Volcanic Velos

Just realised how enthusiastically I've started most of my recent posts on this blog. Loving this, loving that. So I'll keep a more reserved feel for this one.

On Wednesday last, Sarah and I partook in a delightful bicycle ride around some of Auckland's volcanoes. There are about 40 volcanoes in the Greater Auckland region, likely to erupt again in a timeframe of 100 to 1000 years, apparently. We live on a hill, so hopefully the lava will flow around us. 

Not sure if our hill is also a volcano though. Ah well. Off we go.

Sarah doing an impression of the locals
(minus todger)

Definitely not going mad.

So, we set off on our new bikes (mine's a Wilier called Willy, Sarah's is a Merida called Miranda. We're fine, don't worry. Just need a little variety of company!) Off from the CBD area, along the rather posh Mission Bay beach front, hugging the rugged coastline all the way along. Before heading round to Point England and conquering Mt. Wellington, a proper steep little bugger!

From the top of Mt Wellington looking down at the
estates filling up the old quarry

It's Winter here in Auckland, so the locals are wrapped up in long coats and other riders are out in full thermal lycra. We think it's pretty much tropical, as evidenced by the blue skies and palm trees!

Down towards Point England

After our first volcanic climb, we were getting a bit peckish. With no bike lock with us, and the TV being plastered full of amazing McDonalds adverts for the Lamb Burger.... well. What else could we do apart from navigate the drive thru by bike.

Took a few rolls over the pressure sensor, but finally
the intercom knew we were there!

Of all the views, this is where we had our lunch

Tummies full of the most amazing burger (Chris - think lamb kebab, but even tastier!) it was time to tear up the next peak, One Tree Hill. Someone cut the one tree down, but the name remains the same. This is by far the best view of the city we've had so far.

Empty legs!

And what a view it was from the top...

Mt Eden (our last peak) sits in the distance

After completing Mt Eden and cruising back into the city, we were pretty ragged - so squeezed the bikes into our studio flat and jumped into the hot tub downstairs.

All in, not a bad day.

Bubbles machine not working?
No problem.