A Kiwi, but not a flightless bird or brown fuzzy skin green centred fruit. Humanist, Skeptic, Cyclist, Car Enthusiast, Westie Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand | he/him
I was sad to be leaving Golden Bay, but glad I was able to get out. The forecast storm wasn't full on yet, but the weather certainly was deteriorating. By the end of the day 200-300mm of rain had fallen (with another 250-380mm expected) and roads I had
The forecast was right, wet weather arrived but just a hint of the 'significant rain event' due tomorrow onwards. Source: Twitter.com/MetService/status My private rock garden was wet, but not enough for the little natural waterfall (light strip above the table) to flow. Fair weather thoughts
The forecast warned of storms on the way later in the week and woke to the first sign of them. It was only overcast skies; the heavy rain is due Thursday when I'm 'supposed' to be leaving. When it rains here, it rains a lot with
Farewell Spit (Onetahua): the north-western feature of the South Island that resembles a Kiwi beak... * * Especially if you rotate the map a bit away from North like this! This massive sandspit is on the Auckland-Christchurch domestic flightpath and the only sight I'd had of it to date. I
Cycling
I booked a guided trip departing from Collingwood tomorrow, but timing meant would have to drive for that. Collingwood is just 26km along the only road, cycling it would allow me to explore all the side roads and beaches along the way. No need for GPS, just follow this road.
Woke to another stunning day; clear blue sky and already 22 °C by the time I was ready to ride. The agenda was exploring around Tākaka, get to a beach for a swim, and take the gravel bike out to test the repaired rear hub. However, despite the late start,
Today's mission was simple, drive to Tākaka, Golden Bay. It was a rest day, after several days riding, and would check out Kaiteriteri & Mārahau before heading 'over the hill'. I've been to both before, several times, but they're so nice was
Cycling
Although just a few kilometres from Nelson's city centre the Coppermine Trail is a true adventure ride high in the hills. I had been putting it off, holding out for the right weather and my last 'ride day' in Nelson proved to be it! Coppermine Trail
Cycling
It was still cloudy up in the hills, so I hit the Great Taste Trail again. Rather than follow it explicitly I was heading through Richmond, then Pigeon Valley to the Motueka River Valley. I've ridden there a couple of times, so nice was looking forward to visiting
Woke to a wet and windy day. I needed to stock up with food (for breakfasts, ride snacks and dinners) and see if anyone could help with yesterday's discovery, the gravel bike's loose rear hub bearings. I called a few nearby bike shops; most were booked
Cycling
I faced a decision for my second Nelson ride, stay near sea level or head into the hills? While morning was nice the forecast for later in the day was a bit patchy and it was already looking cloudy up high. I decided to stay low and explore some of
Cycling
I've been to Nelson several times, cycled in the region quite a lot, but never cycled the city area. First ride in the South Island would be a cruise into town, from my Tahunanui Beach motel, and see where that led. Turned out, ~77km later, I would go
