Day 7- Rotorua to Whakarmaru

Today’s word for the day is WIND!!

… and boy was there plenty of it blowing in the wrong direction which neater had a headwind for most of the day.

We started the day waking at 7 and were away to have breakfast ahead of the ride in Rotorua. Breakfast of bacon and eggs really hit the spot together with a cappuccino!

We were on the road by about 9 and for the first 30 kms approximately it was on roads winding through the foothills near Rotorua. The main farming through the whole area we road today was dairy.

After the first stage of the ride it was on to unmade roads which included one long climb of about 5 kms which was a challenge but great once w reached the top!

During this time we experienced rain showers which made riding a little more challenging. The rain showers continued for most of the rest of the day.

We had lunch on the dam wall of the Ohakuri power station which was good to have a break!

After this it was on to the Waikato River trail which was quite pretty along the banks of the river.

I am starting to feel a bit more confident on trails now and although progress is a bit slower than Chris and Steve I feel much better on them.

We arrived at Whakarmaru at about 6.00 pm which made for a big day of riding.

My Garmin data stuffed up so the distance is wrong.. we rode 83 kms climbed about 1000 metres.

The accomodation we are staying at tonight is guest house style homes which were workers accommodation in an earlier life when they were building the dam and power station at Whakarmaru.

Seems we have a few challenging days ahead of us now with climbing and trail riding….hopefully the practice up to now serves me well!

Picture’s today are as follows:

Today’s ride map

A view of the dairy country in the early part of the ride….sky is blue!!

View of spillway flows to take off excess water from the power station dam along the river with the power station in the next photo

A general view of the Waikato River

Steve and I climbed up 108 stairs to this view platform which was terrible as the trees had grown …. Chris wisely did not do the climb preferring to looks after the bikes… he said!

Day 6- Putaruru to Rotorua

After the best night of sleep for the whole trip it was up at around 8.00am to get ready for the ride.

The hotel we stayed at last night was somewhat out of the 1930’s and not much had been done to it since opening. As a result the rooms were comfortable but very basic with lots of period items including a razor blade shute… see the picture. Not sure where the blades end up as there was no sign of a collection bin!

Anyway after rising and packing it was off for breakfast and a coffee at a local cafe which was delightful… compared to dinner last night which was average to say the least!

After breakfast I made a visit to the chemist to get some cream for the nether regions as the last few days were quite painful! Seems to be working thankfully!

The initial part of the ride was on made roads with one long 6 km climb which had a constant 5% gradient. The Garmin said there was some flat spots and even a short downhill but I am certain it was lying!

After the climb it was on to a bush logging track which was through the pine forest. Quite pretty really although for me there were some challenging parts requiring me to walk. After getting advice from Chris about riding on tracks I let my tyres down substantially which made a big difference. I feel I am getting more confident on the really rough parts of the tracks now… in some ways that experience on Big River Wialuta ride still haunts me!

After emerging from the woods we stopped at Mamaku for lunch which consisted of toasted sandwiches we bought at breakfast.

Then it was on to Rotorua which was a great decent with the wind behind us! Lovely riding to end the day!

We are staying at the backpackers tonight which is very comfortable.

The days ride was 59 kms and we climbed about 750 metres. The weather was cooler today thankfully with clouds so much appreciated by us all.

Today’s pictures are:

A picture of the trail we rode on with local flowers

The ride route to Rotorua

The razor blade shute

Some strange hills sticking up from the ground… must be something to do with volcanic activity in the past.

A bad picture of Lake Rotorua from the road on our decent… there was a better view back 1.5 kms but I was not going back!

A lovely picture of the 1800 built Museum

Our home for the night

Day 5 - Matamata to Putaruru

Being a shorter day of riding we were awake a little earlier later than yesterday at about 7.00 am. After packing up and breakfasting at a local cafe , we were on the road by about 8.00 am.

