The Dongers

We have both been lent bicycles by respective colleagues and so have a new freedom to explore more quickly. Cycling is the dominant form of transport here, supported and made safe by the network of cycle/walking tracks, and we have found it very pleasant to be out and about by bicycle. We go to work by bicycle also; it takes 15 minutes instead of the 35 minute walk. It’s easy to wear work clothes and cycle at a gentle pace, instead of the necessary lycra and speed that seems to be the norm in NZ. H's cycle is a classic-at least 40 years old, no gears, huge pedal circumference that makes pedalling (even uphill) relatively easy, although one gets to the stage where one simply cant pedal if the hill is too steep and then everyone simply walks that section. We have been finding new ways of getting to work, to the shops etc and now don’t even require a map unless we are trying to get to a specific address. Pretty good feeling. The only drawback is that it takes at least five minutes to dress up in all the required warm gear for cycling; jacket, gloves, headgear and scarf. Temperatures have certainly dropped since our arrival; it’s regularly 4 or 5 degrees in the morning en route to work and again in the evenings.