Cycling Routes.

The physical characteristics of Canterbury make it an ideal country for the cyclist. For perhaps 140 miles from the Waipara to the Timaru Downs, the traveller meets with nothing that can be called a hill; and some of the roads striking off towards the west to the main range, run from twenty to forty miles before they enter undulating country. When it is remembered that Canterbury possesses over 10,000 miles page 59 of well-made roads, which surpass in quality most highways in the colony, it is easy to understand why Christchurch has always been regarded as the home of cycling in New Zealand. In the city itself, the streets in fine weather are crowded with cyclists: men and women, boys and girls, alike have developed a pronounced taste for the “machine.” The tracks to Sumner and along the Ferry Road, and those which have been laid across the North Park and elsewhere, contribute largely to the comfort and convenience of thousands of energetic votaries of the wheel.

Most of the tourist routes already described are practicable for the bicycle. Many cyclists have crossed the Dividing Range by the Otira Gorge to the West Coast; but the trip can hardly be recommended to the average rider, as the incessant rain and the dangerous rivers render the hill country rather ill adapted for such a trip. Young men accustomed to “roughing it,” however, will always find fresh delight in the 100 miles of varied and picturesque road that stretches from Springfield to Kumara. It is possible to ride from Christchurch to Timaru over the plains, and to continue the journey to Dunedin. But it must be owned that the trip is very monotonous, and is attempted chiefly by “scorchers,” or the type of rider who is always in search of a new “record.” The roads leading out towards the Southbridge and Ellesmere district pass through beautiful agricultural and pastoral country, and are much frequented by cyclists. The road to Leeston (twenty-five miles) has been the scene of many a famous road race; and the Lincoln Road, Riccarton Road, and the North Road leading past Kaiapoi, Leithfield, and Amberley to the Weka Pass (forty miles) are all, in fine weather, splendidly adapted for ordinary riding. At one time it used to be the fashion among expert cyclists to ride the hundred odd miles to the Hurunui and back to Christchurch within the day; and this “record” has been the excuse for many exciting competitions. But the Christchurch cyclists, who are not anxious about records, and want a pleasant outing amidst pretty country scenery, can enjoy themselves better nearer home. A run to New Brighton (six miles), or Sumner (nine miles) in an early summer morning is a delightful experience: and the charms of a moonlight excursion along the foot of the hills past St. Martin's, to Heathcote Valley, and back by the Ferry Bridge to town (fifteen miles) are not easy to surpass. In spite of the level uniformity of the country, it is possible to get quite sufficient practice in “hill climbing”; and competitions have been held on the lower stretches of the Dyer's Pass Road, at Cashmere, to encourage that rather heroic form of exercise, Every exertion is being made by the Pioneer Club and other influential cyclist bodies to promote the construction of cycle tracks in town and suburbs; though Christchurch is less in need of these aids to cyclists than any other town in the colony.