Just a drive to Alexandra | Time Out 2021-22 Queenstown Alexandra
I went the long way, via Wanaka, to fill between motel check out/in
Friday was a good day to move, weather cool (for time of year) and wet so wouldn't have been riding. After the past few days the legs needed a break anyway. Because I had to fill time between motel check out/in took the long road to Alexandra, via Wanaka.
It's saying something about the day when I drive from Queenstown to Wanaka and don't even bother taking a photo!
I listened to a bunch of podcasts while driving, including a brand new one from NZ Skeptics:
NZ Skeptics Bronwyn, Mark & Craig have launched a new Kiwi Skeptic podcast: Yeah... Nah!
Another from the BBC talked about the origin of COVID, not the story many thought: COVID-19: Beginnings... and endings? BBC Inside Science
I loved this episode of Solo was the single persons guide to cycling. Aimed as an introduction but had some interesting conversation and the greatest term ever:
"Soulo cycling" because riding alone is good for your soul.
Solo Cycling: Peter McGraw is joined by two cyclists (and friends) for an impromptu episode on cycling. Bikes are associated with autonomy and adventure--the same ideals that differentiate solos from singles.
Pocket Casts
Clyde 2007
Although it is the start of the Otago Rail Trail, NZ's oldest tourist cycle trail, when we rode it in 2007 you mostly saw cars on the main (Sunderland) street.
Clyde 2022
Fifteen years later the bicycles are taking over! I had lunch at Olivers Café, the weather had cleared so it was nice in the courtyard, a few others also having a late (13:30) leisurely lunch.
And not just in Sunderland Street, Holloway Street running parallel also has lots of cycle tourist related businesses.
Alexandra, the next day...
Woke to another gloomy day, forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) looked better so decided to defer the long ride I had planned until then. Spent some time setting up the spreadsheet I used to track ride distances etc and booking the stop after Roxburgh. Would be staying at Otematata (again) to revisit part of the Alps To Ocean A2O trail and ride a new recently opened section.
The phone said 14°C, it felt colder! Time to catch up on some Netflix, more 'Wanted' only to see Skippers Canyon, and its iconic bridge (where I had just ridden), feature in a crucial scene.
bjarias
A brilliant power motel
It's amazing how a little thing can make a stay better. Almond Court Motel is a well maintained but older motel, and like so many the bedside power points were low down behind the bedside table because that's how things were done. Unlike many they'd wall-mounted a multi-box you could easily access to charge phones etc.
In fact, this motel had these on every power outlet, something like twenty plugs available in a 3-bed unit! Found the motel on Google Maps, chose it because was affordable and a bit off the main highway. A great place to stay with secure bike parking provided.
Had to go shopping when the rain stopped early evening. New World a short walk away and look at that, it's clearing!
Tomorrow, some trail I've ridden before and one in a place that always looked so good to ride, if only you could get a trail through there...
Robin Capper
