I pass through Greymouth as it’s a tad nondescript. A mining ⛏️ town on the decline, but with an extensive history to the settlers from the past. I was keen to move off the scenic highway and meander inland. Why you may ask … well, I’ve surveyed enough coast 🏖️ for now! I set camp not far out of Greymouth, behind what sounds like the local gun club. No snap or crack over my head. So they’re certainly shooting in…
After stocking up on supplies at the Haast township stores, along with a spot lunch, I head off up the West Coast glistening in the midday sun 🌞 Baby oil and Dettol! Calling into the Haast visitor centre, not for the visitor experience, just the toilet! 🚽 I end up talking to a lady from Brisbane 🇦🇺, who is on a coach tour of New Zealand. Not sure about having to wear a name badge! She was horrified I was…
After a couple of nights layover at my brothers in Cromwell 🏠 along with getting my barnet (hair) cut, I set forth towards the West (Wet) Coast. No amount of people have informed me, you’re going to get wet and bitten to hell … we shall see! The days are a lot more stifling now, so that sprig of hair had to go! In no time at all I’m meeting fellow bicycle warriors 🚴♂️ More than I’ve met on my whole cycle travels in one day. I’m always up for restraining a cyclist to chat, even though they might seem reluctant at times. I’m in no rush, but still some cyclists still seem to be in…
After residing again at The Catlins YHA for nearly two weeks (working), I eventually leave Owaka for the final time 🤔 I think! As I’d previously cycled the Owaka-Balclutha road, I wasn’t too keen on covering it again. So on asking Craig, he kindly dropped me off at the Balclutha iSite office to start the journey back to my brother in Cromwell. I follow the Clutha River towards Alexandra. The road is generally flat, but then, following a railway line,…
I briefly mentioned in my previous post, I’d been offered the opportunity to fill in for management at the The Catlins YHA in Owaka. So backdown I head ⬇️ At long last, we (bike and I) set out from Cromwell after Christmas and New Year. It’s been nearly a month since I’ve ridden the bike in touring anger. Except for a few excursions around Cromwell and my previous feeble attempts to make headway over the Nevis Range ⛰️ I depart…
Christmas is done 🎄 and I’m keen to be back on my stead 🚴♂️ before the New Year. I first set about swapping my ever-faithful Schwalbe Marathon tyres for Continental Travel Contacts. These I’ve dragged all the way from the UK, so I’m dam well going to use them! Not the best idea I’ve had, just been a pain hauling the extra weight, but more importantly, the space they take up in my rear panniers (folding type). My plan 🙄…