The weather today started with a cloudy sky and temperatures on the high teens. As the day progressed the clouds were burnt off by the sun and it heated up to around 28 degrees. This wind also increased as the day unfolded. Initially we had a headwind for the ride on the main road… state highway 1. There was plus traffic on the road with many B-Double trucks. The wind and traffic meant for slow traveling.

Shortly after leaving Matamata we stopped to visit a friend of Chris’s on his farm. The husband and wife are keen bike riders and enjoy long rides and even competitive riding. It was great to meet Robyn and enjoy the chat and have some juice.

After negotiating the roads we were on to the Waikato River trail which runs beside the Waikato River. The trail was good but provided some challenging terrain for me. We ended the trail ride at Arapuni where we had lunch at the Rhubarb Cafe. This cafe seems to be a hub for cyclists travelling through the area.

After lunch it was off for the short ride to Putaruru with a tail wind ….. finally we had a tail wind the first time on the trip so far!

We made great time and reached our destination at about 2.00 pm!

This early arrival gives us time to do washing and rest.

The total distance of the ride was 52 kms … for some reason my Garmin only recorded 45kms… so much for technology!

Today was interesting for me to get some more experience on trails which were a bit more challenging… the great news being there were no falls!

Today’s pictures are of:

The ride route excluding 7 kms due to stuff ups on the Garmin

The Hobbit House in middle earth at Matamata. The Hobbit movie was filmed around here.

The bike statue outside Chris’s friends place at entrance to the farm. Very impressive farm!

A view of the Waikato River along the trail..lovely area.

Day 4 - Miranda to Matamata

With a long ride planned for the day we agreed to start at about 7 am so we were up at 6.00am.

The ride for the day was reasonably flat with a climb of a little over 200 metres.

The weather was reasonably hot again with temperatures in the high 20’s and it was quite humid!

We rode for about 20 kms before having breakfast at a roadside cafe called Bugger! The breakfast was great and we were fueled up for the day.

Initially the ride was on a rather busy highway with lots of traffic but shortly after breakfast we were on the Hauraki rail trail for the rest of the ride to Matamata. The surface was very good to ride on and the countryside was primarily dairy farming but as we got to Matamata the farming was primarily that of horse studs…. Very impressive properties!

The only issue for us was the heat and the fact that there were very few trees! The heat was oppressive which involved us making many stops for drinks and the let the heat in our bodies dissipate.

For me the heat was ok but later in the day it made me very tired and I looked forward to reaching our destination!

We made several stops in towns and cafes along the way which were a welcome relief!

The 111 km ride to over 11 hours and my bum is rather sore as a result… hopefully it will recover for the rides ahead.

The pub we are staying at tonight is an old world pub but very comfortable for the 3 of us.

The pictures today are

The ride route

Breakfast at the Bugger cafe

Crossing the Waihou river

Waiting for cows to cross the trail after milking

Me at Paeroa where we had lunch and 2 bottles of the local brew… non alcoholic!

This lovely house on the way in to Matamata

Day 3 - Auckland Airport to Miranda

We had a start from the hotel at 8.30 am with Chris picking us up after riding from the CBD.

The weather at the commencement of the ride was fine, virtually no wind and temperature of about 15 degrees. As the day progressed the temperature increased to the mid/ high 30’s which proved to be challenging.

The ride today was 88 kms for Steve and myself and over 100 for Chris.

The early part of the trip was on a bike trail from the airport which was well signposted and relatively flat.

After completing this trail it was heavier going out of the Auckland foothills including a time on a mountain bike trail!

I had one fall on the trail… no injuries but a dent on my pride.

After leaving the greater Auckland area we made our was in a south east direction through the hills that are the water catchment for Auckland.

There was one particular road called rather interestingly Jones Read…( Chris’s surname) which was quite challenging with gradients in excess of 20%! I walked this as the mere weight of the bike with the full racks was just too much.

After this the road followed undulating country with the odd hill. Interestingly we climbed about 950 metres during the day.

As the ride went on the heat played real have with all of us. Both Steve and Chris had intermittent cramps and towards the end of the ride I was feeling light headed.

