February 11, 2025
Picton to Molesworth Cob Cabin DOC
Another big day!
I woke up a wee bit later today after a pretty full day yesterday. I enjoyed breakfast with Bruce, added some air to my tires, and got rolling at 7:30. The morning was darker than others thus far threatening rain. I was all flashing lights as I set out to get back and through Picton and onto the dreaded highway section. I hate riding on the highway and my motivation drops unfortunately.
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I got to the top of the climb out of Picton and jumped on the cycle path called the Whale Tail. I rode that as far as possible which was nice as it skipped a big hill and stayed level with the railway line. As the path ended in construction I headed back to the highway. I tried to pick it up again later but that attempt failed with construction.
Eventually I got to Spring Creek and rode it the rest of the way into Blenheim arriving at 9:30 for a coffee and pie at a cafe.
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Leaving Blenheim I headed for the Redwood Bypass because the Taylor Pass was closed. Riding through town was nice on the Whale Trail again. Once I got out of town I settled into the gravel climbing on Redwood Pass. I only saw one vehicle the whole time I think. The pass wasn’t that difficult and I started to get nice vineyard views.
I rolled up to the sign saying how far it was to Molesworth at about 12:30. Still another 100 km and I was over 60 at that point. I felt it was doable so I paid for my site by going online right there because it said it would be the last signal.
The riding started off on some pavement past many vineyards. It’s pretty country. Very dry looking and what I’d expect for good growing conditions for grapes. I found today difficult because yesterday’s climbs took a lot out of me. At this point though I don’t know what I was in for with climbs.
I kept moving only stopping to refuel on snacks and fill my bottles up again in a few streams. The climbing started to get significant with one gravel grind of over 300 m in 5 km. It was steep and slow. I had it in the lowest gear and just kept trying to push forward. With each hill there was a nice descent but then another hill soon afterwards. This day was reminiscent of the Divide because it was mostly gravel and my most difficult day thus far.
By 4:30 I was hungry and starting to think I might not make my destination. I pulled off and made dinner but didn’t hang out long. I was moving again in 30 minutes. I still had over 35 km or something to go and I knew more climbs coming.
By 7 pm I’d made some progress and it looked like I might make it, although it would be tight with daylight. I passed a lot of cows on the road and merino sheep that were outside the fence. They ran away from me but had nowhere to go so I tried riding on the opposite side so they could stop for a second and go back the opposite direction.
By 8 pm I was with 5 km and the climbing was mostly done. It still went up and down but no huge climbs. I finally got to the campsite at 8:30 and quickly set up my tent in the light left.
This was an exhausting day. The weather was perfect for riding. Mostly overcast and cooler. That helped a lot. In the heat I could not do that ride. Of all the rides this far I’m most proud of this one. It’s the highest I’ve ever climbed in one day and it was very far and about 100 km of gravel.
Highlights:
-making camp in the light
-vineyard views
-Whale Trail that was open
-epic climbs
-sealant and new pump taking care of a leak
Distance: 163 km and 2709 m elevation gain
Today's ride: 162 km (101 miles)
Total: 1,477 km (917 miles)
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