The Gentle Annie and Concept Number 2
An old saying is that the best laid plans seldom survive their first brush with reality.
So has been the case with our original plans for a set date departure for our Gentle Annie Cycle Journey. Our idea was a departure in March and another at an undetermined date during Spring 2022.
It has been very heartening to see the level of interest our concept has generated. However, almost without exception, all the responses we have received said, “We would so love to do this, but the date doesn’t suit us”, or, “We have a group that have our own bikes, that would love to do this, but again not on that date”.
Back to the drawing board!
We have a great deal of experience operating multi-day adventures on the river by raft and over central North Island hill country by horse. We thought we would bring our cycle offering more in line with how these existing multi-day adventures operated. That means more flexibility on our part!
Our Concept Number 2
Season – 1st November to 15th April – excludes any departure that would include Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday (Day 4 – Last day of the ride only).
Departures – as accommodation is included at River Valley Lodge the night before you do the first day riding, this first night is considered Day 1. Lunch at De La Terre winery is included on the last day of the ride, and as they are not open from Monday to Thursday, this limits the days on which we can offer a departure, which includes this lunch. Day 1 (first night at River Valley Lodge) can be on a Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday.
If you would like to book a departure outside these days and not include lunch at De La Terre, please inquire.
The ride includes 2 nights in a deluxe room at River Valley
Group Size – we will run a trip for groups of 5 riders or more, up to a maximum of 10 riders.
Bike Hire – E-bike hire on one of our Giant Talons or Liv Tempts is included in the price. If you would prefer to bring your own bike, we offer a discount of $200. Your bike must be able to handle a rough gravel road.
The ride price includes hire of one of our Giant Talon or Liv Tempt e-bikes
Feedback
We would appreciate feedback on this latest concept and if it would suit your needs. The Gentle Annie, Taihape to Napier Road is a spectacular part of New Zealand. We are excited to offer riders the opportunity to cycle it with support.
Let us know what you think.
Brian Megaw
