My Account
A club that members describe as “the best kept secret in Auckland” is bringing a cycling event to Orewa that is open to everyone.
The Thumbs Up Adventure Club was started in 1993 by Aucklander Vonnie Hill after her children left home.
Past president David Verrall of Orewa says that Vonnie saw all the adventures that the young people were having and decided she would like to try those things too. That has remained the basis for the club – members are aged 45 and up and every year a range of activities, both social and active, are offered.
Since joining six years ago, David, aged 68, has tramped, abseiled and mountain biked as well as trying caving, river rafting and archery. David joined the club after his wife died. He says he was active in a number of sports but had not done a lot of other outdoor activities. He is limited by a heart condition, but says that there are options to suit everyone and it’s a very supportive group.
“I’ve made some wonderful friends and although it’s definitely not a dating club, some people have met a ‘significant other’,” David says. “Members have also travelled to places like the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu and Vietnam together.”
Around 10 of the club’s 120 members live on the Hibiscus Coast and several of its activities have been held in the area. The latest is a Light Up Your Bike ride around Te Ara Tahuna (Orewa Estuary walk and cycleway), which will be held this month.
The idea came about after members saw some mass cycle rides in the United States and along Auckland’s waterfront at night, with all the bikes lit up. Rob Arnett of Stanmore Bay decided it would be a good idea to organise a similar event on the Coast and open it to the public, especially children.
The Light up Your Bike ride is free, open to all ages, and starts at Western Reserve (behind Estuary Arts Centre) at 5.30pm on June 24. It will finish around 8pm. There is no need to pre-register to attend, and it goes ahead rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to think big when it comes to lighting up their bikes, and add bells and whistles to make the ride fun to watch, as well as be in.
Info: www.tuac.co.nz
