RobiNZ Personal Blog

A2O Cycle Road Trip 12–Kurow, Otematata to Burnside Homestead

Signs of more snow arriving on the hills overnight but seeing this sunrise, and blue sky, was a nice start to the day. After breakfast at Waitaki Braids we loaded up and drove back to Otematata to ride the best part of the trail we skipped yesterday. While waiting I sought the sun warmth as it was still quite chilly! (photo by Buzz) Stunning day, what a contrast, for our first ride from Otematata towards Benmore Dam. From there a quiet country road follows the lake shore for about 25km down to Aviemore Dam. Struth, nearly hit an Aussie! Although... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 11–Omarama to Kurow, via Oamaru?

I had a late night watching F1 on my phone as mobile data was faster than WIFI. Awoke to grim weather, cold and wet, and it didn’t look like it was passing. At breakfast Bas suggested a change from the scheduled ride to Kurow. We jumped in the bus and drove all the way (about 110km) to Oamaru for the day, then back to Kurow (70km) for the night. I had been through Oamaru several times but not had the chance to really see it, so this was a fine alternative to a miserable day on the bike. We were... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 10–Lake Ohau highlights

Sunday dawned (very) cold and (comparatively) fine. After breakfast in Twizel our destination was Lake Ohau Lodge for lunch. I’d ridden in this area before, on road long before the trail, but was looking forward to revisiting it from a new perspective. Up early after staying up too late watching F1 qualifying on my phone! This was supposed to be a group shot but gloved hands meant I was too slow getting the camera out! The first part is on road, but so quiet we hardly saw any vehicles. Following the hydro canals made for some spectacular views. That’s a... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 09–Somewhere under the rainbow, to Twizel

The short walk to breakfast and view across Lake Tekapo was sufficient to see the forecast grim weather had arrived. The good thing about riding with people with extensive local knowledge is they know where not to go. Instead of battling head/side winds, and rain, on the first part of the A2O Trail Bas (& John) decided we’d go the wrong way. We drove to a nearby valley and suited up for a wet, probably cold, ride towards Burkes Pass. Instead one of the most stunning scenes I’ve ever cycled into appeared in front of us. A photo captures some... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 08–Towards Tekapo Cycling

The start of the A2O Cycle Trip proper meant getting rid of AHBART for a week. I’d been offered a free secure park but it was on the opposite side of Christchurch from where I was staying so had an early start. Although Friday, workday for most, there was little traffic between Lincoln and New Brighton at 6:00am! A bonus was watching the dramatic sunrise and, ominous, clouds. It’s a small group, mostly returning clients, former staff/founder and friends using the last advertised A2O trip slot on Adventure South’s calendar. After a couple of rendezvous, at the Adventure South Depot... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 07–Kaikōura to Christchurch Meetups

I’ve cycled the Inland route from Kaikōura to Waiau a few times (2006, 2011 & 2012) and it was a great ride. This time I was pedalling the Abarth, looking forward to a wonderful drive. I was heading to Christchurch to meet up with some friends for lunch, the A2O cycle group for dinner. I left fairly early and it was ANZAC day; possibly why there wasn’t much traffic? Stunning weather and a superb road. This was the only route to access Kaikoura after the earthquake damaged SH1 north & south of the town. It was also damaged but opened... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 06–Kaikōura Trails

Finally got “Rapid Rob’ out of the car and, from this photo, it is pretty clear why I need to take both wheels off to get it in! It was warm enough but there was lingering low cloud, or sea fog, which I hoped would burn off. The plan, as far as it went, was to explore the town and waterfront before heading south to try some of the single track trails on offer. It wasn’t going to be a big ride, more fun and sight seeing while being careful not to do anything stupid and fall. Last thing I... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 05–Picton to Kaikōura; ships, planes and seals?

Had a very early start for the interisland ferry. Other than it and getting to Kaikōura by the evening I had no other fixed plans for the day. Not much traffic on the Wellington motorways at 6:00am, even though it was a normal weekday for most. Bluebridge Ferry check-in was slick and I lined up with the other ‘cars under 5.5m’ although a Smart meant AHBART wasn’t the smallest! When they signalled my line to start boarding the car in front of me didn’t move, the driver was sound asleep until they tapped on his window! No problem getting on... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 04–Wellington Weta & Manual Car Meet-up

I had a lazy start, sleep in, as had booked a Weta Workshop/Studio tour for 11:00. I went via Mt Victoria, another first for me I think (although maybe went up there as a kid). The weather was still mixed, but the clouds and glimmer of sun made for some nice views. The Weta tour was great. Must admit I found the Thunderbirds set visit more interesting than the Rings & fantasy stuff but admired the craftmanship and dedication apparent in all their work. Glad to see how they make the magic: hard work and creative thinking. A demo of... Read more →

A2O Cycle Road Trip 03–Wellington not quite as planned

I had intended to cycle today, either the coast to Pencarrow or Hutt River/Rimutaka trails, but awoke to dismal weather. It was quite cold, 10-14c, drizzle to driving rain and ‘robust wind’ which locals probably considered a light breeze. With a week of biking coming up, a slightly sore throat I thought might be the start of something worse (but wasn’t), it wasn’t worth risking a day in the cold & wet. For me, biking was off. Sunday cycle becomes drive Having decided to stay in the car, dry and warm!, I still wanted to explore some parts of Wellington... Read more →