RobiNZ Personal Blog

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 →

The balloon seller in Hanoi

I was watching a documentary on architecture, Supersize Structures, and in one part (about the density of cities) they showed a picture of Hanoi. It was a passing shot but looked familiar, very familiar. In 2008 I had taken the same shot, of a balloon seller in the traffic, from a roof top open air café overlooking an intersection in Hanoi. It wasn't my favourite from that location. This one for me captures the manic calm of crossing the road in Hanoi. Just walk and know they’ll miss you, just. Read more →

Great Tibetan cycle tour video

This rekindled some memories, same route as our 2014 tour. Don’t know why but although carrying a HD capable smart phone didn't even think about shooting video! Read more →

The other Tibet

No wonder Everest, Tibet seemed familiar when I visited in 2014: Back in 2005 I saw Tibet Florida* (but it was still under construction) * In Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Read more →

Remembering Kodari, another victim of the Nepal Earthquakes

Back in September we crossed the border over the ‘Friendship Bridge’ from Tibet into Nepal at Kodari. I remember the chaos, friendly smiling faces and warmth (both physical from the humid air and emotional from the people) of this little one street town. It was quite a contrast to the authoritarian atmosphere we’d just experienced at the Tibetan border. Kodari clings to the mountainside between shear cliffs and a roaring river. The images bellow are from a BBC news report tonight (05/17/2015). Kodari was near the centre of the quake aftershock and has been destroyed. It is abandoned, as the... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 22 — Farewell Kathmandu

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 23-09-2014 – Tuesday. Back at the Radisson, Kathmandu. Last time I was here Kathmandu seemed rather strange, chaotic and exotic. The chaotic bit hasn’t changed but now it now seems reassuringly familiar and (almost) civilised. Perhaps some of that was the rather westernised ‘bubble’ that the Radisson represents but a glance out the window soon reminded you where you were. I had a room with a very Kathmandu view. Bike (back) in a box time 24-09-2014 – Wednesday. After breakfast—a leisurely and delicious breakfast—it was time to pack up the bike.... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 21 — Kodari to Kathmandu, Nepal

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 22-09-2014 – Monday afternoon. Such an action packed day I made it two posts (Monday morning is here) You can certainly see the difference between Nepalese and Tibetan (OK, Chinese) infrastructure. That nine hundred kilometres of sealed concrete edged Tibetan highway we rode becomes this in Nepal: Leaving Kodari on the Arniko Highway, yes Highway! Beautiful Mountain biking down a highway The Arniko Highway follows the river down a valley. Great for us as mostly downhill riding and bizarrely, considering it is THE highway, ideal for my hardtail mountain bike. The... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 20 — Zhangmu to Kodari, Nepal

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 22-09-2014 – Monday morning. Such an action-packed day I made it two posts After a forgettable hotel breakfast—really can’t remember what they had but when peanuts are the most viable breakfast buffet choice it wasn’t much—it was time for the final stuff gear into bag battle. Today we didn’t have the luxury of extra space on the bus as our bags would be portered several times between here & Kathmandu. If it didn’t fit in the red bag had to stuff into our riding bag, carry some other way or leave... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 19 — Nyalam to Zhangmu Hotel

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 21-09-2014 - Sunday Todays ride descended from 3,700m to 2,200m in just 33km. Add little or no-pedalling needed 30-50km/h cycling to absolutely beautiful dramatic scenery as the road plunged down a gorge. Say what? I wondered what the Chinese slogans on the roadside said but never thought to ask Tashi. Near the border this English one had me scratching my head too! Protection at the food of the road stay away in future generation — The highway management mission xigase No Photo! There was another Army run checkpoint about 10km down... Read more →

Himalayan Cycle 18 — Lalung La Saddle to Nyalam Camp, no, Hotel!

(A mix of travel notes and comments added later) 20-09-2014 - Saturday It was cold last night but not cold enough to need icebreaker 260 thermals. I went to bed (bag) with them on and awoke around midnight feeling hot. At first thought might be my turn for the dreaded lurgi but all was well after a cool down walk to the toilet tent! Even after a couple of weeks living above 4,000m there’s a daily reminder of the lack of oxygen up here. Stuffing your sleeping bag into its cover every morning was still a matter of stuff 'n... Read more →