Up, Up and Away

November 15, 2023

Little Wheels Take On Big Hills

It was a slightly nervy 7am start this morning This is the first time I’ve fully loaded my KHS 20” folding bike. And no low, balanced panniers! Most of the load is in two Carradice bags tied on fore and aft. Not ideal, but the best I could do in the circumstances.

90 km and 800 metres of ascent/descent took 9 hours from Richmond Nelson to the hamlet of Havelock convinced me the bike set up is ok. Care is needed with a heavy load high on the front, but the steering is not too alarming. I stopped a few times to add extra straps and ties to the handlebar bag to improve stability.

Today included many photo stops, several rests at country stores, waits at roadworks and precautionary pauses to allow trucks to go by on the winding mountain road. And I finished the day with many more potentially kilometres in the tank. I felt as if I could have pushed on to Picton, but why rush? Better to take time to soak up the pleasant atmosphere of Havelock.

The weather was almost perfect, especially in the morning. Idyllic temperatures, no wind, blue skies and that beautiful NZ spring-cool humidity which feels incredibly gentle after the desiccating dryness of home.

New Zealand rural scenery is also a contrast to home. The bright greens, the high, sharp mountains, the fast flowing, clear water streams and crisp, clear, dust and smoke free air.

The day in pics:

Wayfinding here is easy even for navigational numpties like me. The first 20km was on traffic free paths!

A bonus was discovering this Japanese garden in Nelson.

The Taiwanese KHS folder meditating on Japanese garden sculptures.

Hira Store stop. New Zealand ice cream is the best in the world. Especially when eaten while cycle touring in NZ

Does this look steep? It is. The Whangamoas are big hills. They separate Nelson / Tasman from Marlborough. Also note the logging truck. I take time to stop and get off the road to give these juggernauts room to move. Safety First.

I’m still wondering. Any suggestions welcome.

The only cycle tourer I met today. Young guy from Tokyo. In NZ on a working visa. He started his ride in Auckland.

My guess is that this means it’s time for the afternoon milking. Well done cows. More delicious, fresh ice-cream ingredient on the way.

Accommodation sorted. NZ$60 for a very comfortable room. The tent won’t be unpacked tonight.

Pub Grub. Fresh, green lipped mussels. Well worth cycling 90km over a mountain range.

Today's ride: 90 km (56 miles)
Total: 90 km (56 miles)

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