ANZAC Biker's South Island Tour: March 2023

Saturday, 11 March 2023

March 9 - 10 Final Blogs written by Peter and Phil

Peter's final Blog

Days 19 & 20 At Christchurch and Travelling Home

On day 19 I woke at about 7.00am … a bit of a sleep in for me after the days of riding. Had a better night of sleep not being annoyed by the constant itching of the bites I received in the last couple of days of the ride. I think there might have been bed bugs at the last motel we stayed at on the ride!

After getting a takeaway coffee it was breakfast which Chris prepared which included scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes. Great start to the day!

After breakfast it was bike cleaning and packing time which took a couple of hours to complete.

After a sandwich lunch Chris took us to the NZ Air Force museum which was interesting. After this it was back to Chris’s house until dinner which was a real nosh-up of casseroles vegetables followed by apple pie bought by Ray who joined us for the final dinner.

We all reflected over dinner on the highs and lows of the trip and the wonderful fellowship we enjoyed on the ride.

Some statistics were discussed including the facts that we had ridden 770 kms , the van had travelled over 4000 kms.

Quite impressive really!

After this we went to bed ahead of the 2.30 am wake up to travel to the airport!

On day20 we ( Rob , Stephen and myself) woke early as expected and made our way to the airport for the flight back home.

Phil is to fly home later in the day….

In some ways it is sad to leave after such a great trip but the memories of what we have done and achieved will live us forever!

Special thanks to our NZ hosts for showing us around the South Island of New Zealand and to Chris for making this happen… he is an inspiration to us all for his energy in all things cycling

Thanks also to the Aussie crew who made the trip over the ditch. Your friendship and fellowship over the past 3 weeks had made a real impact on the success of the NZ Bike Trip

This is the final sign off on this trip blog.

Catch you on the next biking adventure!

No pictures on this blog

Day 18- Kaikoura to Christchurch 49 kms of riding

Today was an early start to the day once again at 6.39 am wake up and breakfast at 7.00am for a 7.30 am start on the van ride up state highway number 1 to Waikuku which is about 160 kms . The start was delayed a bit for us to get coffee and a cake. The early part of the road trip was along the coast where the road engineering was tested with the geography and natural order being in an earthquake region.

After this the road started to flatten out as we entered the Marlborough plains region where there were many wineries. Marlborough is well known as a world class region for wines.

We stopped again along the way for petrol and the obligatory coffee ahead of starting the ride at Waikuku .Chris had a friend Gerry meet us for the Pegasus ride into Christchurch.

The ride was along gravel roads and tracks for most of the way but getting closer to Christchurch we were on sealed roads and bike paths.

We stopped for lunch in a lovely cafe Kaiapoi where we met another of Chris’s friends Ray who rode with us to Chris’s home in Christchurch. At this Gerry left us to return home.

We arrived at the destination at around 3.30 pm and celebrated with a communal hug of achievement for all the riding we have done over the almost 3 week period of the trip.

After a cup of tea Chris and I showered and went to dinner at his daughters home where I met his grandchildren Lilly and Tyler. The family meal was great and it was good to get into grandpa mode again.

After dinner it was home to Chris’s house where I am now doing the blog.

The only downside of today was the fact that Rob and I have been “eaten alive” by mosquitoes or some bugs and have been itching all day

I have tried some ointment from the chemist to get some relief but frankly it is of minimal effect

It is somewhat sad that the rides have finished but the reward of doing what we have done as a group will live with us for the rest of our lives.

Special thanks to Chris for making this happen… more about this in a later blog

Early on the ride we stopped on the beach

Me on the swing bridge near where we had lunch

Me riding on the trail

At lunch at Waikuku

Some boats on the canal near where we had lunch

Phil's Final Blog

DAY 20 – Christchurch to Brisbane – Final day

March 10, 2023

Today I flew home to Brisbane. My day started at 2 am to say my goodbyes to Peter, Rob and Stephen who were on an early flight to Melbourne. It was then back to bed for more sleep. Lucky me!!

After breakfast Chris and I went out in the van to shop before returning for lunch. At 12.30 we set off for Christchurch Airport in two vehicles, the van and Chris’s car, as Chris had to return the van to Cross Country Rentals and he needed transport home.

After saying our goodbyes at the airport we went our seperate ways. Chris to return the van and collect his car, me to take the 3.55 Qantas flight to Brisbane. Checking in with the bike was the best service I’ve ever experienced. It’s the first time anyones ever put fragile stickers on my bike box or accompanied me to the oversized luggage gate. All with a smile. Well done Christchurch Qantas ground staff. The Qantas cabin crew were also very good throughout the flight and my luggage came through unscathed. A good effort by Qantas after some of my recent experiences.

I arrived back in Brisbane to miserable rainy weather. So much for sunny Queensland!!

It was a maxi cab from the airport arriving home in time for a delightful dinner prepared by my very considerate wife. It was nice to be home.

