Local Hospitality on The Manawatu Cycleway

The Country Road is not a specific road, but a journey, an experience and an attitude. Traveling The Country Road will lead you to meet our people, see our secret places, discover hidden treasures and experience what life is like in our part of New Zealand. Meander through our country lanes, our villages, our towns and our City to experience an ever changing landscape of places, people and businesses. We are proud of what is unique to our Region, and we want to share this with you.

Thursday, 23 February 2012 08:17

Local Hospitality on The Manawatu Cycleway

Written by Janet Reynolds

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Stunning Scenery on The Country Road Image courtesy of Warren Jones

The launch of the Manawatu Cycleway on The Country Road was an absolute pleasure to be part of. Over 50 cyclists joined us from throughout the lower North Island in a two-day ride of the new 126km route of the New Zealand Cycleway.

So many highlights come to mind. Here are a few, along with some great images courtesy of Warren Jones and Iron Gates local, Mary Bielski.

Speaking of Mary, she and husband Steve were wonderful hosts. They both came to Totara Reserve to welcome the cyclists into our Region. Steve got behind the barbecue and grilled some good steak, and Mary played the guitar and sang by the camp fire. They also provided a bathroom stop for the cyclists at their home.

A lot of local farmers put out signs and some came out to greet the cyclists at the roadside. Virginia Travers provided a particularly warm welcome with a roadside stall with free, homemade lemonade and fresh baking to nourish the cyclists.

The new picnic tables installed by Manawatu District Council provided comfortable rest stops along the route, and the one on the corner of Te Parapara Road also offered panoramic views.

Fellow campers and a few locals joined in the shared barbecue dinner and campfire sing-a-long at Totara Reserve. It was a crystal clear night and the milky way really put on a show.

11 year old Abby Liddell rode over 100km of the 126km route, and was still smiling by the time she reached The Square.

The sight of baked potatoes and a coffee cart in The Square was a welcome relief for the carb-hungry cyclists. Riding 126km will do that to you!

Local musician Graeme James Crehan really put on a show for the weary travellers. What a great way to end the perfect weekend!

Last modified on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 12:37

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Janet Reynolds

Most of my weekends are spent exploring our Region and it never ceases to amaze me that no matter how well you think you know it, there is always something new to discover.

My family and I are very keen on fishing and kayaking, so a day at the beach is perfect for us.

My secret hobby is op shopping. I love to score treasures from antique and used goods shops, whether it's a 1950's relic, a pre-loved book or a bargain fashion find.

I'm no green thumb, but I love to spend time in the garden, trying new things and mostly growing all sorts of edible delights.

You are most likely to see me walking the dog, at the beach - out and about in our spectacular region.

Website: www.thecountryroad.co.nz