Cycling and Cycle Clubs in Chch

[Woodchip]

Hi all,

I know that Chch is pretty flat (especially compared to Sussex) and that there are a couple of cycling clubs in and around Chch but does anyone have any experience of them?

I've not ridden for a couple of years but plan on taking up the sport more seriously when I get out to NZ (for a 32 year old I've missed my prime but still young enough to get fit again) so would like a club that has a variety of different abilities so I can work through the classes. I know about needing a BikeNZ licence to race, and am not to worried about that.

Quieter roads are going to make so much difference compared to my local area.

[dbonnett]

I don't live in Christchurch but I do know a good bit about the riding since riders from there sometimes come up to our races.

There is a lot of cycling going on in Christchurch and surrounds - the three major clubs are Pegasus: http://www.pegasuscycling.co.nz/, Papunui: http://www.papanuicycling.org.nz/home and Leeston (http://www.leestoncycleclub.com/) - Pegasus is the biggest of the three. A lot of racing happens in the area, including the Benchmark Series, Le Race (Christchurch to Akaroa) and weekly club races. Even though the city and plains are flat, there are lots of hills around (Port Hills, Banks Peninsula, Porters Pass etc.) so don't assume no one can climb - there are some extremely strong racers coming out of the region.

A good place to get info is Vorb (www.vorg.org.nz) but it can be a bit of a challenge to filter the useful pieces out of the 'sifting' (read teenage behaviour) that can predominate. You can also get good roadie news from: http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/ - they cover the whole range from club to pro.

Let me know if you have other questions!

[Woodchip]

Cheers. I'd been looking at Papanui and they had got my interest. Something about Pegasus seems a bit too regimented and Leeson is a bit of a way from Chch.

Thanks for the info though. I've already been using mapmyride.com to check out potential hilly routes. Found a cracker that has some 12% climbing in it. I'm looking forward to trying that one out. Nothing like being in the granny ring thinking you're about to pass out. lol

[dbonnett]

Pegasus is pretty full on, it would seem - I'll chat with some of my mates from down that way to get their take on the options.

Here is a route for you if you want a good hard ride - not for road bikes though! http://lepetitebrevet.blogspot.co.nz/
Check out the elevation profile: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/52668558 if you want to cringe in fear...
The next running is in November - pretty certain I won't be on the start line

[Woodchip]

4.3k long and AVERAGES 12.4%. I think that's a walker!!!! I doubt I'll be doing that one either.