Cyclists light up the night in Tauranga to celebrate longest night and Matariki

Andrew Thorpe (front) with other bike riders who came together for the Longest Night Ride. Photo / Andrew Warner

Cyclists adorned with fairy lights twinkled through Tauranga on the longest night of the year on Friday.

About 27 riders took part in the Welcome Bay Wheelers' Longest Night Ride after dark.

They started at the Chapel St car park and rode around the Waikareao Estuary on the Daisy Hardwick walkway, then back up Waihi Rd and through town.

The ride for the first time last year to coincide with the winter solstice and Matariki.

Member Pam Thorpe said they had representatives of five other riding groups join them this year.

"It wasn't a very long ride but was just fun to get out, riding around and through The Strand."

She said they finished off with dinner at The Raft.

Thorpe said people may snuggle up at home at night and think going out for a ride was a silly idea, but the weather was perfect and she said it was actually quite a nice ride.

"It's about experiencing riding at night, doing something a little bit different which takes people a wee bit out of their comfort zone, and it's a nice way to celebrate and acknowledge Matariki and winter at the same time."

She said it was also about trying to get a positive view of biking out into the community, as it seemed like cyclists received a lot of negative press.

"Bikes just have to share the road with cars, that's all there is to it."

Thorpe said they had heard a lot of friendly toots from cars during the ride, and people on The Strand were clapping and waving.

"It's nice to provide a positive view of biking as much as we can."

She said some cyclists went to great lengths to beautify their bikes with lights for the ride.

Riders wrapped battery-powered Christmas lights around helmets, jackets, and bikes.

People also used tinsel and glow sticks, she said.

"Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It went well and hopefully next year we will have an even bigger ride."