It had been a great trip which was only possible due to Chris’s meticulous planning and local knowledge. I’d ridden nearly 800 kms over fifteen days through some of the most scenic country in the world, had three much needed rest days (one more than those who’d done the Nelson road trip), and travelled many hundreds of kilometres in the van which had clocked up nearly 4,000 kms by journeys end. We’d ridden the Dunstan Trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Alps to Ocean Trail, the Wilderness Trail, the Big River Waiuta Trail, the Maruia Trail and the Pegasus Trail. Not a bad effort for a group of mostly septuagenarian guys. It had been a good trip.

Loaded up and off to Christchurch Airport

Arrival of bike in Brisbane – a significant improvement on how Qantas delivered my bike in Perth last year.

Condition of my bike on arrival in Perth.

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

March 8 Pegasus Bay

Working back from a scheduled lunch stop in Kaiapoi with Ray and Gerry at 12:00, I planned on leaving the Ashley S H Way One Bridge at 10:30 AM for the 20 km ride alongside the Ashley along the Coast and in to Kaiapoi. Perfect. Except for the morning coffee stop at Amberley. I pulled in to the Z station to re-fuel and said there's a Cafe if you want coffee, so there was a quick exit out of the Van for five of the seven people on Board. Soon there were five disappointed men looking very lost as the Cafe was closed! My caring nature came to the fore and I said there is a cafe further along the Road and so long as you're ready for when I'm finished here we'll be good to go. Smiles returned to faces and off along the footpath they went.

Ian I finished the re-fueling and drove down the road to the NW Cafe where we got a park outside and waited and waited. This was meant to be a "Grab-n-Go" job not a sit down and read the paper job! And so we waited some more - eventually someone came out, followed by another and eventually the fifth appeared. All up I reckon that one stop for coffee too us about 13 minutes longer than was allowed for on our time bound itinerary!

We pulled off the Highway just over the Ashley River bridge and there was Gerry who had ridden out from Kaiapoi to meet up with us. Bikes were unloaded (something the team have become very slick at doing) and we were soon on our way down to Waikuku Beach where we popped out to check out the surf before riding along the trail through to Pines Beach and then up beside the Waimak to Kaiapoi where Ray was waiting for us at "Paris for the Weekend". By now it was just after 12:10 PM!

A nice casual lunch was had before we all headed off for my place (less Gerry) - the ride alongside the Otukikino, The Groynes, Clearwater and Rotokahu is one of my favourites and all off road. At Raeward Fresh we took the underpass under S H Way One and from there it wasn't too far on the route in to my place where we all had a drink to celebrate the conclusion of a wonderful set of rides with a great bunch of Guys.

I got to put some more ticks alongside some of our South Island trails and still have a few more to tick off as well.

All up I was away from home for 19 days, we rode on 14 days, I covered 793 km (56.6 kpd) and climbed 5710 m (407 mpd).

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

March 7 - Kaikoura

Once again you get to read Peter's blog which he is happy to share...

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Day 17- The Bach to Kaikoura

Today we were up and about at 7.00am with breakfast then it was tidy up the Bach time ahead of moving on to our next destination.

We had the place “Spick and Span” in no time at all and it was good to get moss the temp was about minus 1 with a mild frost.

After doing a tree planting ceremony to mark the Wheeliebinners visit to this wonderful location we were off on the drive to Kaikoura . The first stop was a visit to a location where the university is studying the movement along the NZ fault line then a visit to a pretty viewpoint near spring junction.

After this it was on to Hanmar Springs where we had coffee and I had a lovely cake. Hanmar Springs is definitely worth another visit it was very pretty.

The trip took us over the Lewis Pass which is one of the main crossings by road from east to west.

After coffees it was on further through hilly country which was a lot dryer on the east side of the mountain ranges. Along the way we met up with a group of riders doing the TA on sealed roads raising money for the prostate cancer cause. It was great to meet the Bikes for Blokes guys which had a lady as part of the group. They are aiming to raise 400,000NZD for the cause which is wonderful achievement.

The rest of the drive was through hilly country which made me think of the work that the Bikes for Blokes riders were going through!

We arrived at Kaikoura at about 3.00 pm then it was time to change into riding gear for a ride around Kaikoura.

All of us apart from Ian and Phil went in the Kaikoura ride which was shorten due to time but it was very good taking in a brief ride through Kaikoura and out through a pine forest then a golf course after climbing a shortish hill. I got a bit lost on the ride which was a bit frustrating but managed to find the others to do the return trip back to the hotel.

After showering we then went out to a pub for dinner where I had fish and chips which were good followed by a child’s meal chocolate sundae… all yummy!

After doing the NZ census forms it was off to bed at around 9.30 pm for the night to ready ourselves for the last day of riding on the tour…. Sad really but all good things unfortunately come to an end. On a bright note Phil presented Chris with his own Wheeliebinners uniform being a cycling top and socks… he was suitably impressed and will wear the uniform tomorrow.

The Wheeliebinners tree now planted with Chris looking suitably impressed

The day begins in the van

Snow capped hills and river at Kaikoura on the trail ride

Looking at the snow capped hills from near the centre of Kaikoura

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Monday, 6 March 2023

6 March - Maruia Saddle - Murchison

Again a blog borrowed from Peter

Day 16-Maruia Saddle Ride 42 kms

We woke to a gorgeous day with no clouds and clear skies and as the day unfolded it was one of the best days weather wise we have had.

