The April Critical Mass ride went off in Auckland last night, with about fifty riders in attendance. The ride was the longest of the three so far, since Critical Mass started in February this year. Numbers were down a little on the two previous rides due the ride falling on ANZAC day, but the ride was an adventure none the less.

Meeting in Albert park from 5:30 pm (as happens the same time on the last Friday of every month), riders took off around 6 pm on a zigzag tour of downtown Auckland. As daylight savings is now over, dozens of flashing bike lights made an impressive accompaniment to the merry sound of ringing bike bells and the wheelie bin sound system.

An impressive amount of ground was covered, with the CBD, K Rd, Ponsonby, the Viaduct, Parnell, the Domain and Symonds St all being visited. The ride did a great job of sticking together and looking out for each other by blocking angsty drivers at traffic-lights to allow the safe passage of the entire group.

The majority of drivers and passers by were welcoming and friendly, but there was an unfortunate encounter with a red Toyota that had to follow the ride down Ponsonby Rd and seemed to think that cyclists have no right to use the road. He could not be persuaded by conversation or comedy, but instead decided to throw his McDonalds at the riders in front of him. He didn't hit anyone and at least his body didn't have to suffer eating the rest of his Big Mac Combo.

All told, the ride was another success and will no doubt be bigger and better next month. Photos from this ride should be uploaded here soon.