I really like going on bike rides so we’ve picked a few places that seemed like good places to attempt. One of those places was the airport, so today we decided to take a bike ride there since it wasn’t too far and it was a GORGEOUS day here.
The ride is really interesting. The first couple miles are getting to the edge of town and then it’s a long ride past several farms and nurseries on the way to the airport.
Shot after we passed the highway and made it to the part with all the farms. . :)
It’s about five miles to the lookout spot before you get to the airport. When we got there we stopped to check out the lookout and hung out on the grass for a while since it was so lovely.
We watched planes takeoff.
And come in for a landing.
Honestly it was such a nice day! Just sitting there watching the planes was really fun. We probably stayed there for twenty minutes taking in some sun and watching planes. Guessing the size and type of incoming planes might be better entertainment than watching television.
After chilling at the lookout spot we continued on to the actual airport. You have to cross a bridge over the water and I posed for a photo.
This view is one of the first things you see of New Zealand when you land in Auckland. Everything before that is just airport stuff and then all the sudden you see the pretty water.
Overall it was a really good ride. :)
Ride Stats:
- Total Time: 1.5 hours
- Total Miles: 13.3
- Average Heart Rate: 142
- High Heart Rate: 174
- Total Calories Burned: 896
It was half the distance of our 23 mile ride last weekend and my heart rate never got too terribly high because the hills weren’t as steep. There were hills though and my legs got a crazy good workout. Between all the bike rides and strength training my legs are getting stronger and I can see/feel the difference. It’s cool.
This week I rode a total of 52.4 miles on my bike! That’s a pretty good start to my goal of riding 2011 miles in 2011. I’m excited to find more bike rides we can try out and eventually work up to a really long, multiple day trip (one of my fitness goals!).
Hope you have a great weekend! :)
So I LOVE watching planes take off and land. I squeal like a little girl :)
Vicarious bike rides are one of the main reasons I read blogs. Love it. Thanks Mary!
Glad you like them! I’ll trying to find more cool places to bike to so they stay interesting.
Nice, I love your biking goal for 2011! I want to do some multi-day trips again this summer too.
Hey Mary,
Am loving all the pics from your bike rides- I’m an aucklander currently living in the uk so they do make me a bit homesick esp all the blue sky and sunshine. Hope your triathlon training is going well, you’ll love the actual event (well maybe after you’ve finished) I did the one on the waterfront starting at okahu bay and the atmosphere was amazing. Everyone is very supportive : )
Take care, Bridget x
It sounds like you had a lovely day, and the pictures are fantastic! It’s almost enough to make me want to get my own bike (current mental block: my neighborhood is sandy and it’s all uphill to the paved road … how ridiculous is it that I can’t get over that?). New Zealand is indeed beautiful. I love your picture posts! Please do more!
I’m also glad that, despite the ups and downs of being an expat, you’re still getting out and having a great time doing things you love. :)
This makes me want to jump on my bike and just GO! Glad it went well for you.
Do it!!!!
Look at all that sunshine……I am so jealous!
It really looks like a nice day in your pictures. Sounds like a fun trip too. We had snow here today. I can’t wait for nice weather to return. Your pictures makes we long for warm days and bike rides down long hills!
There’s a guy called Bevan James Eyles who seems to be a top fitness professional that has this great podcast called Fitness Behavior that has some great content around the mind of fitness. I can’t recommend it enough. You can get it on his blog here: http://www.bevanjameseyles.com
Sarah
What a cool place! Biking is a very good way to burn some extra fat. However, it can bring tremendous hunger, so try your best to dominate yourself. I find some good articles about weight loss here.
A fantastic start to completing your goal. Sounds like it was a very pleasant time to spend with your beloved, too.
I agree with the previous comments — vicarious bike rides are great fun :)
Loved seeing the photos of the airport!! I once spent an afternoon at Kennedy Airport in New York watching planes come and go! That was something to see.
2011 miles in 2011?! Genius!!! Are you letting people borrow it? I’m just starting out myself…best of luck!!!
Sure! Anyone can do it! I’d love to have others doing it too. :)
Congrats on beginning! That’s the hard part usually!
Awesome pics. I can’t wait until it’s spring in Boston again so I can ride my bike!