<rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>getfixedbicycles</title><description>getfixedbicycles</description><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/blog</link><item><title>The Timber Trail</title><description><![CDATA[Fools rush in where angels fear to tread - what great words of wisdom. Having not been out on a proper ride at all this year, it was probably a wee bit ambitious to think the 85km, 2 day Timber Trail Ride would be a doddle. My research on the Timber Trail ride consisted of watching 2 YouTube clips of people looking relaxed and also reading an article, probably written by a cycling athlete who said it was 'gentle and undulating'. So not much. And I wouldn't say we are the most cautious or overly<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/klxteTdKuuk/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Angela Bendall</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2018/11/26/The-Timber-Trail</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2018/11/26/The-Timber-Trail</guid><pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:27:37 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/klxteTdKuuk"/><div>Fools rush in where angels fear to tread - what great words of wisdom. Having not been out on a proper ride at all this year, it was probably a wee bit ambitious to think the 85km, 2 day Timber Trail Ride would be a doddle. My research on the Timber Trail ride consisted of watching 2 YouTube clips of people looking relaxed and also reading an article, probably written by a cycling athlete who said it was 'gentle and undulating'. So not much. </div><div>And I wouldn't say we are the most cautious or overly prepared of people when it comes to these little riding soirees. I felt well equipped because I'd brought the right shoes and remembered my jacket. </div><div>Anyway, so I'm framing this up to sound like it was a bad experience. It wasn't at all. It was masses of fun and a very cool adventure. Just a little more taxing than I'd expected...and not taxing enough for Simon who (im)patiently sat behind me for the majority of the 85kms. </div><div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_680ac3d6d3414d2aa21fa61a811a2e5c~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_07aed8048dfb412b94676ef494eae96f~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_948f7dc39fd04eba8e6f5e247621b72b~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_1115ce7f9de8415893dc9b99fbf587d8~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_ca98e16263524c3b810c1754dac3b6da~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_8e9d4c2e897645c9901041e0367f1e91~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_b0168628e597463488f9334d214e9bdb~mv2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_39a22ff1515249e896b5cabbdf6dff0a~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.jpg"/><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_72651b4581df4c49b1fa951d5df5169b~mv2.jpg"/></div><div>We stayed in Ongarue at the Flashpackers. Our host; Rem was an utter legend - transferring our van each day back from start and halfway points after riding on his handmade bike the 90km and 55km uphill slogs to get there. 'I like to get my exercise in' he told us unphased. Even on day 2 he rode the 55km to get our van after undergoing a root canal that morning. Legend. And our stay at the Flashpackers? Utter bliss. We had the whole place to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed the spa at the end of each day of riding. The place itself is pristinely clean and has everything you need to self cater and relax. Kitchen, beds, facilities are all finished to a beautiful, top quality standard. Would definitely recommend this place. </div><div>Historically Ongarue was the base for a major Central North Island timber industry operation. Ellis and Burnand were one of the largest native timber companies in the country, and almost certainly the leading producer of Rimu timber.</div><div>Unlike most other bush tram routes, much of the Ongarue tram system survives unmodified, making it a nationally significant site which represents an important part of the timber industry and pioneering New Zealand. The old tram route with its cuttings, embankments and stream crossings, winds through scenic natural bush. The spiral is one of the most spectacular sections. An impressive sight, it comprised a lower-level bridge, a very deep cutting, a curved tunnel, a complete circle of track and an over-bridge.</div><div>The Timber Trail as a ride? It's pretty magnificent; There is a distance marker every kilometre - starting with 1km at the Pureora end and finishing at 82km at the Ongarue Trail Head - this can be both a good thing and a bad thing from a psychological perspective.</div><div>There are heaps of interesting spots to stop with historical information boards dotted along the trail. We went north to south so started at Pureora and cycled to Piropiro on our first day. This part is Intermediate/Grade 3. The trail starts by winding its way through the stunning Pikiariki Ecological Area before climbing Mount Pureora.</div><div>The track then sidles around the mountain at 940 m above sea level, travelling across two large suspension bridges before heading down toward the mid point of the trail at Piropiro. The first 11km of the Northern halfs' 40km are a long gradual climb, after that, the track is generally downhill with a few speedy decents - my personal favourite.</div><div>At the 39km mark you could opt to camp at Piropiro or stay at The Timber Trail Lodge. This is where we had Rem from the Flashpackers leave our car - at the camp so that we could drive back to Ongarue for the night. </div><div>Day 2 was where the psychological perspective of me thinking that the second half was easier than the first did not work in my favour. Rem had said the first 3kms or so was a gentle accent. 'or so' was about another 5kms of not so gentle accent. And with a sore bottom, it threw me a bit. I got over it pretty quickly though with all the fun downhill bits that followed. </div><div>Most of the southern end of the the Timber Trail is Easy/Grade 2. Yes, there are a few steep ascents/descents that require a bit more effort and skill, but overall it's pretty cruisy to be honest.</div><div>What I loved most on the second half was the real sense of solitude you experience - there are no escape routes meaning you're committed to completing the full 45km.</div><div>We began the 2nd day, after doctoring my saddle with some creative padding, at the Piropiro campsite which is also the 40km point. The trail from here winds very gently through lush green native forest to the beautiful Maramataha Suspension Bridge.</div><div>From the bridge to around the 47km mark is a steady climb and the only really tough section of the trail. From this point the trail trends downhill with a few long, fast and exhilarating sections - the best of these runs for about 10kms from the 67km mark.</div><div>At the 74km mark is the Ongarue Spiral. The trail then winds through Forestry and Farm lands to the finishing point in Ongarue and the end of our adventure.</div><div>From there it was homeward bound with a quick stop at the pub in National Park for dinner. Good times. