Watching NZ Story on TVNZ One, about Lydia Bradey the first woman to summit Everest, thinking about Bas's Tibet/Nepal ride next year. Then they showed a clip from an old news broadcast which had (I'm pretty sure) Geoff Gabites, as NZ Alpine Club President, commenting
Been a while since I did any trail riding but this shows New Zealand at it’s best. Heli-biking in Queenstown looks awesome. I’ve only done some remote metal road riding (left) and a part day single track ride down Skippers Canyon (right). That will have to change as
I’m not a fan of drifting, waste of tyres I reckon, but this video got my attention. I’ve ridden the Crown Range road twice, both East and West, so have been up and down the hill shown on a bicycle. Although the downhill was extremely fast (maybe 70-80km/
One of the delights about joining a cycle tour group is the wonderful people you meet. Who’d have thought a bike trip in New Zealand would be connected, quite directly, to this… Space Insurers continue to make profits...but for how much longer? - Hyperbola “Ariane 5 ECA carries
New Zealand
We arrived in Kaikoura early evening and the weather was a bit gloomy. Although it was ‘the last supper’ (the trip ended the following afternoon) the atmosphere was the exact opposite of the weather. It was a nice way to end a great day, of cycling, wining and dining. Although
New Zealand
After a quick look at the lake, departure hastened by sand-fly attack, we got on the bikes. The morning started with a 30’ish kilometre run down the Wairau Valley. Although I have been to Saint Arnaud before this ride was new to me. It was a fast downhill run
New Zealand
Today was another repeat ride for me and some others in the group. No pain because the Motueka Valley is a lovely road parallel to the main highway. It follows the West bank of the river and has almost no traffic. In parts groves of trees create green tunnels and
New Zealand
We arrived in Motueka, from Westport, about 17:20 and headed for the Abel Tasman office to arrange the next day for those doing the ‘walk in the park’ option. It happened to be right beside a cycle shop — Coppins Great Outdoors Centre — which was about to close. Bas had
Adventure South
I had heard heavy rain in the night but was happy to find when I awoke that what sounded like morning rain was just the roar of the surf. The lodge at Punakaiki is close to the beach! After breakfast there was time for a quick look at the pancake
New Zealand
Today’s ride was a repeat for me but the road from Moana to Punakaiki covers some nice country. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great with light rain/mist but it was still warm so ok for riding. After a ‘substantial’ breakfast — I think they usually cater to rural appetites
Our itinerary had us heading from Hanmer up Lewis Pass towards the West Coast, destination Moana on Lake Brunner. However the weather forecast wasn’t too favourable with rain expected on the West of the divide and a strong westerly (head) wind. The nice thing about supported rides is you
New Zealand
After a bike fit session at “the depot” we bussed to the top of the Port Hills. Felt a bit lazy as we passed cyclists slogging (and it would be a slog) to the top sitting in the air conditioned comfort of a bus but hey, that’s an advantage