We all went though a lot of with regular bottle filling par of the day.

We arrived at Miranda at a little after 5.00 pm and luckily for us the office was open to buy a cool drink and pizzas for dinner.

The temperature as I write this blog is quite good in the early 20’s with a lovely breeze!

I was quite pleased with the ride today as this is the longest ride I have done in almost 12 months and although I am rather tired I recovered after a shower and are feeling ok for the 100 plus ride tomorrow on a relatively flat road.

A good bit challenging first day

The pictures today are the ride route, all of us ready to go from the hotel, the view of greater Auckland at the top of one of the climbs, morning tea at a golf course, Chris having a rest recovering from cramp ing , our home for the night at Miranda.

---

Day 2- Auckland

After a good night of sleep following arrival at Auckland we were awake at about 8.00am.

We had a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs with coffee and was into assembly of the bikes!

Apart from a few troubles with the front box the bikes were assembled by about 11.00am shortly after Chris arrived at the hotel. Chris is staying close to the CBD. He helped us with the final few assembly items and we decided to do a ride to the Auckland harbour to test out the bikes.

Chris mentioned it was the Auckland Day holiday so the roads were not busy.

The ride into town was about 25 kms and we stopped at a bike shop so it could get a few things checked.

The weather was fine apart from a heavy shower whilst at the bike shop. The other issue was a strong southerly wind which was fine for the inward journey but made the ride back a little more challenging.

Arriving at the harbour we were met with big holiday crowds but managed to find a table at a restaurant overlooking an area where there was dragon boat racing.

After lunch it was back to the hotel after Chris left us and we made a good fist of finding our way! One small glitch saw us track back to the CBD but we corrected quickly.

We did about 50 kms in the shake down ride and the bike is now set for the adventure ahead.

After a good dinner of fish and chips it will be bedtime to dream of the days ahead!

Good first day but hope the winds drop tomorrow!

Photos show bike assembled and us getting ready for the ride

Day 1 At airport

Today I leave for Auckland with Steve Seymour to meet Chris Jones in Auckland to begin the ride to Wellington and eventually through to Christchurch.

We are on the ride for about 4 weeks

This morning Steve and I met with the Wheeliebinners at their coffee stop to have a chat and say goodbye.

It was good to reconnect with so many after the Christmas break and receive their good wishes.

Looking forward to the latest New Zealand adventure .

See pictures below of bike boxed up and coffee with the boys this morning

Test

Test

Days 19 & 20 At Christchurch and Travelling Home

On day 19 I woke at about 7.00am … a bit of a sleep in for me after the days of riding. Had a better night of sleep not being annoyed by the constant itching of the bites I received in the last couple of days of the ride. I think there might have been bed bugs at the last motel we stayed at on the ride!

After getting a takeaway coffee it was breakfast which Chris prepared which included scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes. Great start to the day!

After breakfast it was bike cleaning and packing time which took a couple of hours to complete.

After a sandwich lunch Chris took us to the NZ Air Force museum which was interesting. After this it was back to Chris’s house until dinner which was a real nosh-up of casseroles vegetables followed by apple pie bought by Ray who joined us for the final dinner.

We all reflected over dinner on the highs and lows of the trip and the wonderful fellowship we enjoyed on the ride.

Some statistics were discussed including the facts that we had ridden 770 kms , the van had travelled over 4000 kms.

Quite impressive really!

After this we went to bed ahead of the 2.30 am wake up to travel to the airport!

On day20 we ( Rob , Stephen and myself) woke early as expected and made our way to the airport for the flight back home.

Phil is to fly home later in the day….

In some ways it is sad to leave after such a great trip but the memories of what we have done and achieved will live us forever!

Special thanks to our NZ hosts for showing us around the South Island of New Zealand and to Chris for making this happen… he is an inspiration to us all for his energy in all things cycling 

Thanks also to the Aussie crew who made the trip over the ditch. Your friendship and fellowship over the past 3 weeks had made a real impact on the success of the NZ Bike Trip

This is the final sign off on this trip blog.

