10 Reasons We Know Lance Will Love Christchurch

Tour de France legend and celebrated cancer survivor Lance Armstrong has announced his return to triathlon – which is taking him all the way to Rotorua, New Zealand, in January 2011. He obviously still has a bit to learn about New Zealand’s real multisport capital; here’s a few reasons why Lance should put Christchurch and Canterbury on his cycling map.

1. St James Cycle Trail

We know that Lance has more experience on-road than off, but that shouldn’t stop him from helping New Zealand celebrate it’s very first “Great Ride.” St James is New Zealand’s first cycle trail project amongst the national cycleways to open to those keen cyclists amongst us – starting this summer.

2.       Hanmer Springs

‘Cycling muscles’ are one-and-the-same as ‘weary muscles’ – but nothing a stop at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa won’t cure. A logical stop on the way back to Christchurch from the St James circuit, or just a good training ride through the Waipara Wine Valley on a Saturday afternoon.

View of Akaroa from the Hilltop

3.       Akaroa and the Bays

Speaking of day trips, Lance could combine some pre-tri training with sightseeing. How about a leisurely pedal from Christchurch over the Hilltop to Akaroa followed by a run along Rue Lavaud and a swim with the rare Hector’s dolphins? When you finally catch your breath, the scenery takes it straight away again.

4.       Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Although St James is the first of the national cycleway projects to open, the “Alps to Ocean” project linking Aoraki Mt Cook to the coast is another serious temptation for anyone who likes to travel on two wheels. For someone always up for a challenge, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting than in the shadow of NZ’s highest peak.

5.       Team CCT

Kia ora, Haere mae. It’s always nice to be welcomed by people who understand you. Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism are an energetic team and  often commute on two wheels. Don’t be surprised to find us having an after-5 blat in the forest, whizz down Rapaki or weekend circuits around the Gorges.

6.       Christchurch Gourmet Bike Tour

Being an energetic sport, it’s always practical to combine cycle touring with sampling local staples. Christchurch’s City Gourmet Bike Tour takes in the Twisted Hop microbrewery, High Street’s C1 Café and Mona Vale’s historic homestead – whether it’s a Sunday roast or custard square you’re after, it’s no wonder Christchurch cyclists are so healthy.

7.       Terrace Downs Resort

Lance knows luxury, but even Lance has probably never seen anything like Terrace Downs Resort. After 18 holes of high country golf and an evening spa treatment, they’ll probably be able to talk him into the Terrace Downs Defi, New Zealand’s newest and most exciting multisport event. This will help him understand why Christchurch is known as the most active city in New Zealand, and why triathlon could take him one step closer to real adventure – a paddle on the Rakaia and a bike ride through the spectacular Gorge.

8.       Pegasus

Pegasus Golf & Sports Club (20 minutes from Christchurch) is the site of a December Triathlon Festival (with or without Lance). Local runners, cyclists and swimmers love this extensive outdoor recreation area, which reaches from the Waimakariri to the Ashley River. There’s a network of walking and cycling trails, abundant wildlife along the Ashley estuary and protected coves for swimming and kayaking.

Canterbury's Southern Alps

9.       Five Passes

Dyers, Evans, Gebbies, Arthur’s, Porters, Burkes, Lewis………..who’s counting? Lance loves hills and, thanks to the Southern Alps, the South Island promises world-class climbs and spectacular views across braided river valleys and patchwork plains.

10.   Festival of Cycling

Every December Christchurch comes out on two wheels to celebrate being New Zealand’s most cycle-friendly city – there’s a buzz in the hills and a race along the bays. Choose the Crater Rim off-road challenge or the traditional Long Bays circuit; or pour a glass of sav on the Terrace and watch the Criterium get underway. This year celebrity spotting could be the main attraction!

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