Five Scenic City Routes Worth Riding This Season

Five rides between eight and thirty kilometres, all of them starting within reach of a station and none of them requiring a map once you are moving.

The Riverside Loop

Eight kilometres, flat the whole way, and almost entirely off the road. Start at the Riverside Arch, follow the water east until the path forks at the old lock, then take the north bank back. It is the ride we put first-time renters on, and the one most of them do again.

Best on a cruiser. There is a coffee stand at the lock that opens at eight.

Park Gate to the Reservoir

Fourteen kilometres with one real climb, about a kilometre long, that flattens out before it stops being fun. The reservoir path at the top is gravel but firm, and the view back over the city is the reason to do it.

Take a commuter with wider tyres, or an electric bike if the climb is not your idea of a Sunday.

The Market Street Circuit

A short one, six kilometres, threading the old quarter on quiet streets. Cobbles for two short stretches. Go early on a Sunday and you will have it to yourself.

Harbour to Headland

Thirty kilometres out and back along the coast road, with a proper headwind on the way home more often than not. This is the road bike ride. Leave with a full bottle and a bit of ambition.

The Canal Path North

Twelve kilometres of towpath, no traffic at all, and three pubs. Watch for walkers on the blind bends and give the moorings a wide berth.

Any bike in the fleet handles this one. It is the friendliest ride we know for a nervous rider.