TAKING YOU FOR A RIDE - AROUND 6000 FEET IN 6 DAISE

Yes, biking Savaii Island in Samoa (just 4 hours north of New Zealand) is sheer magic. see www.outdoor.co.nz for more info.

Anyone can do it. And everyone from 2-82 years of age have made it by bike (err, some by bike pram). Families, lone travellers, groups, all exploring 160km of majestic coastline beneath a 6000 foot rainforested volcano, Mt. SiliSili.

Today, 18th May 2013, 5 keen cyclists set off at dawn from the Wharf to the North-Western Tip - a mammoth 100km. More on this later, but this is for the fool-hardy only.

Wanna enjoy it though? Then spend 6 days or more taking it slowly, village by village, beach to beach, from one tourist attraction to another, overnighting in 6 beautiful locally run beach fale resorts. Allow $NZD60 per night, all meals/drinks/bed/entertainment...WOW, that's a bargain. Just park your bike in the sand, next to your 'grass castle', and relax on your mattress on the floor overlooking the lagoon...purrfect for a swim and a snorkel.

Want to upgrade, take a support guide, support vehicle, spend a night in a treetops (treesort) or live-it-up in a few fancy hotels, then bring your Amex.

But, what if we did it as a group of school kids. Sure, bring a few teachers along for the ride. We could meet a few schools, play a little rugby, dance a little, even be hosted by the class in their village.

Now, that's getting more interesting.

Imagine, every day or so, we explore a few more villages, dropping off a few more volleyballs, rugby balls, soccer balls...............Samoans love gifts so bring plenty.

Biking is easy, flat as...errr, a couple of small gradual rises...allow 20 mins...get off and push if you have to. Most of the time it's all flat, overlooking one azure lagoon after another. Kids waving, smiling, inviting.

So, get your trip planned, get an airfare to Samoa, overnighting near the Airport/ferry on Upolu Island, even rent a bike at the Airport Lodge from www.outdoor.com.nz if you want to (50 bikes for rent so bring all your mates), and they'll supply all the rest.

Honestly, there is no better way to experience Samoa and experience circumnavigating these islands...i know, I've done it on foot, by kayak, bike, motorbike, car and even driven a bus around both large islands...biking it was by far the best. Slow, comfortable, no noise, time to talk and wave to everyone, inexpensive, safe and eco-friendly.

Questions? Don't ask. Just come along, allow a little serendipity. Bring the usual gear to keep you happy..water bottle, runners, hat, sunglasses, sunlotion, swimmers, small towel...all bedding provided. No malaria, no vaccinations necessary, just don't drink the local water. Sound too easy? Cash is better than credit cards in these cute little beach fale resorts that are sometimes off the beaten track.

Last thought. Want to travel with an interest, a theme, a purpose. Just raise your special interest and we'll see what we can do to give you a few leads and a few contacts.

www.outdoor.co.nz has more info. ENJOY!