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Feeling the Rain</title><description><![CDATA[Bob Marley said 'Some people feel the rain, others just get wet' Since January this year, when we made a deliberate decision to 'feel the rain' we've had such an amazing adventure - in spite of whatever the weather has been up to. Getting an opportunity to grow a business and help activate an otherwise underutilised part of the city made us feel pretty fortunate. And OK, like any small business owners there have been many days when we've relished being in control of our own destinies and other<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/19I5YwHuweg/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2018/11/07/Feeling-the-Rain</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2018/11/07/Feeling-the-Rain</guid><pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2018 07:57:06 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/19I5YwHuweg"/><div>Bob Marley said 'Some people feel the rain, others just get wet' Since January this year, when we made a deliberate decision to 'feel the rain' we've had such an amazing adventure - in spite of whatever the weather has been up to. </div><div>Getting an opportunity to grow a business and help activate an otherwise underutilised part of the city made us feel pretty fortunate. And OK, like any small business owners there have been many days when we've relished being in control of our own destinies and other days when we've been rocking in the corner, sucking our thumbs crying for mummy. For the most part we know we are on the right path for us. </div><div>From the look of all of the engagement on a recent Facebook post we made re us closing for a short time (nearly 500 reactions, over 600 comments and around 60 shares) everyone agrees, Porirua's Harbours Edge site is a bloody great initiative. We thought it might be a good idea however, to just put a bit of a backstory around our rationale for closing up for a bit.</div><div>Perspective is everything right? There was a Stuff article published that we reckon made us sound a bit like whoosy whiney whingers. We really didn't even want to do the article in the first place but it sounded like they wanted to run a story regardless of whether or not we told things from our perspective so we thought we'd better have a yarn with them. As soon as they told us to look sad for the photo it dawned on us that we were probably meant to be playing a particular part for a good reader story. In reality, and looking at it with some perspective, there is no great angle to this story, nothing newsworthy to speak of really. We asked them to amend it or take it down but we think it's still out there somewhere. </div><div>It all started Thursday last week. The clamp guy came in and told me that from Saturday we (as in Simon and I) wouldn't be able to park outside the shop. I told Simon who looked like he was listening but evidently wasn't (which isn't unusual when I am talking to him while he is working on bikes) because on Saturday he parked up outside his workshop and low and behold - got clamped. There was an exchange of interesting dialogue between clampee and clamper and then Simon gave in and took up the clampers offer of a discount if he paid straight away - $150 was better than $400 and a tow. </div><div>Now the fact that there was actually no formal communication and also that there were other cars parked along the row directly outside Harbours Edge that didn't get clamped, made us a bit cross to say the least. So I rang the clamper to ask what the story was. I was then told that any persons parked in the carpark that entered our shop from Saturday (last Saturday) onwards would immediately be clamped if clampers were onsite. So I was like 'are you for real?' and he was like 'yes, for real'. I asked him if all of the Harbours Edge Pop-Up shop owners knew about this and he told me that I was meant to have told them (Oh OK, first I'd heard - I knew about telling Simon, but no one else). Then I asked why the other cars weren't being clamped that were also parked along the edge of the pop-up site and he hung up on me. So I just stood there with my jaw dropped for ages before I snapped out of it and thought through our options of which there were only 3, because people will naturally, as they have always done, park outside the shop even though there is a sign directing them to Semple Street. So, we could either</div><div>Carry on doing business and pretend not to know about the immediate clamping and just risk having our customers get clamped and have to fork out $$$ (and for the record - this was never really an option)or, put a system in place whereby when we see people heading towards us we race out, tell them to get back in their car, head out to the roundabout, turn right, then right again at the second round-about, then right again in to the little carpark area near Pirates Cove then walk back to us - hmmmm maybe - bit of a negative experience for our customers though, orClose (the café at least) until the problem is sorted and we can send out a consistent message to our customers about where to park.</div><div>So we went with option 3 and honestly didn't think it would be that big of a deal until the comments and feedback started coming through on our facebook page. People evidently are passionate about this pretty little part of the city and the clamping issues past and present.</div><div>Firstly, let's just all agree that the Harbours Edge Pop up site is a fabulous way to activate this lovely part of Porirua - to bring some good community vibes to an empty space. Porirua City Council you progressive thinking little beauty. I think we can also all agree, that sometimes good things don't always happen in the right order and if you wait to get every single duck in a row everybodies dead and nobody cares anymore and Elvis leaves the building without anybody noticing. So good on them for making this happen. And as far as securing parking for the site - it's been a work in progress - nothing is simple when it comes to multiple parties being involved. </div><div>So the clamping problem was always an issue in this parking area - never so much for us but for many of the tenants at the Harbourside site because their customers and staff were being clamped if they were parked even just a few minutes over the 90 minute time allowance. They were also getting clamped if they shopped at one of the tenant stores but then went across to use the toilets at Pataka or popped in to Crackerjack for a look after getting a treatment at Caci or buying some meat at Prestons. And this problem was going on long before the Harbours Edge Pop Up went in. One day we even witnessed a young girl in tears who had been at the gym and had obviously had a longer than 90 minute workout, another lady stopped to help and a physical altercation took place between the helper woman and the clamper. Not nice. Not necessary. We know the clampers have a job to do but come on - draw a line in the sand boys about whats acceptable behaviour and whats not.