This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
by Ray Walker
I had put my name down to lead an easy day cycle trip in Whiteman’s Valley near Upper Hutt. Three weeks out from the trip only one person had signed up, and I was getting those nobodywants-come-on-my-trip feelings. (This is always very demoralising for a trip leader!). This called for some serious begging. I went to club on Wednesday night and made the ‘please come on my trip’ begging noises. I posted a similar begging notice on the club forum. And it worked! I had people e-mailing and ringing me begging to come on my trip!
We all met at Wallaceville Railway Station in Upper Hutt on the Saturday morning at the leisurely time of 10.00am for the start of a relatively easy ride of about 28 kilometres. All 11 people who signed up arrived on time. Annemarie Wood was fortunate that she only lived a couple of blocks away, while the rest of us drove from Wellington. Everyone was keen and all set to go. Even Stuart Douce (famous for cycling from Alaska to Mexico) was there. I had to warn him that this trip would be a bit shorter than what he might be used to.
Whiteman's valley is located to the east of Upper Hutt. It is a rural country lane that follows the Mangaroa Stream south as far as a point roughly east of Silverstream. It is very picturesque and is relatively free of traffic. We started off with a bit of an uphill climb to the top of Wallaceville Hill. While regrouping at the top of the hill, I pointed out the places of interest in front of us. Having previously lived in Upper Hutt and been around this circuit a few times, I easily assumed the role of tour guide.
We set off again on a nice gentle ride for the next few kilometres. We passed the Upper Hutt Gun Club, pedalled past the turnoff to Mangaroa, and the rather quaint little church sitting in a paddock with a sign above its door stating that it had been there since 1890. We passed a side road called ‘Catherine Mansfield’ drive. I pointed out to all that were interested that this used to be named SWAMP Road, but had a name change when the surrounding land was sub-divided into lifestyle blocks. (I wonder why!). We kept cycling for several kilometres while enjoying the rural landscape: overhanging trees, rustic homesteads, and all the smells and sights normally associated with 4 legged animals.
At the end of the valley there is a side road called Johnson's Road. All those who were in front stopped and waited at this intersection for us to catch up. I had forewarned them that there was a café not far up this road (what a great incentive to stop!). The Last Straw café is not quite what you expect to find hidden down a no-exit rural road. As far as cafes go, I would have to say that this would be as good if not better than any in the big city. We managed to have a substantial rest stop. Back on our bikes, we got back onto Whiteman’s Valley Road. Annemarie pointed out her brother's farm house on a nearby hill. There were light-hearted suggestions of dropping in for lunch. Once over the little bump at the top of Blue Mountains Road, it was an exciting and fast down hill ride to the Silverstream shops. After re-grouping, we cycled back to Wallaceville via the side streets of Upper Hutt. Those that took part in this fun ride were: Ray Walker, Helen Law, Annemarie Wood, Alex Horvat, Meeka Verheal, Hans Wisherke, Mark White, Stuart Douce, Sharleen Grounds, Pete Blaxter, and Rene.
! would like to recommend this circuit to others who want to go for a ride somewhere different. This circuit can be extended quite a bit by starting at Te Marua rather than Wallaceville and perhaps returning along the Hutt River Trail.