'Love To Roll' celebrates romance and summer on two wheels

15 February 2011

You can't beat Wellington on a good day – and Sunday’s glorious weather was perfect for Frocks on Bike’s 'Love to Roll' Valentine’s ride along the capital's captivating coast.

Around 170 enthusiasts turned up in their best date outfits for a fun tribute to romantic love, celebrating summer and cycling and all the benefits it brings.

Event co-organiser, Isabella Cawthorn, from Frocks on Bikes, says participants got into the spirit by dressing up to the nines for the Valentine's ride. On the way they stopped for judging several 'best dressed' contests, with prizes from Duke Carvell's, Emma Collections, Paramount Cinema and A La Mode photography. A random draw for a Mamachari urban bike kept everyone on tenterhooks.

The 'Love to Roll' ride followed the coast from Oriental Bay to the annual festival at Island Bay. Isabella says everyone loved the Festival, and was keen to hear the winners of the prizes, but the journey on that South Coast was the best part.

“You cruise along at your own pace, you get to smell and hear the sea, listen to gulls and be part of the beautiful scenery. You just can't beat it.

“We’re all about the ‘anywhere, any time, any outfit’ approach to getting on a bike. It doesn't have to be sporty or hard work. You can cycle however you like – and Wellingtonians know just how good they look on two wheels dressed up for a date.”

Following on from the success of ‘Love to Roll’, Wellington cyclists are being encouraged to rock up for some more two-wheeled good times this week.

On Wednesday 16th there’s the annual ‘Go By Bike Breakfast’, an invitation to start the working day on two wheels, rewarded with a tasty breakfast on Wellington’s waterfront. The venue is Queens Wharf, under the sails, from 7 to 9am. Free coffee, bagels, fruit, cereals and chocolate will be available, and there will be inspiring speakers, music, and a chance to win some great spot prizes!

A similar event is also being held in the Hutt outside Hutt City Council in Laings Road.

At 5.30pm on Wednesday, cyclists are invited to join the annual Mayoral Challenge. During the Mayoral Challenge, New Zealand towns and cities compete for the title of ‘Cycle Mad City’ by getting as many people as possible to follow their Mayor on a fun bike ride. In Celia Wade-Brown Wellington arguably has the most ‘cycle-mad’ mayor in the country so that should give the capital a head start! Meet under the sails at Queens Wharf (the same place as the Go By Bike breakfast venue) for a ride along Wellington's waterfront to Oriental Parade.

ENDS

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