</div><div>OK - so that aside - the other issue was the inconsistent messages coming through. The clampers would only come every so often (it seemed to us that it was usually around times when the city would be at it's busiest with events etc going on) but you would never quite know when. Sometimes we would be told that it's OK for us to park outside our shop and other times we'd be told it wasn't and then later, Oh it's OK now - anyway confusing and inconsistent messages from the clampers - annoying and perplexing. Everyone hates a clamping but if there's going to be clamping going on, at least be consistent and upfront about when, where and what will trigger it. </div><div>As for us, we haven't been paying for parking and so we get that other tenants may get pissed off about that - for sure - no arguments there. We have always made it known that we are happy to pay for parking - no issue there either. Once the powers that be worked out what was fair - let us know, we just want to make it work. The issue was solely around the inconsistent messages coming through, the ambiguity around who's sending the clampers and why, and then, from our perspective, to be suddenly told that every person coming in to our shop from that day forward will be clamped immediately - these, for us, were the issues. </div><div>All we want is to make a living, inspire a love for cycling and the outdoors plus create some good vibes and service a space for some happy community times. This year has been a massive journey on every level - from Simon converting empty shipping containers into customer facing spaces, to me quitting a corporate job to run a café after never having been in the hospitality industry before in my life (honesty is the best policy) - it's certainly been a learning curve. But thanks to the foresight of PCC, the patience and loyalty of our regular customers from Prestons, NZ Uniforms, Nannies Plus, Caci Clinic, Cross Accounting, Pak'n'Save, Bluebell Club, The Colour Closet, Revive Massage, Capital Coast Health etc, who have stuck with us and supported us even on the darkest, wettest and coldest of days, we've survived our first winter. </div><div>Now this story does have a happy ending because we were notified today that our customers will no longer be immediately clamped for parking outside and coming in to our shop so long is the stay is no longer than 90 minutes. And unless you're hiring a bike (in which case we would definitely direct you to park on Semple Street) you're not going to get clamped. So just because I have 'Bob Marley Quotes' opened up on another tab, I'm going to quote him again because I saw one before that's fitting for us; 'love the life you live and live the life you love' now we can go on doing just that because being part of one of the beautiful developments taking place in Porirua right now is exactly where we want to be. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018</title><description><![CDATA[Bored with the usual New Years' Eve party? We decided to find a new way to celebrate by taking an Electric Bike trip up Colonial Knob. And it was fun. Weird weather, but fun. If you look at some of the other New Years Eve traditions around the world, our adventure up the Knob is actually pretty tame in comparison. Check it out...New Years Eve traditions in...Spain Eat a grape with every strike of the bell at midnight for prosperity, only then can you say "Happy New Year!".Finland Throw molten<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3pFfVieX5Wc/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/12/31/HAPPY-NEW-YEAR-2018</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/12/31/HAPPY-NEW-YEAR-2018</guid><pubDate>Sun, 31 Dec 2017 09:16:45 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3pFfVieX5Wc"/><div>Bored with the usual New Years' Eve party? We decided to find a new way to celebrate by taking an Electric Bike trip up Colonial Knob. And it was fun. Weird weather, but fun. If you look at some of the other New Years Eve traditions around the world, our adventure up the Knob is actually pretty tame in comparison. Check it out...New Years Eve traditions in...</div><div>Spain Eat a grape with every strike of the bell at midnight for prosperity, only then can you say &quot;Happy New Year!&quot;.</div><div>Finland Throw molten metal into cold water then predict the future from its shape – a heart or ring means a wedding, a ship signifies travel and a pig means plenty of food.</div><div>Croatia It's ok to have roast pork, wild boar or rabbit stew for dinner on New Year's Day but not lobster or crab as they move backwards (or sideways!) which can lead to setbacks in the coming year.</div><div>Italy Wear red underwear for good luck, throw pots, pans and clothes out of the window to let go of the past and eat lentils for money and good fortune.</div><div>Colombia Walk around the block with an empty suitcase for lots of travel in the New Year and wear yellow underwear for good luck!</div><div>Ecuador Make a large scarecrow-like doll, often in the image of some disliked person or celebrity, and set them on fire at midnight, symbolising riddance of the bad things from the past year.</div><div>Brazil Wear white to ward off bad spirits and in coastal towns give offerings (usually flowers) to Iemanjá, Godess of the Sea, and jump seven waves for good fortune.</div><div>Japan Dress up in the coming years’ zodiac animal, decorate your house with lobsters for longevity and clean the house from top to toe.</div><div>South Africa Throw old furniture or appliances out of the window (police in Johannesburg have cracked down on this due to the number of pedestrian injuries!).</div><div>Thailand Celebrate on 13th-15th April (as this is the start of the New Year in Theravada Buddhism) by throwing water on each other to wash away bad luck.</div><div>and now...</div><div>Porirua Take a bike trip up Colonial Knob and try not to get lost in the fog and mistake bushes for people. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Belmont Regional Park - 4 Degrees, Electric Avenue and Weta</title><description><![CDATA[On Labour Day last month when the weather turned unlike normal Welly weather i.e. windless, warm and sunny, we decided to venture out for a ride to Belmont Regional ParkThe park covers 3500 hectares of hills and valleys between Porirua and Hutt Valley, including the 1200 hectare Waitangirua Farm. Visitors to the park can check out Korokoro Dam, World War II ammunition magazines, and part of the original Old Coach Road. There are also some pretty impressive views of the park and beyond on offer<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/b_ihaM9mUzk/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/12/04/Belmont-Regional-Park---4-Degrees-Electric-Avenue-and-Weta</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/12/04/Belmont-Regional-Park---4-Degrees-Electric-Avenue-and-Weta</guid><pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2017 18:14:28 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b_ihaM9mUzk"/><div>On Labour Day last month when the weather turned unlike normal Welly weather i.e. windless, warm and sunny, we decided to venture out for a ride to Belmont Regional Park</div><div>The park covers 3500 hectares of hills and valleys between Porirua and Hutt Valley, including the 1200 hectare Waitangirua Farm. Visitors to the park can check out Korokoro Dam, World War II ammunition magazines, and part of the original Old Coach Road. There are also some pretty impressive views of the park and beyond on offer from several peaks including Boulder Hill, Round Knob, Cannons Head, and Belmont Trig.</div><div>The gradual climb through native bush on the 4 Degrees trail to start isn't too punishing at all and the easy track is a really enjoyable warm up. </div><div>From 4 Degrees we moved on to Electric Avenue, an intermediate level trail. It was mostly digger built and completed by hand by BAMBA. The trail offers a really nice flow with some challenging berms and two great table tops just after the start. </div><div>From 4 Degrees we chose the Weta descent to get back which is a more challenging Advanced level track. Although it's only around 649 metres in length, it's a great one to keep you on your toes. Running from a skid site half way up Danzig, it follows on nicely from Electric Avenue. The challenge of the sustained steep sections was pretty invigorating to say the least. </div><div>All in all a great ride and a nice way to end a long weekend. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Scott Aspect 970 Review</title><description><![CDATA[We took a Scott Aspect 970 Mountain Bike through some paces up Rangatuhi, Colonial Knob.For $695 this is a fantastic starter Mountain Bike. Handles well, tyres work well, great frame, plenty of range in gears to get you up the hills - overall fantastic value for money and perfect for beginner to intermediate Mountain Bike riders.