Every Tuesday without fail many cyclists of varying abilities, ages and fitness levels meet at Gordonton to have a ride with likeminded people. The weather generally dictates the number of participants.
I think this is the only time the “Tuesday Group” has appeared on the front page of any newspaper – the local Taupiri Times. I can’t remember what year this was, does anyone know?
The Tuesday Group was started way back in the early/mid 90’s by Peter Southart (3rd from right), the mastermind of the Hamilton to Whangamata bike ride and Hamilton Masters cycling. We started and finished at the Taupiri Tavern. We rode as one group with the last few k’s always at a much faster pace. At the end of a ride a well deserved ‘pot of tea’ was shared and enjoyed (no flat whites or latte’s in those days) along with very interesting stories and thought-provoking conversations!! In those early days 10 or so riders was considered a great turn-out. Many of the original riders are still riding today. Now that number is often 20 – 30 riders in winter and many more in the warmer weather and we ride in two groups – a faster group and a slower group, with the pace picking up much further out than the last few k’s!!
I feel these Tuesday rides are much more than cycling and getting fitter! You get to meet, socialise, and ride with people you would never normally associate with – because you share a common interest/passion. When the ride gets underway and people have sorted out their position within the pack, you can hear folks chatting about all sorts of topics from cycling to holidays, family, work, latest equipment etc etc. Without fail there is always much good-humoured bantering before, during and after a ride!!
Lately the topic of “health” has had much discussion, especially colonoscopies, and that dreaded word “cancer”. Our esteemed leader Brooke has recently had to face life changing surgery. Prior to this major event, he shared his journey with us which encouraged many to talk, reflect, share, and seriously consider our own health and those little niggles that we have not had checked out!! Many realising the importance of and hopefully having regular medical check ups!!
Our thoughts are with you Brooke as you recover and with you Sharon as you support him and ensure he does as he’s supposed too!! We all admire your positively and “let’s get this sorted” attitude Brooke and Sharon. We look forward to the day when you can rejoin the group again Brooke.
At the end of a weekly ride we meet for coffee and catch-up! We hear about up-in-coming rides and cycling adventures people are doing/hoping to do. A nice end to a good ride and even better company!
Are these Tuesday rides more than cycling? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
For me personally I’ve made strong lifelong friends and spent many happy hours in their company cycling the back-roads and enjoying our stunning countryside scenery.
If you are a cyclist and would enjoy a bike ride on Tuesday’s, please feel free to join us. We leave at 10 am.
Till next time Goldcard gal! 🙂
PS: It is with much sadness that our ‘esteemed leader’ Brooke passed away on 4 November, 2018 at his home. He will be missed by many. Brooke, I didn’t realise that when we rode together or with ‘the pack’ we were creating memories, I just thought we were having fun!! Rest in peace Brooke.
A thought provoking blog Heather. Yes, sometimes health is a subject we don’t mention. I haven’t biked for a couple of years but did a little of the te awa trail last week. Very enjoyable.
Thank you Denise. 🙂
Hi :Sounds great: is it at 10am in the car park with the toilet ?;I did the mid winter ride at Okoroire yesterday. It was my first competition ride since March. It was a good day. It didn’t rain and it was good to support the locals. Next is the rides in August organised by Dynamo Events::there are 3 rides on consecutive weekends of varying distances: $55 and excellent spot prizes. Happy trails.
Yes 10am in car park where public toilet is. May see you there Neville? How did the Okoroire ride go?
Thanks Heather: Yes I am keen to join up with your group and will see you on the 7th. Okoroire went well and I was pleased with the day. You are right there is a common bond with those that cycle. I find it much stronger than running which seems all about the individual. When race cycling you always meet up with others that assist during the ride. In cycling it is essential. Sunday was no different. I biked with 4 others for the last half of the journey. They say it helps your performance by 30% but I feel it is much higher. There is not a lot of chatter when riding but there is plenty of help that is unspoken. I experienced this when I first got on a road bike about 10 years ago and it has not changed. Happy trails. See you next Tuesday 🌞
Thank you Neville for your feedback and look forward to catching up! 🙂