When you visit us at The Gentle Cycling Company, you will be welcomed by a bunch of people who are passionate about Nelson. For us, travelling by bike is the best way to really get to know a place. 

Our Team

Rose Griffin

The boss

Rose likes nothing better than helping visitors to get on a bike and explore Nelson. For her, the landscape and beauty of this area are a constant inspiration. When establishing The Gentle Cycling Company in 2009, it was early days for cycle tourism in NZ. Many kiwis, including herself, had cycled the Otago Rail Trail and dreamed of a similar trail in their own regions. So when the Prime Minister announced a project to develop more multi day NZ cycle trails, she was the first in Nelson to jump on board. For Rose and her team, providing a "peace of mind" cycling experience is what it's all about. From the pre-trip information, to the equipment, the detailed topographic-style route maps, and the warm communication, this is a company to whom details really matter. 

Prior to starting this business, Rose had a long career in Art Education and as an exhibiting artist before establishing a ceramics studio, producing domestic ceramics which were sold in galleries and design stores around NZ. Her former workshop and gallery are now the site of The Gentle Cycling Company.

Ferry van Mansum

Driver & helpful guy

Ferry is the friendly driver who helps transport Gentle Cyclists, their bikes or bags. Ferry is an experienced traveller and likes nothing better than meeting visitors and sharing travel yarns. He also speaks more languages than most people, including Dutch, German, Chinese, some Japanese and French. In his spare time, Ferry rides a road bike (but is not a fan of lycra).