<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/hzviakwdat8/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/11/14/Scott-Aspect-970-Review</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/11/14/Scott-Aspect-970-Review</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2017 19:24:31 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hzviakwdat8"/><div>We took a Scott Aspect 970 Mountain Bike through some paces up Rangatuhi, Colonial Knob.</div><div>For $695 this is a fantastic starter Mountain Bike. Handles well, tyres work well, great frame, plenty of range in gears to get you up the hills - overall fantastic value for money and perfect for beginner to intermediate Mountain Bike riders. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Best Frame Size for Your Height Info-graphic</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_15d75b0db9094480872817042acb7f37%7Emv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_1565/d074cb_15d75b0db9094480872817042acb7f37%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/11/14/Best-Frame-Size-for-Your-Height-Info-graphic</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/11/14/Best-Frame-Size-for-Your-Height-Info-graphic</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2017 19:16:40 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_15d75b0db9094480872817042acb7f37~mv2.jpg"/></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hutt River Trail Bike Ride - Akatarawa to Te Marua</title><description><![CDATA[Simon was not keen for this ride, not at all. He thought it was going to be boring. He’d wanted to go out on a Mountain Bike Ride. When Ruby said ‘can’t we all go, it’s the last day of the holidays’ I could see his heart sink a bit but I knew he wouldn’t say no. So we headed out on a group ride – with Millie in tow, literally.There were a few words exchanged on where we should go. Simon was keen on the lower part of the Hutt River trail which we’ve done a million trillion times. I was keen to<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/wMzrJ1HwSSI/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Angela Bendall</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/30/Hutt-River-Trail-Bike-Ride---Akatarawa-to-Te-Marua</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/30/Hutt-River-Trail-Bike-Ride---Akatarawa-to-Te-Marua</guid><pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2017 04:08:03 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wMzrJ1HwSSI"/><div>Simon was not keen for this ride, not at all. He thought it was going to be boring. He’d wanted to go out on a Mountain Bike Ride. When Ruby said ‘can’t we all go, it’s the last day of the holidays’ I could see his heart sink a bit but I knew he wouldn’t say no. So we headed out on a group ride – with Millie in tow, literally.</div><div>There were a few words exchanged on where we should go. Simon was keen on the lower part of the Hutt River trail which we’ve done a million trillion times. I was keen to try something new. When I said ‘nah, let’s not go here’ as he pulled in to the carpark at the start of the part of the trail we would normally do, I could tell I was grinding his gears, but, to his credit. He went along with it. ‘So, do you know where we’re going?’ He kept asking. Bemused. ‘Nope’ I kept saying. Enthusiastic. By the time we reached the Akatarawa Hill Road and gone backwards and forwards a few times so that I could check out the lay of the land I could tell it was probably time to make a decision on where we should go. We found a sign on the Akatarawa Road pointing north up a graveled track saying ‘Hutt River Trail’. Obviously a piece of the track that we’d never done before.</div><div>As soon as I saw it, I knew that this was our new adventure. After unloading the car, Simon set the trailer up for Millie, and we were off. We made the mistake of initially deciding to take the far track as opposed the track on the Hutt side of the river. Bad move. Dead end. Don’t do that if you’re on a bike. If you’re walking it might be fine. But you won’t get far on 2 wheels. Especially not with a trailer in tow. So we hightailed it back out and took the track on the other side of the river.</div><div>The trail starts out wide, flat and graveled running between the river and the back of houses. Not overly scenic but enjoyable all the same. It’s when we started to hit the more rural , lifestyle blocks that we decided this upper part of the River trail was definitely worth doing. Farm animals galore graze the fence lines – such a treat for kids. Lambs, Alpacas, Shetland Pony’s. It’s like a free miniature Staglands experience. Overall it’s a really interesting and diverse little trail. There’s open fields, graveled tracks, windy, twisty bush portions, road side bits, a couple of bridges and the best part – a dairy at the turn-around point for ice cream and lollies before turning to go back. OK, with the trailer there were a couple of challenges.</div><div>Perhaps Hutt City Council need to rethink the way they design their turnstiles in terms of their width. It was a tiny bit of a struggle with the trailer, but other than that – it was great. Lots of fun and a family bicycle ride I would recommend for the shear variety of terrain which is all very doable no matter what age or fitness level. Not only that, we got to pet the animals on the way. Bonus.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tumeke? I can't get enough!</title><description><![CDATA[With all the news surrounding Rangituhi and the Porirua Adventure Park I thought I'd repost this nice little video taken with the GoPro on the back of my HT.Tumeke is definitely one of my favorites. Ironically it's not"too much" but just the perfect mix of switchbacks, flowy corners, dips and humps. The new trail park is reportedly going to bring 95km's of new trail, here's hoping they're all as good as this gem! MCG are adding some more family friendly ascents too.It's going to be fantastic for<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ST2E_BGBOoY/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simon Bendall</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/15/Tumeke-I-cant-get-enough</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/15/Tumeke-I-cant-get-enough</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2017 21:50:44 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ST2E_BGBOoY"/><div>With all the news surrounding Rangituhi and the Porirua Adventure Park I thought I'd repost this nice little video taken with the GoPro on the back of my HT.</div><div>Tumeke is definitely one of my favorites. Ironically it's not</div><div>&quot;too much&quot; but just the perfect mix of switchbacks, flowy corners, dips and humps. The new trail park is reportedly going to bring 95km's of new trail, here's hoping they're all as good as this gem! MCG are adding some more family friendly ascents too.It's going to be fantastic for Porirua.