Last day of the West Coast Wilderness, it began with breakfast at the Hotel and packing the overnight bag (which was later collected by the shuttle). It was a beautiful morning, and we only have a short ride today. Had to meet the Cycle Journeys shuttle in Greymouth, only ~40km
Cycling
Today's ride is the longest day of the West Coast Wilderness. About 50km and 400m climbing but nothing steep. From Lake Kaniere it's all dedicated cycle trail or hydro service roads, with no traffic, up the Arahura River Valley. A climb takes you over the ridge
After overnight rain, the day dawned fine. After a great breakfast and coffee at WCSW we had a short flat ride into the Cycle Journeys depot at Hokitika to meet a shuttle. Today's ride would be back to Hokitika, with an overnight stay there. West Coast Scenic Waterways
Was up early, for me, and fuelled by a lovely breakfast at Teichelmann's B&B. I'd opted for continental; Frances' home-made muesli was awesome. I put En-Trance (my mountain bike) together and rolled it over to the Cycle Journeys depot, just across the road.
I had a 9am flight from Auckland to Christchurch but allowed plenty of time to get to the airport. Just as well, the taxi* was a bit late (he'd come from Mangere?) but strangely light traffic meant got there with time to spare. Once airborne and heading South
Packed up and headed into Oamaru before rush hour, but only just! I met writer/broadcaster Allan Dick, & partner Helen, for breakfast. Have been reading his writing for decades and used to listen when he was on Auckland Radio. He founded several local magazines: DRIVER, CLASSIC DRIVER and NZ
Time to farewell Lake Escape Apartment, that last, last, last, look to check you haven't left anything behind... Another lovely Benmore morning. I drove the road ridden yesterday, along Lake Aviemore, heading for an Oamaru overnight stop. Scars of the incredible geological forces that shape this land are
Let's be honest, today's ride is all about lunch... I was back on En-Trance Rob, although quite a lot of tarmac today there is enough gravel trail to keep it happy. Besides, ~90km is a bit far for me on a two-speed, due to still broken
When we rode the Alps to Ocean Trail (A2O) in 2019 the section between Omarama and Otematata was an unremarkable roadside trail. In early 2021 an alternative trail was opened from Sailors Cutting around the lake to Benmore Dam. This was the reason I came back; it rapidly gained a
Today's mission was a simple relocation from Roxburgh to Otematata. It would be my base for a long weekend, Friday - Tuesday, of Alps to Ocean A2O Trail riding. It is only a couple of hours drive but I had no need to rush. Farewell Roxburgh Another perfect
I drove, about an hour, from Beaumont, through Roxburgh, to Alexandra to finish riding the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to Doctors Point. It was about five in the evening by the time I set out on the bike. It's about ten kilometres each way, slowed by extensive photography for
I woke to a cooler strangely foggy morning. Today's ride was going to be short so had a leisurely breakfast before putting the bike in the car for the drive down to Beaumont. Back to Beaumont It was about eleven, and a fine sunny day, by the time
