Cycling rest stop opens up on Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail
A new rest stop with all the trimmings is like a mirage for cyclists peddling down Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail, its creator says.
Lublow’s Leap, a recently opened rest stop in Baton Valley, was designed to bring a moment of peace and tranquillity to cyclists heading down the Tasman trail’s path.
Tucked away between Tapawera and Ngātīmoti on Baton Valley Rd, dozens of keen riders rode out to welcome its opening on January 13, enjoying the chance for a break and a treat, co-owner Fiona Lublow said. “It is quite special. It’s been really good, we had the big opening on Saturday and there was about 80 odd people there, so I think it’s been really positive for the area.”
Lublow and her husband, Richard Lublow, gifted the land beside their property to the cycle trail in the hopes of promoting the pastime in the valley.
However, as a keen cyclist, Richard knew how difficult it could be to find a place to rest off the beaten track, so together, they created Lublow’s Leap.
Complete with wifi, ice cream, drinks, coffee, fresh water, sunscreen and bug spray, the double-bay shed and outdoor area was a chance for cyclists to take a load off and connect with other cyclists arriving for a break.
“It’s extremely hot now during the summer,” Lublow said.
“Most people cycling along the trail might see a sign saying cold drinks and ice cream, but they might not be expecting what they find, so people are just so surprised.
“Less that two years ago where the shed is used to be a sheep paddock, now you see people sitting around on sun loungers using their phones - the sun loungers have been a big success.”
No one would be manning the bar, so to speak, Lublow said, the rest stop’s purchasing all being based on an honesty system.
The building itself - complete with a chandelier - cost $60,000 to build, Lublow said, but all the trimmings such as the fridge and freezer, the lounger chairs, and the signage placed in the area providing historical facts about the valley increased the outlay.
Lublow said she was grateful to sponsors who donated up to 80% of the near $10,000 it cost for the signage.
In the future they hoped to implement an area where bikers could fix up their bikes, should any problems arise on the trail.