Two wheel cruise in Ōrewa

A new free event has been designed to showcase the flat, easy terrain and varied scenery that Ōrewa has to offer cyclists.

Organised by Destination Ōrewa Beach, the inaugural Beach Bike Cruise is supported by sponsors, Auckland Transport and Bike Auckland. It will be held next month, on Saturday, March 25.

Destination Ōrewa operations manager, Hellen Wilkins, says the 11.5km route, which starts and ends on Western Reserve (behind the HBC Youth Centre), weaves along Te Ara Tahuna, around Maygrove Lake and through surrounding streets.

To keep energy levels up, ‘pit stops’ along the way will give registered riders snacks such as sausage sizzle, Mr Whippy ice creams and lollies. New World Ōrewa is providing bananas for all riders as they cross the finish line.

Hellen emphasises that the event is not a race. 

“The idea is to ride, stop, eat, drink, have fun, ride again, allowing for relaxing breaks at each of the three pit stops and taking a cruising riding pace,” she says. “Riders should expected to take around 70 minutes to complete the course.”

Riders are encouraged to dress up, register a team with family or work colleagues and make a day of it.

The event ends with a free carnival on Western Reserve with bouncy castles, food trucks, music, clowns and face painters. Bike Auckland will run a Bike Valet system to keep all the bikes safe and orderly, throughout the post-event carnival.

Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the carnival once the ride concludes – this is not limited to just those entering the cycle event.

Although it is free to enter, all riders must register prior to the event – for more info, or to register, email hellen@Ōrewabeach.co.nz or visit https://Ōrewabeach.co.nz/