After breakfast we packed the bikes on the trailer and were on our way to the start of the ride along the main road to Murchison.

W had to drop Chris off along the way as he had meetings in at Spring Junction and we proceeded further down the road to the drop off point.

The ride today was along a 4WD track which had a climb of about 200 metres to the top of the saddle.

Today and probably for the rest of the ride I will be using Chris’s spare bike with wider tyres which are better suited to trail and 4WD track riding.

It seemed to work for me and after a short while of getting used to the gears and the bike pedals and cleats!

I gradually gained more confidence as the ride progressed and the weather certainly helped my demeanour.

The ride after the initial climb was through a picturesque valley with some short climbing on the ups and downs of the hills.

The last part of the ride into Murchison was on sealed road which made for really good riding

We arrived at Murchison at about 1.30 pm and after strapping our bikes in the trailer we had lunch at the Rivers Cafe. For me it was mince on toast with a coffee followed by a strawberry milkshake.

On the ride today we saw many TA riders making their way south to Reefton as their next stop. We also saw a husband and wife riding north on the TA where they are riding from Bluff to Nelson. Interesting to chat to them at the top of the saddle!

After lunch it was back in the van and on the road again back to the Bach to meet Chris who rode back after his meeting.

After having a welcome shower it was perfect to sit down and reflect on the day with a cup of tea and chocolate chip biscuit. These were home made by Chris as were the cheese puffs we had for breakfast this morning!

It was a great day and most enjoyable for us all.

At the start of the ride!

Getting ready at the start of the ride

Chris’s sign at the top of the climb

All the Aussies at the top of the climb

Interesting view of the trail crossing a river with a lovely bridge

A view of the trail

An interesting gorge along the valley

Monday, 6 March 2023

(Temporary Backup) Day 16 A- The Bach

I thought I might do a few photos of Chris’s Bach to give an idea of the beautiful surroundings and setting of the wonderful place.

Here are a few pictures which gives some idea but it is best seen live…. Trust me!

A view over the pond and swimming hole

A view back from the pond to the Bach

A closer view of the Bach

The creek that flows through the property that supplies the running water and hydro power for the house

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: Looks a beautiful quiet place to escape from city life.; 6 March 2023 at 20:59

Sunday, 5 March 2023

3 March - Big River - Waiuta

All credit for today's ride goes to my riding buddy Peter with whom I have travelled thousands of km's across many foreign lands and after this ride I fear I may have to be searching to find another international riding buddy and sadly I think if that is to be the case then my days of international riding have come to and end! Peter is quite irreplaceable.

After a good night of sleep we woke to a morning of mist which cleared as the day went on. After van early breakfast of scrambled eggs cans bacon on toast we were off to the Reefton ahead of starting the ride.

Along the way we saw a few of the TA riders who were making their way from north to south of New Zealand a distance of about 3000 kms!

At Reefton we had coffees and bought our lunch which we were to have along the way on our ride.

After coffees it was time after a short drive to start the Big River ride.

Well to say it was tough would be a dramatic understatement. The first 500 metres were on loose cobblestones and I was having real trouble maintaining balance. Rob had a fall over the edge of the track and shortly afterwards I had the first of my 4 falls for the day,

From then on the ride gradually worsened for me as I really struggled with the gravel tyres on my bike so much so that for most of the ride I walked…I recorded about 14,000 steps for the day!

Although the climbing was not much ( 770 metres) the trail was most difficult . It was 4WD road initially then a hiking track which was very narrow and at times and with deep ruts and at times challenging drops and areas where the track had subsided.

At one stage on the ride the track was in a creek which meat we had to carry our bikes.

For me my confidence in riding the track was shot four after falls I had which although we’re not severe, played on my mind. This meant I was a at the back of the group in the ride being supported by Phil, John and Chris as I made my way on foot!

As the ride went on, the weather started to turn and the rain set in for the afternoon. This made the track more difficult with slippery surfaces on the Rick’s and tree roots.

To be frank I was glad to reach the end of the track where we met up with Rob and Phil who were the advance party to meet the van on the road.

Unfortunately the lack of phone reception meant the van was at a different location which John and Chris went on to locate, leaving Phil, Rob and I to wait in a toilet block to shelter from the rain.

Finally we all met and attached the bikes to the trailer and made our way home to the Bach via Reefton.

Being cold and wet, we all agreed that a friendly and welcoming warm shower was the go!

Arriving at the Bach it was into the shower and time to enjoy the warmth of the stove fire and then some well earned dinner.

Shortly after dinner it was bed, although I had a bit of “patching up” to do as I had a few cuts and scrapes from my falls!

To say the day was challenging would be a fair statement and for me the determination to finish the ride drive me to the end of the track. Also the help and support of all in the riding group was very much appreciated.

The day was a ride of 27 kms in a time of 7 hours and 37 minutes with an average speed for me of 3.64 kph.

I was glad to get to bed tonight to rest my weary legs and cuts and bruises…

Tomorrow thankfully we have agreed it will be a rest day!!!!