Thames information

Shane Taylor of Jolly Bikes in Thames. Photo / Alison Smith

Not everyone wants to retrace their journey while riding the trail, which has presented an opportunity for locals to set up shuttle services. SHUTTLE Rides

Adventure Bike Hire in Waihi covers the whole trail and will drop riders with their bikes so they can finish where their car is.

Owners Des Vautier and wife Emily are in Waihi, and say a popular option is for people to jump in their van at Waihi and be driven to Paeroa, where they ride back through the Karangahake Gorge. They’ll cover anywhere on the trail from Matamata to Kaiaua and beyond, and have bikes to rent too, so call them or check their website.

Jolly Along in Thames started out in 2015 in just 10 sq m of space with nine e-bikes, and their fleet now comprises 100 wellmaintained bicycles of different styles on more than 400 sqm including a large retail store in Thames and rental hub in Paeroa.

The spacious new premises plays on Thames’ ‘steam punk’ themes, with corrugated iron, iron beams and a wooden floor. It’s not only a retail space but has a busy workshop out the back for servicing and repairs. The Paeroa hub is for cyclists wanting to ride just Paeroa-Waikino-Waihi. Team spirit, a shuttle and luggage service, and a good knowledge of attractions and accommodation along the way are helping this relatively young ambitious company grow nicely. Also check the Paeroa Info Hub for bike hire and services out of Paeroa.