Something from NZ. Pics will be posted too when I can figure out how to downsize them so they will upload. This trip entails a sea ferry trip to our South Island between Wellington and Picton.
Cheers everyone,
Kiwi
The Kaikoura Trip Report 2009
The trip was in support of a new club in Kaikoura and was attended by Keith, Doreen, Wallace, Heather, Roach and Baz. Mushy and Laura were also going to ride but due to Mushy damaging his bike they unfortunately couldn’t come.
So we six were due to leave at 0630hrs Thursday 8th Oct to catch the Ferry at 2pm in Wellington. The weather in the country at the time was drastic with cold snaps arriving one behind the other and roads in the central part of the north island being closed due to snow and ice.
Our early start to get the ferry meant we were going to be riding through the sheltered forestry sections between Tauranga and Taupo when ice was most likely to be on the roads. To avoid this potential danger we decided to head to Taupo on Wednesday after work and stay in the Flashpackers for the night and then head off at a more reasonable time the following morning. At this time we did not know whether we would have to detour through Wanganui due to the Desert Road still being closed because of snow.
As it turned out the morning was nice with just a little overhead cloud and not much wind. The Desert Road was OPEN. So we decided it was Waiouru for breakfast and fuel.
As we rode through the majesty that was the desert road that morning we were thinking of all you that could not be with us. Even for unbelievers like me it made me stop and think about whether it might take a god to create such breathtaking beauty. I could feel the affect physically and I am very grateful that I was present to be able to see it and experience it first hand. We pulled up part way across the desert to get some photos and to just enjoy the moment and the experience of being there.
We stopped in Waiouru at the Angkor Wat Bakery and Coffee Shop and had a nice hot breakfast.
We did not sit at the tables outside as we normally would due to the pile of snow on each of the table tops and everything else outside for that matter.
The rest of the trip to the ferry was without incident and we were all enjoying being on the bikes and on the road to somewhere.
15 mins after arriving at the ferry terminal we were asked to board. Everyone has this part down pat and so it was a very quick and orderly tying down process and then off to the bar for a drink. There were smiles for miles as we recounted the days riding.
Once we got off the ferry in Picton it was a 20min ride to the Blenheim Motor Lodge where we were staying the night. A lock up garage was provided for our bikes and the room was bloody fantastic. A TV in each of the two bedrooms and one in the living area meant everyone could keep up with the news and the all important weather forecast.
Directly across the street was a tavern where we got a very nice meal and some drinks to take back to the motel.
The next morning was all gloom as the weather was not playing the game. The Lewis Pass which was our planned route to Kaikoura that day was closed due to snow that had fallen during the night. It was decided to go straight down the coast to Kaikoura and get settled in. Roach has an Uncle that lives on the main road about halfway between Blenheim and Kaikoura so he gave them a call and a stop was planned.
What a spot to live. The house is on the cliffs above the road and the view of the ocean is spectacular.
We were made to feel at home by Jeff and Jenny and as we had been riding in rain the whole way the open fire and the lovely homemade soup was very welcome indeed. It was a welcome break but we still had some way to go before this day was over and so it was back on with the gear and back in the saddle time.
We arrived in Kaikoura and the Lobster Inn without incident and received a nice warm welcome from a couple of the Kaikoura Coastal Cruisers. We sorted ourselves out and squared away our gear and then headed into the bar for a well earned drink or two.
We kicked off with some pool and darts while we waited for the rest of the KKCC to arrive. I will just say it was a bloody good night that we all enjoyed and leave it at that.
The weather had been atrocious when we arrived on Friday but Saturday morning broke beautiful and clear even though more snow had fallen during the night. The mountains around us were resplendent with their blanket of snow and we were really keen to get going on the ride as this would take us on the inland road that goes up into the mountain area before joining the main road and returning us to the coast.
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Topic: A New Zealand Ride Report (Read 919 times)