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Getting through the Red Tape</title><description><![CDATA[The other week we decided to sneak away from the children and go for a bike ride. Knowing a new track has opened up on Whareroa Farm; Red Tape, we thought we'd give it a shot. It was a day to go 'meh...', nothing unusual for Wellington at the moment; overcast, a bit windy, nothing special. Which made heading off for a ride through some bushland quite a compelling prospect. What made it all the more compelling and interesting was our intention to film as we go, on the Go Pro. Despite venturing<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/b6KjV-Atc98/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/13/Getting-through-the-Red-Tape</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/13/Getting-through-the-Red-Tape</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2017 03:24:58 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b6KjV-Atc98"/><div>The other week we decided to sneak away from the children and go for a bike ride. Knowing a new track has opened up on Whareroa Farm; Red Tape, we thought we'd give it a shot. </div><div>It was a day to go 'meh...', nothing unusual for Wellington at the moment; overcast, a bit windy, nothing special. Which made heading off for a ride through some bushland quite a compelling prospect. </div><div>What made it all the more compelling and interesting was our intention to film as we go, on the Go Pro. Despite venturing out on lots of different trails and tracks around greater Wellington, we usually forget to capture the ride to share with our followers and also to look back on from time to time. Not on this occasion. We were organised. </div><div>And although the getting there through farmland and part way by a 4WD track was a bit tedious, once we reached Red Tape, the real adventure began. Tight little twists and turns, some short and sweet downhills, native bush, short bridges, cliff side expanses, jumps and bumps - lots of fun. </div><div>We were pretty excited to check out the footage. We got back to the van, unloaded and decided to check it out pretty much straight away. We fast forwarded all of the farmland and 4WD track to get to the Red Tape part - awesome work Ange and Simon - right on cue as we turned in to the track - the battery had gone flat on the Go Pro - no footage. Fantastic effort. </div><div>Anyway, the video isn't very exciting but the ride definitely is. Worth a look next time you're up Kapiti way. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sex life lacking? Get on your bike! People who cycle to work claim to have better sex, relationships and even jobs</title><description><![CDATA[Well, that's the title of an article in the Daily Mail highlighting a study that found that 66 percent of people who bike to work felt their relationships drastically improved.And that's not all apparently 89% said cycling home allowed them to switch off from work, 39% said the exercise has given them extra energy in the bedroom and many said their work productivity had also improved - all thanks to cycling. Wow - if there was ever a few reasons to jump back on the bike, I reckon you have them<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/f735aeaa5b19496cadd63ec326b28f0a.jpg/v1/fill/w_626%2Ch_449/f735aeaa5b19496cadd63ec326b28f0a.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/13/Sex-life-lacking-Get-on-your-bike-People-who-cycle-to-work-claim-to-have-better-sex-relationships-and-even-jobs</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/13/Sex-life-lacking-Get-on-your-bike-People-who-cycle-to-work-claim-to-have-better-sex-relationships-and-even-jobs</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Oct 2017 02:17:51 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/f735aeaa5b19496cadd63ec326b28f0a.jpg"/><div>Well, that's the title of an article in the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2733895/Sex-life-lacking-Get-bike-People-cycle-work-claim-better-sex-relationships-jobs.html">Daily Mail</a> highlighting a study that found that 66 percent of people who bike to work felt their relationships drastically improved.</div><div>And that's not all apparently 89% said cycling home allowed them to switch off from work, 39% said the exercise has given them extra energy in the bedroom and many said their work productivity had also improved - all thanks to cycling. Wow - if there was ever a few reasons to jump back on the bike, I reckon you have them right there. </div><div>Aside from that, there are so many other benefits. Here are just 5 of them;</div><div>It's easy on your joints unlike walking or running when you put weight on your legs. So great for anyone with joint pain or age related stiffness.Pushing pedals provides an aerobic workout which is good for many things including your heart, your brain and your mood.Cycling enables you to build muscle - gluteus muscles, quadrecepts, gastrocnemius, soleus, hammies, even your abs and arms get a workout - they're all benefitting!It helps with everyday activities such as balance and enduranceAnd it's also pretty good for the old bones too as resistance activities are known to be good for increasing bone density.</div><div>So what are you waiting for? Get riding!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Whirlwind Trip to Beijing</title><description><![CDATA[It's been just over a month since my return and it's taken me that long to put my thoughts together and get this written up. Typical procrastination when it comes to writing on my behalf.Anyway, so I got an invitation to attend the 2017 Qiansen UCI Cyclocross in Beijing as Manager/Mechanic. Brendon Sharratt and Sam Gardner are the riders. I've known Brendon for some time now and I build all his race wheels. I met Sam at the 2016 NZ Cyclocross championship where he finished a close second to<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_87e61fdd7be14ed896c0f870da7d5d29%7Emv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Simon Bendall</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/12/Whirlwind-Trip-to-Beijing</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/10/12/Whirlwind-Trip-to-Beijing</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2017 03:03:01 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div>It's been just over a month since my return and it's taken me that long to put my thoughts together and get this written up. Typical procrastination when it comes to writing on my behalf.</div><div>Anyway, so I got an invitation to attend the 2017 Qiansen UCI Cyclocross in Beijing as Manager/Mechanic. Brendon Sharratt and Sam Gardner are the riders. I've known Brendon for some time now and I build all his race wheels. I met Sam at the 2016 NZ Cyclocross championship where he finished a close second to Brendon who took the crown.</div><div>I was a little apprehensive at first when invited but Angela said I've got to take the opportunity and I'm glad I did!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_ccd73f4d6cac4d11972325dcce9bb0b5~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>After a long trip from Paraparaumu via Auckland and Hong Kong we finally arrived in Beijing on Friday 1st September. Beijing is a huge region with over 20 million in population.</div><div>From the airport we took a bus to Fengtai (a suburb of Beijing) to the Riverside Hotel. We unpacked all the bikes and off we went to do a recce of the course. What was supposed to be a quick pedal down the road turned into a couple of hours of sight seeing in the back streets of Fengtai as we got totally lost and up ended cycling around trying to find said course! We did eventually find it and we had been riding all around the outside of it!</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_5fe11428bf9644188aeb0139fd2b23d1~mv2_d_2946_2413_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>So my first proper ride on a cyclocross bike and I'm hitting up a pro circuit! Absolutely loved it! So much fun - I'm a convert. After Brendon and Sam did a few laps we headed back for the hotel where I ironed out any niggles on the bikes.</div><div>Saturday and we're up early for breakfast and then straight down to the course now that we've figured out how to find it. A few more laps and back for the welcome banquet.</div><div>The welcome banquet was errrrr..interesting. Plate after plate of mostly unrecognizable food that just kept coming.