New photos uploaded today to Gallery on my Givealittle page.
Day 35. Active riding day 24, 14 March Reefton to Greymouth. 121.4 km
Another interesting day. I got up early and had double oats and a cup of tea in the kitchen. Packed the bike and was away before 8am but decided to have a real breakfast as well. It was the right decision; I've got a big day ahead of me.
I was humming along 2 hours out and saw a slow moving tractor rounding a bend into the straight I was riding out of with 5 cars behind it and double yellow lined. The 1st 2 cars saw me as they entered the straight and didn’t pass the tractor. But the 3rd car didn't see me and decided to boot it. The road was narrow and even when she saw me, she decided speed was the best option.
From 150 metres out I waved at her, but she was "a coming, come what may". I decided that the verge was a better option than her bonnet so unceremoniously took to the grassed shoulder, managing not to fall over. A simple mistake of judgment but it got me thinking how easy it is to make a mistake.
The rest of the day, which was perfect weather wise except for a bit of wind, was just plugging away to Greymouth.
I did pop into Blackball for a sugar hit at the Blackball Hilton. Rode into Greymouth and got a room at the Union Hotel. Cheap, beer on tap, wine available and food.
Day 36 Active Riding Day 25,15 Marc. Greymouth to Hokitika via the West Coast Wilderness Trail. 97km
Its 41km from Greymouth to Hoki but the trail gives you another 56 km as it ventures inland to Kumara, Cowboy Paradise and Lake Kaniere.
I joined the trail at the stop bank and enjoyed the well maintained surface through to Kumara. The Theatre Royal Hotel wasn't doing business, so I had a donut and coffee at the local store.
The rain sheeted down on the 35km leg to Cowboys Paradise, a replica western town with pole dancers, food and accommodation. It was pouring as I rode into the wide main street, absolutely bucketing down. I had 38 km to go so decided to ride on through and get to Hoki asap. I took few photos because of the dreadful conditions. I got a replacement rear reflector light in Hoki, dried my sopping gear and ate at the adjoining pub. The ride would have been great on a fine day, I just didn't get that day.
Day 37. Active riding day 26, 16 March. Hokitika to Mount Adams Lodge 93.7km
I rejoined the West Coast Wilderness Trail after tucking into a good cooked breakfast and coffee. I’m bound for Ross, a 34 km trail through bush and in some places following the Mananui tram line out to Lake Mahinapua.
A brief morning shower just before Ross necessitated my jacket but overall it was a good riding day. While drinking coffee and a cookie a couple of ladies asked about all the cyclists, like me, that they had been seeing. I explained the TA, brevet and mentioned that I was riding independently as a Rotarian and mentioned the charities. They came back shortly after and gave me $15 for the Give a little fund. I gave them my card in exchange, they come from Hastings!
I rode on to Harihari and there met Tony and Odette Reid who are also doing the TA. Then one last 22km push over Mount Hercules to my accommodation at Mount Adam Lodge.
Day 38. Active riding day 27, 17 March. Mount Adam to Pine Grove Motels (34km south of Fox Glacier). 103.3km
I woke at 6am and packed. Cooked breakfast served by Angela at 7.15. Away 7.45 with lights on back and front. Bit cool. The weather was good, the traffic light and gave me plenty of room. I focused on the road, mirror and my surroundings.
I picked up a reheatable dinner in Franz Joseph and was approached again by a couple enquiring about all the cyclists on the road. I explained the situation and again was requested for a card. Got to motel, very scant wi fi so a quiet night. They had a couple of bottles of Speights so got one of those to rehydrate.
Day 39. Active riding day 28, 18 March. Pine Grove Motel to Haast. 91.5km
I started riding at 7.14 all decked out in my total cold weather gear. It was a good day’s ride, a lot of downhill, a bit of tail wind, some stunning viewpoints and an early finish. I began to unclothe at Lake Paringa and was in normal riding gear from 10am. Some traffic delays due to the fibre cable being laid from Franz Joseph to Haast. I spoke to the traffic management guy and he said they are ahead of schedule. The team working Hawea to Haast however are behind schedule. But cable is obviously rolling out fast.
I thought my accommodation was in the village today so rode there only to find, yet again I'm a hopeless navigator. Only 6 extra km. Spent rest of afternoon relaxing , doing laundry and writing blog.
Wee… I'm up to date. Tomorrow, a good climb with Haast Pass. Good weather is forecast.
Day 40. Active riding day 29, 19 March. Haast to Makarora. 81km
I woke to a perfectly calm day. Breakfast was on from 8am and that was wolfed down with coffee. I sat with Brent and Trish and over breakfast we sorted the Queenstown to Walter Peak transport. We are all riding through to Makarora tonight and Cadrona on Saturday, Queenstown Sunday and now catching the Walter Peak staff boat at 9 am Monday. That will see us riding from 10am over Von hill and 103kms of gravel roads to Mossburn.
On road shortly after 9am. 50km of climbing to the Gates of Haast and then 10km of climbing to the saddle. Then 18km mostly downhill to my accommodation.
It was a steep climb but evened out after a couple of kilometers. It was easier this ride without all the foreign drivers, traffic volumes are way down on when I rode the South Island in 2016. Perfect weather.
