Adventure Magazine December 2019/January 2020

Switchbacks approaching the summit of Mt Wuling
Our group of 11 cyclists could not be more diverse, ranging from novice cyclists who were
very happy to accept an E-bike, to Brett who recently completed the Tour of Aoteroa – 3,000km
of mainly off-road cycling from Reinga to Bluff, carrying all his gear. Even more intimidating,
Brett completed/finished in 19 days. Although obviously born with titanium knees, the
achievement demands respect. /Respect.
In between are 3 of us over-60’s who were very happy to accept almost brand-new Giant
Advanced bikes with its smart looking climbing frame and Integra gear including a very
forgiving 34 sprocket in the cassette. The low-body-fat members of the group either had their
own bikes or were very happy with the Giant Propel, 8.5kg of Aero-bike replete electric gearchange.
Like they needed that advantage.
"The road surfaces are
a cyclist dream, clean
and genuinely smooth,
and shared with very
considerate drivers."
The team from Giant Adventures were our chosen guides. Highly organised, cheerful and
sometimes tolerant group of 3 very capable cyclists. Min took up point position at the front
of the group. Weighing less than 50 Kg dripping wet, loaded with camera and gels, she came
armed with a whistle that she blew with a gusto way out of proportion to her diminutive size,
warning us of hazards, upcoming intersections, traffic lights and breaks.
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