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_8317ee9ef2914c438af3b4e728658dfe~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>We had to turn away food in the end as we just couldn't eat it fast enough! The fact that more than half the table didn't touch a thing wasn't helping matters. Myself, Brendon and Sam did our bit though to clear the table, especially Sam who I think saw it as a personal mission! But the three of us where no match for the never ending piles of food.</div><div>Next came the entertainment which apparently was one of China most popular acts. Hmmm I think someone forgot to tell this guy it's 2017 (see video if your dare) So the banquet wrapped up at 21.00 and it's back on the bus for an early, tomorrow is race day!</div><div>Sunday and it's rise and shine, big breakfast for the long day ahead. I load up the bikes and tools etc onto the bus and head for the course.I find our team tent and set up and then go to check out the pit area and decide on our strategy.</div><div>Due to the absence of UCI points in NZ Brendon and Sam get put in a lottery for grid position behind ranked riders, Sam gets 46 and Brendon 54. Not great positions but as it turned out for Brendon at least not too bad. A big pile up in the first corner saw Brendon slingshot it around the outside to move up a dozen places then work up to finish a decent 28th. Sam wasn't so fortunate but still made up places in a very tough race to finish 42nd.</div><div>Most of the field in front are Pro riders with everything on hand so a fantastic effort by our lads. We now have to pack the bikes again for the bus trip to Yanqing tomorrow.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_87e61fdd7be14ed896c0f870da7d5d29~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>So it's Monday 4th and we arrive in Yanqing at the Zhongyin Hotel and unpack and assemble the bikes again. After some hard racing I give the bikes a full going over and replace a few bits and pieces so they're humming for the next race.</div><div>By this stage I've been adopted by the Kleur Op Maat BNS Technics cycle team from Belgium so I have tripled my work load! Ceylin Alvarado won the Elite womans race last year so I'm pretty stoked to be working on another top riders bike.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_ba50be78d84d40db8b46b435729f9354~mv2_d_4032_3024_s_4_2.jpg"/><div>We head for the next course for another recce mission and this time we decide to follow someone that knows where they're going! The course is fantastic. Super fast and flowy. I really like it and do a few laps myself. It's very bumpy in places and a little sketchy when you shoot down the dirt descents and hit the paved area and there's no let up just go,go,go.</div><div>So once the lads are happy we head back for some tuning and dinner.</div><div>Tuesday 5th and we're off to see the Great Wall of China. Wow! pretty amazing, almost 9000km long and built over 22 centuries! I walked up to one of the turrets at 888m elevation and could see the wall snaking across the hills for miles.</div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_672e0a0102f74cfeb0045562ea7052ab~mv2.jpg"/><div>Luckily too was the fact that it was the clearest day so far and the views where beautiful. Beijing so far had been blanketed in a thick haze which makes seeing anything more than a couple of km's away impossible.</div><div>Wednesday 6th and it's race day! It's very hot and dry and all the talk is about tyre pressures and the first stair climb. Once again the lads started from the back of the grid so it was always going to be a tough race! Brendon got off to a great start and within a couple of laps was mid pack, he continued to make up places and got into a fast moving bunch and up to 20th! Bombing a descent and hitting the pavement section hard put paid to his race when sadly the chain snapped, an awesome effort cut short. </div><div>All in all it was a fantastic trip. A very well organised event that was possible thanks to a very passionate CEO of Qiansen Group Lishan Song. We met some wonderful people from all over the world and got a taste of pro cycling. See you next year Beijing! </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yoga the Yin and Cycling the Yang</title><description><![CDATA[I recently discovered that there is a Sydney-based yoga/cycling enthusiast who has developed his own yoga classes just for cyclists called Pedal Stroke Yoga.I love Yoga alot. Simon likes it a bit. Simon likes cycling alot. I like it a bit more than a bit but less than alot. I reckon this Pedal Stroke Yoga could be just the ticket to keep both of us happy. Yoga is kind of the yin with cycling being more of the yang - so this Pedal Stroke Yoga yin yang thing should provide the perfect balance.The<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/8dd72d372319444fb39c96fa85706bf5.jpg/v1/fill/w_625%2Ch_417/8dd72d372319444fb39c96fa85706bf5.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Angela Bendall</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/09/29/Yoga-the-Yin-and-Cycling-the-Yang</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/09/29/Yoga-the-Yin-and-Cycling-the-Yang</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2017 00:14:53 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/8dd72d372319444fb39c96fa85706bf5.jpg"/><div>I recently discovered that there is a Sydney-based yoga/cycling enthusiast who has developed his own yoga classes just for cyclists called Pedal Stroke Yoga.</div><div>I love Yoga alot. Simon likes it a bit. Simon likes cycling alot. I like it a bit more than a bit but less than alot. I reckon this Pedal Stroke Yoga could be just the ticket to keep both of us happy. Yoga is kind of the yin with cycling being more of the yang - so this Pedal Stroke Yoga yin yang thing should provide the perfect balance.</div><div>The workshops are designed to put back what your cycling takes out. When you are in a Pedal Stroke Yoga class you are essentially performing a full service and maintenance on your body and mind, the same way you do on your bicycle. You would hope that your body will outlast your beloved carbon frame bike so it makes sense to take the same care with your body that you do with your bike.</div><div>If you think about it, our modern lifestyles are very much performance orientated, and we do spend most of the time using our mind to push our bodies to perform. Breathing and visualisation are a big part of Pedal Stroke Yoga classes. They also use the Pedal Stroke Yoga sequence of Yoga poses to open and lengthen the tight muscles that have been overused, to activate and strengthen the weak muscles that have been underused.</div><div>Next trip to Sydney, I'm giving it a go!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND...ON AN ELECTRIC BIKE RIDE</title><description><![CDATA[Steppenwolf might be able to take you on a magic carpet ride but Get Fixed can take you on an electric bike ride; probably just as magical. Looking at the familiar with fresh eyes isn't particularly easy but sometimes when you've been away on holiday and you come home, you get a little snapshot of how your beautiful environment might appear to a tourist. And it feels good to see things from a whole new perspective from time to time.That's why enjoying Porirua from a different perspective with a<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/-cCns9KEark/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/09/18/YOU-DONT-KNOW-WHAT-YOU-MIGHT-FINDON-AN-ELECTRIC-BIKE-RIDE</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/09/18/YOU-DONT-KNOW-WHAT-YOU-MIGHT-FINDON-AN-ELECTRIC-BIKE-RIDE</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2017 04:12:46 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cCns9KEark"/><div>Steppenwolf might be able to take you on a magic carpet ride but Get Fixed can take you on an electric bike ride; probably just as magical. </div><div>Looking at the familiar with fresh eyes isn't particularly easy but sometimes when you've been away on holiday and you come home, you get a little snapshot of how your beautiful environment might appear to a tourist. And it feels good to see things from a whole new perspective from time to time.