Marlborough\West Coast Cycle Day 7 – Wairau Valley & the Sounds
A downhill valley and sounds cycling, then drive to Kaikōura
After a quick look at the lake—departure hastened by a vicious sand-fly attack—we got on the bikes. The morning started with a 30’ish kilometre run down the Wairau Valley.
Wairau Valley
Although I have been to Saint Arnaud before this ride was new to me. It was a fast downhill run beside the river which made the kilometres slip past quickly.
That said lazy legs, after yesterday, and photo stops meant I was far from front of the pack today!
Queen Charlotte Sound
We bussed through to Havelock, skipping some rather dull flat riding, and then it was a reprise of the lovely Queen Charlotte Sound ride. I have done this road twice by bicycle and once in the car.
It is one of my favourite rides so repeating was no chore. For us it started with a fast downhill, lazy bussed to the top of the first hill, before heading across to Linkwater.
The letterbox collection at 1695 was worth stopping to photograph!
And one a bit further along the road.
Although the weather looks a bit gloomy in the photos it was warm and quite nice for riding. These boat sheds have become iconic, being featured in calendars and advertising.
Picton
From there you skirt the sound climbing around bluffs, descending into bays until a final climb to a rewarding twisty downhill towards Picton.
Although it is a main road the traffic is pretty light as most, and all large trucks, take a more direct route towards Nelson.
The ride finishes with a twisty downhill blast into Picton. Great fun!
It is a neat ride and for us led to a nice finish as we bussed to St Clair Vineyard for lunch and, since there was no more riding, a glass or two of very nice wine.
Kaikōura
The drive to Kaikōura cannot be completed without stopping to visit these fellows, just a few steps from the main highway.
Robin Capper
