Flat ride in flat white heaven

The coffee theme runs strongly through our rides, and the blog. So here’s a real treat, a short, flat circuit great views and some of the best flat whites you’ll drink anywhere.

The only possible snag is you have to start at the Te Papa museum in Wellington, New Zealand, and ride south around the harbour. The chances are you will either be battling your way into a gale or speeding along with the pedals idling. They don’t call it Windy Wellington without good reason.

Heading south around the harbor - its always windy

Keep south till you come to Lyall Bay where the wind will certainly be making its presence felt, turn right and a short way along, park up by the Maranui, one of Welly’s classic indie coffee houses where the food is great and the coffee strong.

 

At the Maranui - great coffee here

Caffienated up? Well, keep riding along the coast and keep going until you see the Bach. It’s only about 10k, raised up above the road, with a terrace overlooking the sea. It’s a bit rough and ready, but that’s the mark of the great Wellington café tradition. Here the full kiwi breakfast will set you up – along with another flat white.

 

"The works" at the Bach 

Did you have a horror of a headwind? Smile because you now head back to Lyall Bay but after passing the Maranui, keep straight on towards the airport. If you are in need of a quick caffeine lift, you will pass the Spruce Goose before running parallel with the planes taking off and then ducking beneath the runway.

There’s a little hill as you leave the airport but that’s about as tough as it gets. The coast road around Worriser Bay is a delight but look out for the sign that says watch out for penguins…but seriously, watch out for the penguins.

Watch out for the penguins crossing!

As you come back towards the city, there’s another top stop at the Chocolate Fish. It’s easy to spot because there’s a host of old bikes for children to belt about on while the oldies are downing another great coffee. There are some pretty gory looking cakes here too.

Pass the other end of the runway and keep following the bay beside the collection of wind driven sculptures. At the giant needle, turn right and before you know it you will have clocked about 45km and at least three flat whites.

If you aren’t on a high, you’d better order an extra shot in each coffee next time around.

Back in the city centre, the DeLuxe is another stop for a caffeine infusion

Great coffee, great volume too when its served in bowls like this