</div><div>That's why enjoying Porirua from a different perspective with a choice of exhilarating Porirua bicycle and electric bike guided tours should be on your to-do list. A Get Fixed Porirua Bike Tour lets you enjoy sightseeing in a unique and fun way.</div><div>Tour options include mountain bike, traditional cycle bike or electric bike packages. With your trusty guide you'll be stopping at intervals to hear about the history of your surroundings and local landmarks.</div><div>Also available are hire options, with our electric bikes being the most popular, so you can take yourself on a magical electric bike ride and experience beautiful Porirua effortlessly on two wheels. </div><div>Check out our tours and rentals here!</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>MAGIC WAND REQUIRED</title><description><![CDATA[If I was magic and had the ability to wiggle my nose and make a spell I would give each of the 4.2 million people in Bali an electric bicycle and make their cars and scooters disappear in a puff of non-polluting smoke. After being there over 20 years ago when there were still dirt roads and virtually no congestion, and then again recently when it could take hours to travel a short distance and the smog obliterated the horizon on 3 sunset opportunities, it bought home to me just how good it would<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/gj8baSL0vpE/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/28/Wand-Wanted</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/28/Wand-Wanted</guid><pubDate>Sun, 27 Aug 2017 22:17:19 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gj8baSL0vpE"/><div>If I was magic and had the ability to wiggle my nose and make a spell I would give each of the 4.2 million people in Bali an electric bicycle and make their cars and scooters disappear in a puff of non-polluting smoke. </div><div>After being there over 20 years ago when there were still dirt roads and virtually no congestion, and then again recently when it could take hours to travel a short distance and the smog obliterated the horizon on 3 sunset opportunities, it bought home to me just how good it would be to have a wand to wave about and make a difference. </div><div>Bali is around 2% the size of New Zealand with a similar population. Tourism is their biggest revenue stream, it's important they maintain their environment and the slowness of island life. In the period from January to April this year there were 480 or so traffic accidents. If you're rich and important enough you can get police escorts to ensure you don't have to suffer traffic jams but if you're one of the many that don't own a few hotels then most likely you're spending a good chunk of your day stuck in your car waiting to move. </div><div>So as much as we loved our recent trip there, it highlighted just how much traffic impacts on society, environment and life in general, especially tropical island life which should be more cruisey. </div><div>So I thought I'd find out more about bicycle usage around the world and although the following information might be a little out of date, it's heartening to know that there are places on the planet who seem to be embracing pedal power...some quick facts from <a href="http://top10hell.com/top-10-countries-with-most-bicycles-per-capita/">Top 10 Hell</a></div><div>China</div><div>People: 1,342,700,000Bicycles: &gt;500,000,000Cyclists: &gt;37.2%</div><div>Shanghai is the most populous city in China and 60% of the locals cycle to work each day. </div><div>Belgium</div><div>People: 10,827,519Bicycles: 5,200,000Cyclists: ~48%</div><div>Cycling is also their national sport. </div><div>Switzerland</div><div>People: 7,782,900Bycicles: 3,800,000Cyclists: ~48.8</div><div>Japan</div><div>People: 127,370,000Bicycles: 72,540,000Cyclists: ~56.9%</div><div>Low crime rate means meany people don't lock their bikes even when they leave them outside railroad stations all day and overnight. </div><div>Finland</div><div>People: 5,380,200Bicycles: 3,250,000Cyclists: ~60.4%</div><div>Evidently the love of Fins cyclists to the bicycles can be compared with their love to dogs, or to fishing, or to sauna.</div><div>Norway</div><div>People: 4,943,000Bicycles: 3,000,000Cyclists: ~60.7%</div><div>Sweden</div><div>People: 9,418,732Bicycles: 6,000,000Cyclists: ~63.7%</div><div>Germany</div><div>People: 81,802,000Bicycles: 62,000,000Cyclists: ~75.8%</div><div>Cycling is ingrained in the German culture which makes drivers and pedestrians understanding and accommodating to bicycle riders. </div><div>Denmark</div><div>People: 5,560,628Bicycles: 4,500,000Cyclists: ~80.1%</div><div>In Denmark 18% of all trips are made by bike with 37% of all Copenhagen (capital city) citizens riding their bikes on a daily basis. </div><div>Netherlands</div><div>People: 16,652,800Bicycles: 16,500,000Cyclists: ~99.1%</div><div>In the Netherlands 27% of trips to work are made by bike and is one of the most bicycle-friendly large cities in the world with 400km of bike lanes.</div><div>Incidentally, looking at the worlds most environmentally friendly countries according to a 2017 <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/most-and-least-environmentally-friendly-countries/">survey</a>by The Telegraph; Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Finland are among the top 20. Mind you, China is one of the worst in terms of environmental impact so no absolutes...at least we know 60% of the population of Shanghai are doing their bit. </div><div>So, if anyone knows of a good wand for sale, needs to be a robust one for big spells, let me know. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>TIME TO RELAX....SOON</title><description><![CDATA[The reality set in when the rabbit started persistently trying to make babies with the cat. After a sleepless night of thumping feet from the rabbit and menacing low growls from the cat we realised we needed to do something about this issue before our trip to Bali. Fenton the rabbit had come of age and wanted a girlfriend. Most inconvenient when we are about to go on holiday and yet another thing to sort before we leave.So we picked up Fenella, a sexy little lop earred lass from the SPCA and<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/aRGc_wR-KX4/mqdefault.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/14/TIME-TO-RELAXSOON</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/14/TIME-TO-RELAXSOON</guid><pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:17:50 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aRGc_wR-KX4"/><div>The reality set in when the rabbit started persistently trying to make babies with the cat. After a sleepless night of thumping feet from the rabbit and menacing low growls from the cat we realised we needed to do something about this issue before our trip to Bali. </div><div>Fenton the rabbit had come of age and wanted a girlfriend. Most inconvenient when we are about to go on holiday and yet another thing to sort before we leave.</div><div>So we picked up Fenella, a sexy little lop earred lass from the SPCA and Fentons unrequited love for the cat vanished within seconds. Fenella has been indifferent to Fentons advances, probably a good thing.