I started Angela loves cycling as a way of sharing my experience of cycling the length of the North Island (the first half of the 3,000-kilometre Tour Aotearoa). My initial posts talked about what I was doing to get ready - my training plan, the gear I invested in, and the rides I did to build up my fitness and transition from riding on the flat to long hours on hills and gravel. Then, once I got underway, there were regular posts about the big ride itself.
I originally intended to end Angela loves cycling when I got home. But with a cycling trip planned in Queenstown soon after my North Island adventure, I thought I might as well share my experience of those trails too. I described some of my local rides around Christchurch, and soon found I was coming up with other cycling-related topics to write about. So, Angela loves cycling kept going.
Since then, I’ve written many more posts on all things cycling. Most of them have been about recreational cycling in New Zealand - the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, my experience of trails around the country and, best of all, completing the Tour Aotearoa by cycling the South Island from one end to the other without any support.
I’ve also written about cycling in Cairns, Taiwan and Japan. I’ve interviewed others about their cycling. And I’ve covered general topics like the people you meet on cycle trails, the places you stay, and the (first) time my son Cameron got knocked off his bike while riding to work. All up, I’ve prepared 93 posts over two and a half years.
My husband Chris has been indispensable to this process - joining me on my cycling trips and providing me with an endless supply of beautiful photos to accompany my posts. (In fact, I suspect his pictures are as much of a draw as my words.)
And so have you - by continuing to read my posts, by letting me know you’re enjoying them, and by sharing Angela loves cycling with others. There’s nothing as motivating as an audience to keep the posts coming.
But now it’s time for a break. I say ‘a break’ rather than ‘the end’ because I’d like to leave open the option to share future trips with you (especially if I ever convince Chris that it’s time to cycle around the world). For now, though, it’s goodbye and thanks for reading.
Oh, one more thing. I’ve made this offer before and am happy to make it again - if you are coming to New Zealand (or live here) and want to do some cycling, please do get in touch. I would love to help you plan an awesome trip.
Thank you for sharing your experience and adventures! Best wishes
Nooo!!!🫣
Have absolutely enjoyed reading your blogs. I’ve learned so much about your beautiful country and the amazing trails on offer. Loved getting the ‘local’s knowledge’. Enjoy your break. Hopefully the next blog will be filled with excitement about an upcoming trip. Come on Chris…the world awaits 😘😘
Stay warm, keep fit
Hope we can keep in touch. x