyclists led by a physiotherapist and exercise scientist. The sessions aim to help you get up those hills easier and recover better between rides. Best suited for people riding standard or e-bikes or those looking to explore great cycle trails. Space limited. Contact [email protected] to register.
Sunday, February 23 – 12 to 2.30pm
Tauranga BMX Have-a-Go Day
Tauranga BMX track, 280 Cambridge Rd
Registrations required
Discover the fun of BMX and have a go at riding the track. Suitable for all ages – kids and adults. BYO BMX, or limited $5 equipment hire. Call 027 655 5062 to register.
Wednesday, February 26 – 6.45am to 9am
Go By Bike Day
Various locations around Tauranga
Leave the car at home and cycle to work! Multiple drink stops throughout the region as well as spot prizes. Stay-tuned for details regarding pit stop locations.
But why cycling?
It makes getting active easy – short trips, like to work, the supermarket or the pub all add up to your recommended 30 minutes a day of ‘huffy puffy’.
It’s a pollution-free mode of transport. Did you know riding your bike creates about 21 g of CO2 emissions / km –more than ten times less than a car! (Source: European Cyclists Federation).
Cut-down your commute time (and your rage levels) by skipping the traffic, plus free parking.
It’s a cool way to see places you otherwise can’t see in a car, like local wetlands or remote parts of our classic coastline.