</div><div>And that was just one thing on the neverending list to sort before 2 weeks away. The last minute jobs that came in required a weeks work but with only a couple of days available, working in to the night was inevitable.</div><div>There was the Merida Big 9 that required an electric conversion which was pretty straight forward, then there was the 3 service jobs and the custom wheel build amongst other smaller jobs.</div><div>Then of course there's everything else, the cat the dog, the chickens - our house sitter will have his work cut out. And on top of it all we still have to feed the children. We'll make it out the door, by hook or by crook we will!</div><div>So for your information, Get Fixed is closed for business until 26 August. You can reach us via email at simon@getfixed.co.nz</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PERFECT FLOW DAYS</title><description><![CDATA[Don't you just love those days that have a beautiful flow? Of course, perfect flow is a rarity but even semi-flow is good enough. The semi-flow days are where, yes little things may go wrong, little annoyances and inconveniences may emerge, but on the whole it's pretty good. These are the days when for me, any or all of the following may happen to create my lovely, enjoyable flowsy... I wake up early and feel fresh as a daisy and I get the work-out in, either a quick run or a yoga session(and<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/535d7483eb1e43eaa834ada256c32987.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/09/PERFECT-FLOW-DAYS</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/09/PERFECT-FLOW-DAYS</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Aug 2017 02:47:12 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/535d7483eb1e43eaa834ada256c32987.jpg"/><div>Don't you just love those days that have a beautiful flow? Of course, perfect flow is a rarity but even semi-flow is good enough. The semi-flow days are where, yes little things may go wrong, little annoyances and inconveniences may emerge, but on the whole it's pretty good. </div><div>These are the days when for me, any or all of the following may happen to create my lovely, enjoyable flowsy...</div><div>I wake up early and feel fresh as a daisy and I get the work-out in, either a quick run or a yoga session(and it’s a good one with sweat and out-of-breathness)I manage not to succumb to eating too many spoonfuls of peanut butter and no chippies or lollies whatsoever (extremely rare but does happen from time to time) and every morsel that does touch my lips is delectable and healthyMy brain is razor sharp and every contribution I make at work gets the response I’m after; ‘...actually Angela makes a really valid point’There’s an opportunity for some creativity, like time to get in some painting or writing or even creative cooking (my children always feel nervous when they ask what’s for dinner and I say 'hmmmmm, I’m not sure yet…I have this mince…’)I get some outdoor time, a bike ride is generally my favourite. Chasing Simon up a hill on our mountain bikes ticks lots of boxes in terms of fun, exhilaration, adventure, fresh air, good views and quality time together. Even just a leisurely ride with the kids up at QE2 park in Paekak is a treat. There's time for a vino with one or a few of my dear friends to put the world to rights and generally reconnect.I have full control over the big TV in the lounge and watch as many House of Cards as I like with no complaints. </div><div>Now obviously, having all of these lovely things occur within one 24 hour period is a rarity. In the summer when the days are longer they are more of a probability but generally, life is peppered with a perfect mixture of a few of them combined with a good healthy chunk of daily grind and a sprinkling of minor challenges. But that's OK, if it weren't for those the perfect flow days would never get the appreciation they deserve.</div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>HOW A PASSION FOR 2 WHEELS CHANGED A LIFE</title><description><![CDATA[About 6 years ago we started a bike business. It changed our lives. Sounds quite melodramatic doesn't it? But considering that bikes are the most efficient machines ever invented and quite possibly the most powerful tools for physical and mental transformation, it's worth the dramatic statement.So how did it all begin? Well I can tell you, on a whim and a prayer in a garage with no insulation. And by the way, 6 years later and the garage is still an icebox. To coin another phrase 'necessity is<img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_245625278bb6498d9b49ffc0516c9fad%7Emv2.jpg"/>]]></description><dc:creator>Get Fixed Bicycles</dc:creator><link>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/02/How-a-passion-for-2-wheels-changed-a-life</link><guid>https://www.getfixedbicycles.co.nz/single-post/2017/08/02/How-a-passion-for-2-wheels-changed-a-life</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Aug 2017 22:54:00 +0000</pubDate><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_245625278bb6498d9b49ffc0516c9fad~mv2.jpg"/><div>About 6 years ago we started a bike business. It changed our lives. Sounds quite melodramatic doesn't it? But considering that bikes are the most efficient machines ever invented and quite possibly the most powerful tools for physical and mental transformation, it's worth the dramatic statement.</div><div>So how did it all begin? Well I can tell you, on a whim and a prayer in a garage with no insulation. And by the way, 6 years later and the garage is still an icebox. To coin another phrase 'necessity is the mother of invention' and when Simon came off his factory Aprilia motorbike hooning up the Rimutaka hill one fine Saturday morning, the knock on effect was to reconsider the kind of two wheels to go crazy on. And I would say that it was that fateful day that changed the course of the future. </div><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/d074cb_033cc6de6524019a2c15a99fc0ded1c8.jpg"/><div>And it was ironic. He adored his Aprilia but he also had a mistress; a vintage Ducati he'd spent months restoring after he'd bought it as scrap. After completing the restoration and taking her out for a few white knuckle adventures he'd decided that 2 bikes was possibly a little extravagant, popped her on Trade Me and sold her in a very short space of time. </div><div>The day he took her to the Picton Ferry to say his last goodbyes as she sailed off to her new man was heart wrenching. Saying good bye when a transformation has taken place and a true bond has been formed is always difficult, but he did it. And to reward himself for his valiant effort he decided to spend some quality time with his other favourite; Queen Aprilia. </div><div>It was probably around 2pm I got the call...</div><div>'Ange....'</div><div>'Hi. What's up?' I was Brand Manager at for the Bodyworks Gyms at the time and we had an open day going on so I was pretty distracted.</div><div>'I've had an accident'</div><div>'What?'</div><div>'I'm in Hutt Hosptial'</div><div>'What happened?'</div><div>'I came off the bike'</div><div>'What happened to you? Are you OK?'</div><div>'Yeah, well I don't know yet'</div><div>'Where is your bike?'</div><div>'In two pieces on the Rimutaka's'</div><div>And that was that. A serendipitous end to motorcycling. When you lose 2 bikes in one day, my feeling is, the universe is trying to tell you something. </div><div>After a stint at Hutt Hospital and months of recuperation Simon made a full recovery. Alas, the Aprilia did not. </div><div>And that, dear friends is where his passion for pedal power emerged. And not just to ride but to fix and service and convert and build and restore. And all with the love and passion of a seasoned artisan - which he most certainly is. </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>