RobiNZ Personal Blog

Map your aggregate Strava activity

Thanks to @AlecTang for the tip about this awesome site which maps aggregated Strava activity www.jonathanokeeffe.com/strava/map This is my most recent 100 Auckland region rides. The purple are less travelled, to yellow most travelled. Read more →

Traffic Light Thought–Spooky sights in Waikumete Cemetery

Normally a dusk dog walk in the cemetery would not worry me but I saw something rather spooky tonight. It wasn't supernatural but I did wonder what about a dozen cars cruising slowly around, seemingly following sat nav maps, was about until one went past close enough to work it out. Spooky to see, in 2018, there are still adults chasing Pokémon.. * It wasn’t at the lights but is car related so made the TLT category. Read more →

Carless One Tree Hill so nice

First cycle ride up Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill since the road was closed to cars. So nice and packed with humans and dogs enjoying the walk without traffic. Much more peaceful on the summit without the constant carpark shuffle, and for once no drones! Read more →

A Big Bike Film night lesson!

Great night last night; Big Bike Film night feature “The Moment” (at the Academy Cinema) on the birth of freeride mountain biking. Amazing riding often captured with huge (by today's stds) cine/video cameras on neck breaking helmet cams. My orignal plan to train in (so wouldn't arrive a sweaty puddle) and bike home was foiled by not feeling up to cycling thanks to an odd sinus/head cold thing I've had going on. Was mostly over it but decided to take it easy. Should have done it though, would have got home quicker! The Aotea carpark was full so I ended... Read more →

Time for that Flu jab

Good to see so many getting the influenza vaccination at work this week. I’m reminded what harm ‘a bit of flu’ can do, when passing this memorial, walking the dog in Waikumete Cemetery. Read more →

Traffic Light Thought–Commuting and The Greatest Story Ever Told…SO FAR @joerogan @LKrauss1

Traffic was lousy this morning, in part due to the wet weather, but I really didn’t care. I had downloaded Joe Rogan’s latest podcast featuring theoretical physicist Prof. Lawrence M. Krauss*. The topic was (nominally) his latest book—The Greatest Story Ever Told…SO FAR—but the discussion was wide ranging and fascinating. It went something like: Symmetry and what it means in this universe A plain language explanation of Gauge Theory Universal laws and impacts of them on our place in the universe The Higgs field and what it really means Life and evolution The evolution of religion, why it exists Progress... Read more →

Scientology and Me–Attending the Auckland Real Org opening Jan 2017

Curiosity about changes to a historic building, an interest in a ‘religion’ (cult?) and the “Oh No, Ross & Carrie” podcast led me to a rather strange place. I attended the opening of the Auckland Scientology Real Org on January 22 2017. I wrote most of this post at the time but withheld publishing to see if there was any follow up from the Scientologists. They have a reputation for their eagerness to attract new members and reluctance to losing existing ones. Well over a year later apart from one rather odd text, and me noticing them campaigning in public... Read more →

A nice start to the week

Was early for a morning dental appointment, as Te Atatu Rd was nowhere near as congested as I anticipated. Had time for a 20 minute stroll along the waterfront path. Lovely views, followed by a ‘just a pick & polish needed’ annual check-up. Read more →

Mercer Bay loop walk

Evening walk on the Mercer Bay loop. Out near Piha, turn left at the top of the hill. Awesome sheer cliffs with Tasman Ocean views. Alfie’s sometimes scared of heights but it didn’t worry him here*. * Although it looks a bit precarious that's not quite the cliff edge and did have the lead/harness on! Read more →

Inner Waitemata Harbour cycle loop

Although the GPS tracked 76km this is a 73km ride. I joined the North Western cycle path in Henderson and headed for the city. Apart from crossing St Lukes road (near Western Springs) you can ride all the way to the ferry terminal without going on the road. Jumped on the Devonport ferry and a chance to do 3km without turning a pedal. On arrival in Devonport head up the hill and follow Victoria Rd to the Ngataringa cycle path. I joined the road for a bit, heading back onto the cycle path from Bayswater Rd (beside the cemetery). Photo:... Read more →