Catch you on the next biking adventure!

No pictures on this blog…..

Day 18- Kaikoura to Christchurch 49 kms of riding

Today was an early start to the day once again at 6.39 am wake up and breakfast at 7.00am for a 7.30 am start on the van ride up state highway number 1 to Waikuku which is about 160 kms . The start was delayed a bit for us to get coffee and a cake. The early part of the road trip was along the coast where the road engineering was tested with the geography and natural order being in an earthquake region.

After this the road started to flatten out as we entered the Marlborough plains region where there were many wineries. Marlborough is well known as a world class region for wines.

We stopped again along the way for petrol and the obligatory coffee ahead of starting the ride at Waikuku .Chris had a friend Gerry meet us for the Pegasus ride into Christchurch.

The ride was along gravel roads and tracks for most of the way but getting closer to Christchurch we were on sealed roads and bike paths.

We stopped for lunch in a lovely cafe Kaiapoi where we met another of Chris’s friends Ray who rode with us to Chris’s home in Christchurch. At this Gerry left us to return home.

We arrived at the destination at around 3.30 pm and celebrated with a communal hug of achievement for all the riding we have done over the almost 3 week period of the trip.

After a cup of tea Chris and I showered and went to dinner at his daughters home where I met his grandchildren Lilly and Tyler. The family meal was great and it was good to get into grandpa mode again.

After dinner it was home to Chris’s house where I am now doing the blog.

The only downside of today was the fact that Rob and I have been “eaten alive” by mosquitoes or some bugs and have been itching all day

I have tried some ointment from the chemist to get some relief but frankly it is of minimal effect 

It is somewhat sad that the rides have finished but the reward of doing what we have done as a group will live with us for the rest of our lives.

Special thanks to Chris for making this happen… more about this in a later blog 

Early on the ride we stopped on the beach 

Me on the swing bridge near where we had lunch 

Me riding on the trail 

At lunch at Waikuku 



Some boats on the canal near where we had lunch 

Day 17- The Bach to Kaikoura

Today we were up and about at 7.00am with breakfast then it was tidy up the Bach time ahead of moving on to our next destination.

We had the place “Spick and Span” in no time at all and it was good to get moss the temp was about minus 1 with a mild frost.

After doing a tree planting ceremony to mark the Wheeliebinners visit to this wonderful location we were off on the drive to Kaikoura . The first stop was a visit to a location where the university is studying the movement along the NZ fault line then a visit to a pretty viewpoint near spring junction.

After this it was on to Hanmar Springs where we had coffee and I had a lovely cake. Hanmar Springs is definitely worth another visit it was very pretty.

The trip took us over the Lewis Pass which is one of the main crossings by road from east to west.

After coffees it was on further through hilly country which was a lot dryer on the east side of the mountain ranges. Along the way we met up with a group of riders doing the TA on sealed roads raising money for the prostate cancer cause. It was great to meet the Bikes for Blokes guys which had a lady as part of the group. They are aiming to raise 400,000NZD for the cause which is wonderful achievement.

The rest of the drive was through hilly country which made me think of the work that the Bikes for Blokes riders were going through!

We arrived at Kaikoura at about 3.00 pm then it was time to change into riding gear for a ride around Kaikoura.

All of us apart from Ian and Phil went in the Kaikoura ride which was shorten due to time but it was very good taking in a brief ride through Kaikoura and out through a pine forest then a golf course after climbing a shortish hill. I got a bit lost on the ride which was a bit frustrating but managed to find the others to do the return trip back to the hotel.

After showering we then went out to a pub for dinner where I had fish and chips which were good followed by a child’s meal chocolate sundae… all yummy!

After doing the NZ census forms it was off to bed at around 9.30 pm for the night to ready ourselves for the last day of riding on the tour…. Sad really but all good things unfortunately come to an end. On a bright note Phil presented Chris with his own Wheeliebinners uniform being a cycling top and socks… he was suitably impressed and will wear the uniform tomorrow.

