February 22, 2025
My Boat Has Sailed
An early start, but a clear sky and a calm sea. I checked that I had everything, the bikes back end was bulging. Yes, definitely got every last thing.
The ferry to Picton takes three and a half hours to get to the top of the South Island. There were several cyclists at the terminal.
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Where are you going I asked one. “The TA” (cyclist code for Tour Aotearoa, from the most northern point to the most southern). When I told him my intention he looked at my bike, thought for a second and said “there’s a few hills that way”.
Hmm.
Cyclists can wheel their bikes up the vehicle ramp, and tie them in. I did. First hill, no problem.
On the Bluebridge Ferry you can get a cabin for a modest fee, something I started doing during the pandemic. The cabins have a small bathroom and since I wasn’t expecting to have access to a shower for three days I took advantage of the opportunity. An interesting experience standing in a wet space the size of a coffin with the water moving back and forth as the boat swayed on the sea.
Smooth sailing so far. Midday and I’m on the way out of town, when another cyclist with panniers appears in front of me. Lopsided bag on the back. Rear tail light pointing to the left and a water bottle casually hanging out of a pannier pocket as if trying to escape. Travelling about the same speed we pass each other a few times, saying hello and then she disappears into the rear view mirror. Must be visiting her aunt in Blenheim I think.
Boy it’s starting to get hot.
A really nice ride, beautiful scenery and passing through Blenheim about 5km of sealed cycle way next to the river.
But the hills were coming.
A struggle to get to the top of this pass. Gravel at the top, I was frequently pushing the bike rather than riding. With all the struggling I forgot to eat and drink.
Eventually I made it to the top and was able to glide down into the Awatere Valley. Beautiful countryside with sun scorched mountains all around.
The campsite appeared by 6pm, so enough time to set up the tent and make dinner, next to the river.
At 7:30 the lopsided cyclist from earlier in the day turned up. “Hello, I’m not in a good mood, is there a good place to pitch a hammock around here?”
“Try down the end” I say, “plenty of trees there”.
Later that evening she came back to ask me about the route. She was short of water and food and decided to turn back to Seddon.
Fortunately I had taken everything for any contingency. Hmm.
Later, in the pitch-black night, I was lying in my tent trying to get to sleep, when I heard another bike arrive. Their front light flickered on my tent. It was 9:30pm.
Today's ride: 62 km (39 miles)
Total: 62 km (39 miles)
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