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McLeans Island Bike Trail





McLeans Island in the outskirts of Christchurch is a hidden treasure for Cantabrians to discover. I've lived here for the past 3 years, and this is actually the first time I'd been here.

We started off later than we had actually planned. Quite a few things happened to cause this, and it was probably a miracle that we even went at all. First of all, I wanted to transfer the child seat rack from my wife's bike to my new bike. Transplant unsuccessful. Reasons? Frame too big. And disc brake got in the way. Verdict? Dust off the old Shogun Trailbreaker and use that for this trip. As you can guess this dusting off time went on for a bit longer than expected.

But finally, we were underway after tucking in a sandwich, and getting the bike rack on the car (seriously biking takes up quite a bit of work even before you hit the trail!).

It took quite a bit of time to reach McLeans Island, roughly taking about 20 mins by car, but we finally made it (after getting a bit lost I must admit).

This first thing that hit us when we arrived was this fantastic scent. I couldn't quite place it first. It came wafting with the cool breeze, this lovely aroma - refreshing and calming. And as we hit the trails, I realised that we were smelling the pine trees! So that's what they smelt like.

The trails were gorgeously fun. Small slopes and winding ways, it was like going on a rollercoaster! And people actually pay to get this much fun in other places! And we Cantabrians get it for free. Isn't that grand?

I was so proud of Adel today. We must have done close to 7kms or so, which is nothing for me, by for a little 6 year-old on a BMX, that is quite an achievement.

I am also surprised that my legs don't ache, and that my shoulders are killing me. But I guess it would make sense since a lot of the time I spent manoeuvring the slopes and turns, instead of making good speed by pedalling. And of course it is no surprise that my left hand burned all the way.

All in all a good day. If you live in Christchurch and you still haven't gone here, DO come! Bring your kids. Make it a day. You won't regret it!
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