The Wheeliebinners tree now planted with Chris looking suitably impressed 

The day begins in the van 

Snow capped hills and river at Kaikoura on the trail ride

Looking at the snow capped hills from near the centre of Kaikoura 

(Temporary Backup) Day 16 A- The Bach

I thought I might do a few photos of Chris’s Bach to give an idea of the beautiful surroundings and setting of the wonderful place.

Here are a few pictures which gives some idea but it is best seen live…. Trust me!

A view over the pond and swimming hole 

A view back from the pond to the Bach 

A closer view of the Bach

The creek that flows through the property that supplies the running water and hydro power for the house 

Day 16-Maruia Saddle Ride 42 kms

We woke to a gorgeous day with no clouds and clear skies and as the day unfolded it was one of the best days weather wise we have had.

After breakfast we packed the bikes on the trailer and were on our way to the start of the ride along the main road to Murchison.

W had to drop Chris off along the way as he had meetings in at Spring Junction and we proceeded further down the road to the drop off point.

The ride today was along a 4WD track which had a climb of about 200 metres to the top of the saddle.

Today and probably for the rest of the ride I will be using Chris’s spare bike with wider tyres which are better suited to trail and 4WD track riding.

It seemed to work for me and after a short while of getting used to the gears and the bike pedals and cleats!

I gradually gained more confidence as the ride progressed and the weather certainly helped my demeanour.

The ride after the initial climb was through a picturesque valley with some short climbing on the ups and downs of the hills.

The last part of the ride into Murchison was on sealed road which made for really good riding 

We arrived at Murchison at about 1.30 pm and after strapping our bikes in the trailer we had lunch at the Rivers Cafe. For me it was mince on toast with a coffee followed by a strawberry milkshake.

On the ride today we saw many TA riders making their way south to Reefton as their next stop. We also saw a husband and wife riding north on the TA where they are riding from Bluff to Nelson. Interesting to chat to them at the top of the saddle!

After lunch it was back in the van and on the road again back to the Bach to meet Chris who rode back after his meeting.

After having a welcome shower it was perfect to sit down and reflect on the day with a cup of tea and chocolate chip biscuit. These were home made by Chris as were the cheese puffs we had for breakfast this morning!

It was a great day and most enjoyable for us all.

At the start of the ride!

Getting ready at the start of the ride 

Chris’s sign at the top of the climb

All the Aussies at the top of the climb 

Interesting view of the trail crossing a river with a lovely bridge 

A view of the trail 

An interesting gorge along the valley 

Day 15- Rest Day - Drive to Nelson

Today there was a reluctance by us all to get on the bikes for a long ride so Chris gave us an option to drive to Nelson and back for those interested.

I, together with Rob, Steve, Ian and Chris decided to do the van ride whilst Phil and John thought it best to stay at the Bach for the day.

So off we went in the van with reasonable weather with temperatures around high teens. The first stop was Murchison where we went to a delightful coffee shop which had some delicious raspberry and chocolate muffins!

After stopping there it was on to Nelson along the main highway. At this time we saw several TA riders making their way south…. The number on the road is now increasing as the main wave of riders progress along the South Island.

At Nelson we stopped in the Main Street to look for a cafe and the choices were not there. That together with the big morning tea led us to think we might get something better down the road.

Traveling through Nelson I was struck by the lovely homes and general ambience of the town. Something to come back to sometime!

We stopped for lunch at a cafe in Motueka. The cafe food was good. I had a toasted sandwich.

Then rather than drive back along the same route, we took a detour along the TA route out of the Nelson area  which once again we were able to see riders making their way south.

Interestingly we met a Canadian couple riding in a northerly direction who we previously met on the Wilderness trail. Funny how things turn out!

We arrived back at the Bach at about 6.00 pm after doing about 470 kms of driving 

For dinner we had a entree of fried white bait then bangers and mash with salad and mushrooms then a dessert of rhubarb and strawberries with cream…. All very yummy!

