Molesworth Cob Cabin DOC to Hanmer Springs.

February 12, 2025

After a big day yesterday I didn’t set an alarm for this morning. I strapped on the eye mask and let sleep take hold. That was a good plan as I didn’t rise until 7:15. It was cold for the first time on the trip and that’s not surprising camping at about 800 m above sea level. The campground was nice and there were about 6 other setups scattered around, some with picnic tables.

Had to breathe a bit more air into the rear tire to get started today.

I was rolling to Hanmer Springs by 8:15 and the sign greeting me at the gate saying it’s 85 km. I started with pants and a jacket but quickly lost that gear after the first hill. The riding is really nice with great views and frequent crossing of bridges. You can see how big the rivers get when there’s run off because they only occupy about 20% of the space now. They’d be impassable without a bridge.

I stopped many times for photos and then for a big snack at 10:30 at the shelter overlooking the valley. It’s stunning and there were good stories to read while eating.

Soon after rolling again I stopped to greet another rider. This guy was from Southern France and making his way back to Auckland before his VISA runs out. His bike was another example of carrying all your belongings. It pains me friend. We had a fun conversation and then I pushed off again

In NZ this is called a muscle bike to differentiate it from and e-bike. Let’s go!!

The riding continued to be very scenic and then the afternoon wind rolled in and slowed my progress. By 1:30 I was hungry again so I stopped to eat the last of my food. I think I nailed the food this time. I decided to have another coffee since time wasn’t an issue. Just another 17 km and I’ll be in Hanmer Springs.

The last section of riding was good. Over Jollies Pass I had to navigate several big muddy puddles not knowing how deep they might be. And then about 5 km of fairly steep descent with big rocks. Had to be on my game for that portion and stop regularly to shake out my hands that tired of squeezing the brakes to keep my speed under control.

I’ve just enjoyed a milkshake and I’ll grab groceries and then head to my hosts.

A word about NZ coffee. It’s way better than in Canada! 🇨🇦 Bruce made me a couple amazing cups of flat white while in Picton and I’ve enjoyed it all the way along the trip. It’s expensive usually running $6-7 compared to our $2.50-5 but it’s considerably better.

Highlights:

-great scenery

-less climbing and relatively easy day by comparison

-excited to be in Hanmer Springs

-camping at Molesworth DOC

Distance: 81 km and 1068 m elevation gain

Today's ride: 81 km (50 miles)
Total: 1,558 km (968 miles)

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Robyn RichardsTwo big days!
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2 weeks ago

Bruce RichardsWell done Andrew, especially the big day getting to Molesworth. I can relate to having to squeeze hard braking coming down Jollies Pass road.
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2 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Robyn RichardsWow! The first one was really hard. Makes sense to start in Blenheim.
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2 weeks ago

Andrew RichardTo Bruce RichardsI need 4 piston brakes lol.
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2 weeks ago