8-9 October 2022

Leader: Sue Pate

Saturday – Bike Ride

16 keen bikers set off from Paneiri Park on a beautiful bluebird day to cycle around Palmerston North.

Within 10 minutes one of our number discovered a slow puncture which caused a split in the group. One lot carried on to find coffee while the other waited while tyre repairs were carried out.

Our chosen route took us past Awapuni Race Track and Manawatu Trotting Club. Nice country with horses watching us pass by. Our track followed the Mangaone Stream and passed through several residential areas. It was interesting looking down into the many backyards and gardens along the way. In Milson, both groups met up again and stopped for coffees, pies and ice creams.

The plan was to all continue to Edwards Park which was to be our lunch stop. However, once again a group took off ahead but in the wrong direction, while the rest finished their snacks and took our planned route to the park. We all met up eventually and enjoyed our picnic lunch in the sun.

There was a brief road section to ride, then we linked up with the Manawatu River Track. Once at the river, it was an easy tar-sealed track back to our starting point. We passed the two golf courses, Waterloo and Fitzherbert Parks, and Ahimate Reserve. Total distance of the loop ride was 35 km.

Some of the group chose to bike to Linton Camp Village and back, which added a further 10 km. This section is a newly-formed track and is well used. Along it we stopped at the eel feeding spot and watched Wayne feed them with food he’d brought along. Some headed home after the bike ride and a group went out for a curry and stayed the night at the Palmerston North Holiday Park.

The bikers were Wayne, Rob A, Marian, Owen and Sue.

Sunday – Manawatu Gorge Walk

Seven walked the road section over the now large slips with trees growing over them, then back via the bush track. A straightforward walk with brief stops at the various lookouts and lunch half way near one of the wind turbines. A good five-hour loop walk. The walkers were Paul, Chantal, June, Rob, Clive

Those on the trip were:

Biking: Julie James, Mark Robertson, Paul Michl, Chantal Heller, Glenda Robb, Chris Keating, Kate Livingston, Yingjun Shelton, Robert Adams, Sandra Rowland, Bryan Wild, Wayne Williams, Rob Dey, Marian Cox, Owen Cox, Sue Pate. Trampers: Paul Michl, Chantal Heller, Yingjun Shelton, Rob, Clive Kayser, Sue Pate, Mark Robertson

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.