Late this evening a few of us traveled to Spring Junction to make a few calls back to families as the mobile reception is rather poor at the Bach.

Today has been an interesting day with more of the South Island seen

Looking forward to going on a ride tomorrow!

Waterfall created by earthquake movement!

Another view of the waterfall 

Main Street of Nelson 

The boys preparing dinner… Stephen ( left) John ( centre) and Rob ( right)

Me doing Ellio’s secret salad recipe!!!

Day 14- Rest Day at the Bach

After a recovery sleep last night where for the first half of the night I was aching in the legs and buttocks from my falls, the anti-inflammatories kicked in and I was able to sleep through to around 7.00 am. Good to have a sleep in after a succession of starts at 5.30 am or 6.00am.

The decision made last evening after our ride was to have a day of rest with a late start, trip to Reefton to do the washing and to have a lazy afternoon of rest!

So after a great breakfast we made for Reefton at about 

10.00am leaving Chris behind to do a few chores and to think about the bike riding for the days ahead on the trip.

Reef is about 45 kms from the Bach and based on the number of times we have traveled there we are almost becoming’locals’. At Reefton we had coffee and morning tea followed by a later lunch as John worked his magic with the laundry washing and drying!

We were able to catch up on emails and the like with limited connectivity.

Again we saw a steady steam of TA cyclists coming through the town for lunch mainly. All looked pleased after completing the morning ride over the pass near Chris’s Bach.

After completing laundry and shopping for the days ahead we made our way back to our new home for a restful afternoon with many having an afternoon nap!

After the shocking ride yesterday, Chris has offered to have me use his spare mountain bike and I took it for a test ride which seemed to go well. The 8 km ride along the road to the Bach was ideal to do the test ride. I transferred the various bits and pieces to the reserve bike.( eg lights, Garmin, drink bottle holder etc)

Hopefully this bike will make a difference when we get on the tougher roads in the days ahead.

We had a terrific 3 course meal this evening with Rob cooking whitebait ( entree) and risotto (main course) and Chris providing apple tart with yogurt and muesli topping. All very satisfying after our rest day

After dinner Chris took us through his GoPro movies he has made on the trip which provided some fond memories of our past ventures… the only issue for me was watching the Big River movies where I had a terrible day yesterday…. It will give me some nightmares tonight I am sure!

Anyway all of this makes for great memories of a wonderful time in NZ with a great bunch of blokes.

Today being a rest day there are no photos.

Day 12- Hokitika to Ross then relocate to the “Bach” 35 kms

Today was another early start with me having breakfast at the bakery rather than in the hotel room 

It was coffee and muesli with fruit.

We were off at 7.10 a little late due to Ellio being unable to locate the key to the room where our bikes were stored overnight.

The ride to Ross was fairly flat and we made good time to get to Ross by about 10.15 am. The country along the route was coastal with some low countryside farms with dairy farms.

There were a few river crossings along the way which had interesting bridges.

After the ride we boarded the van to travel to the “Bach” with a stop at Hokitika for a hot cross bun Ann’s coffee, and at Greymouth where we needed to do some food shopping.

After picking up supplies it was on to the “Bach” . The route to this was on good roads and is about 60 kms. Arriving we were greeted by a wonderful sight of the accomodation for the next few nights. Chris showed us around the various engineering feats he has achieved including a hydro power system which supplements the solar system and a water supply system which comes from the local creek.

After a shower we had a bbq dinner of lamb and venison and white bait patties with all ingredients supplied by a local farmer (Miguel who is an immigrant from Spain)

We were also joined by a couple of Chris’s friends for dinner. One, Ray is a teacher and has done rides with Chris and Geoff who has kindly offered to drive Ellio back to Christchurch.

As it was Ellio’s last we duly celebrated his time with us.

To be frank, I was looking forward to a night of sleep.

A bridge crossing 

Another bridge crossing 

…..and again another bridge 

At the end of the Wilderness Trail ….another ride completed.

