PAEKAKARIKI HILL RIDE
About 36 kms. We usually start at Pauatahanui and pedal north up the Paekakariki Hill to the summit. Superb views over Kapiti and the coast. Then swoop down onto the asphalt bike track to the right of SH 1 and head south. Stay on it to Pukerua Bay - it takes you alongside the ocean - join it again just beyond the shops at the top and continue on to Plimmerton. Then left up the hill to Gray's Rd (round the northern side of the inlet) and back to Pauatahanui. Lots of variety, wonderful on a good day. We have done it from the other direction starting at Paekakariki, and going up to the summit, but generally prefer the first option because the winds are usually more favourable and the climb isn't so steep. Because we aren't into performance cycling it takes us 2-3 hours and longer if we stop for the views, a drink and an ice-cream