A welcome sight for lunch at Reefton

Chris’s pizza oven…we are trying to build one of these at our holiday house at Rye

A view of the “Bach” which is set in lovely surroundings 

Chris shows off his water system 

…. And the hydro power system 

Dinner of venison and lamb patties with the salad supplied by me and Ellio

Day 13 - Big River Wailtuta 27 kms

After a good night of sleep we woke to a morning of mist which cleared as the day went on. After van early breakfast of scrambled eggs cans bacon on toast we were off to the Reefton ahead of starting the ride.

Along the way we saw a few of the TA riders who were making their way from north to south of New Zealand a distance of about 3000 kms!

At Reefton we had coffees and bought our lunch which we were to have along the way on our ride.

After coffees it was time after a short drive to start the Big River ride.

Well to say it was tough would be a dramatic understatement. The first 500 metres were on loose cobblestones and I was having real trouble maintaining balance. Rob had a fall over the edge of the track and shortly afterwards I had the first of my 4 falls for the day,

From then on the ride gradually worsened for me as I really struggled with the gravel tyres on my bike so much so that for most of the ride I walked…I recorded about 14,000 steps for the day!

Although the climbing was not much ( 770 metres) the trail was most difficult . It was 4WD road initially then a hiking track which was very narrow and at times and with deep ruts and at times challenging drops and areas where the track had subsided.

At one stage on the ride the track was in a creek which meat we had to carry our bikes. 

For me my confidence in riding the track was shot four after falls I had which although we’re not severe, played on my mind. This meant I was a at the back of the group in the ride being supported by Phil, John and Chris as I made my way on foot!

As the ride went on, the weather started to turn and the rain set in for the afternoon. This made the track more difficult with slippery surfaces on the Rick’s and tree roots.

To be frank I was glad to reach the end of the track where we met up with Rob and Phil who were the advance party to meet the van on the road.

Unfortunately the lack of phone reception meant the van was at a different location which John and Chris went on to locate, leaving Phil, Rob and I to wait in a toilet block to shelter from the rain.

Finally we all met and attached the bikes to the trailer and made our way home to the Bach via Reefton.

Being cold and wet, we all agreed that a friendly and welcoming warm shower was the go!

Arriving at the Bach it was into the shower and time to enjoy the warmth of the stove fire and then some well earned dinner.

Shortly after dinner it was bed, although I had a bit of “patching up” to do as I had a few cuts and scrapes from my falls!

To say the day was challenging would be a fair statement and for me the determination to finish the ride drive me to the end of the track. Also the help and support of all in the riding group was very much appreciated.

The day was a ride of 27 kms in a time of 7 hours and 37 minutes with an average speed for me of 3.64 kph.

I was glad to get to bed tonight to rest my weary legs and cuts and bruises…

Tomorrow thankfully we have agreed it will be a rest day!!!!

At Reefton for coffee and to meet some of the riders on the TA

The start of the Big River ride!

Some of the 4WD track early on in the ride

The views were good when I had a chance to get my eyes up from looking where I was going!

Here we went in to one of the gold mine tunnels along the track… there were lots of these!

Another view of a section of the track!

….a selfie of me at the end of the ride… tired and wet!


Phil and Rob waiting for the van to arrive in the shelter of the toilet block!

Day 11- Kumara to Hokitika 72 kms

Once again it was a 6.30 am wake up and I felt a bit tired this morning after a late night Alkira board meeting. I zoomed in from New Zealand to the 7.00 pm meeting in Melbourne!

The morning breakfast was in the hotel room where we have cereal and canned fruit.

Lunch today was sandwiches on the road which was organised by Rob Baker with the hotel 

The start for the ride was prompt at 7.30 am and the weather was coolish and a bit humid. The was virtually no wind and the temperature started at above 12 degrees warming to about 20 during the day .

The trail today was a combination of unmade roads and walking/ riding tracks. The surface was good although there were several spots where the track had tight turns with switchbacks. At one stage I had a fall on a tight corner but was ok apart from a small graze on my knee….. another bloody fall!

We had 2 climb’s which were quite easy really as it seems we are getting into the swing of the ride.

The country was a mixture of rainforest, scrub with very little farming along the trail.

During the ride we met several people riding the trail and spent some time with a couple from Canada who are doing rides in NZ .

We also saw quite a few hikers ( in NZ they are called Trampers!) towards the end of the day which is interesting 

The day finished early at Hokitika around 2.15 which meant we could enjoy the town at bit more.

Having a coffee with Rob Baker we reflected on the wonderful countryside we are seeing and the need to explore more.

Me outside the hotel ready to leave

Typical view of the trail today with rainforest style vegetation 

Another view along the trail going across swamps 

A view of one of the rivers we crossed 

…. The rock has been transplanted!

At the top of one of the climbs 

A view down the valley towards Hokitika 

Day 10 - Christchurch to Greymouth by Train then Ride from Greymouth to Hokitika 30 kms

Today was another early start at 6.00am to get ready for the train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth.

The train left at about 8.15 am and we had very comfortable carriages and seats for the journey.

The trip on the train was really quite special with the first part going through the Canterbury Plains with dairy country and a slight incline.

Then it was into the hills with spectacular views of rivers Ana the surrounding mountains. At the top of the train trip we stopped at Arthur’s Pass which is a Tula lovely area nestled in a valley. After boarding the train we then went through a 2 km tunnel and out the other side it was quite different country being on the west side of the mountain range. The vegetation was bright green and subtropical which is in sharp contrast to the brown low vegetation on the east side of the mountain range.

The train trip through to Greymouth was very pleasant and we met quite a few of the fellow travellers in our carriage.We arrived at Greymouth at about 1.20 pm where Phil and Ian met us having driven the van through from Christchurch.

We had lunch at lovely cafe recommended by Phil called Sevenpenny… then it was off to get changed and on to the bikes for the ride to Kumara. We are now on the Western Wilderness trail heading south from Greymouth. After a bit of a blip finding the start of the trail due to my Garmin playing up, it was on for the 30 km ride on a very nice trail with a good surface and a gentle gradient.We arrived at Kumara at around 5.30 pm and the accommodation is at the Royal Theatre Hotel which has a lovely old world charm. The hotel uses a couple of houses opposite the main hotel for accommodation which is delightful.

Dinner tonight was at the hotel and I had fish and chips which was great 

Today was another wonderful day of sightseeing and riding in NZ and it seems we all had a great day

Late picture at the end of the A2O with all of us at the Pacific Ocean!!!

Boarding the train at Christchurch 

Very comfortable train carriages 

Scene on the train journey through the window 

…. And another one!

At Arthur’s pass

Leaving Greymouth after getting off the train and changing in the car park to the surprise of the passing foot traffic!

The trail was very good!

We crossed this bridge 

All of us at Arthur’s Pass

Phil and Ian went in the van rather than on the train 

Our hotel room for the night….. very comfortable!

Day 9 - Rest Day Christchurch

Today was a well earned rest day in Christchurch as we all needed to get a bit of rest after 7 days of riding about 500 kms.

The day started with breakfast at one of Chris’s coffee shops and a full eggs breakfast was on the menu for most of us. I had a delicious omelette with coffee which was a great start for the day.

After breakfast we went to the bike shop where a few of the bikes needed running repairs. After this it was to the shops for a few of the boys to do shopping.

Then we went on a guided tour of Christchurch which was interesting. The trip up the mountains near the town were spectacular with views of the city and harbour. We had lunch at a cafe in New Brighton then had a tour of the area that was devastated by the earthquake. The area where houses were ruined by the earthquake is huge and now only vacant land can be seen. The CBD has building blocks that are vacant next to new or renovated buildings. Makes you really appreciate the power of Mother Nature.

After the tour it was back to Chris’s place where Ellio prepared spaghetti bolognaise for dinner which was combined with ice cream and berries for dessert. A great way to finish the day!

We have another early day tomorrow do it is off to bed early in anticipation of another great day.