Travelled: 153kms
We have been on the road for a week now with plenty of adventure along the way.
Leaving Auckland last Thursday we found Aviation Security had taken our powerbank from our checked in luggage (for good reason). Nice lesson for us when travelling by air – take ALL your batteries as carry on luggage! They left a nice note though and the plane didn’t catch fire – yay!
Greg did a fantastic job putting the bikes back together for our first foray out onto the open road with fully laded bikes.
Managing the wobbles and the traffic we headed into 43km/h winds around the Wellington waterfront, and had a wonderful evening with my cousin Michael and his wife Paula – superb homemade pizzas and nougat ice cream!
Biking along to the Interislander the next morning, I called to Greg, “Where’s the backpack?”. Obvious answer “on the bed in the hotel!” With no time to go back, we had another thing to sort in the South.
A beautiful smooth crossing, and a nice leisurely (not) ride on the Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock. Welcome the South Island’s hills – what a shock! I always knew they would be a feature but on day 2 the shock was harsh and exhausting!
Havelock was a welcome sight and in the next breath after signing in, we asked if we could stay two nights. Getting ready, packing up and moving out of the house had taken it’s toll and we needed to catch our breath.
Our Havelock neighbours were an inspirational family from Palmie, cycling with their 6 and 3 year olds.
On Monday we headed off to the Rai Valley through Pelorus Bridge. A gentle ride but with no fixed abode at the end. Greg worked his magic, knocking on the door of a local farmhouse, who warmly welcomed us to use their paddock and old milking shed for the night.
But the biggest test was to come the next day, over the Whangamoas.
I managed the first climb – 200m, but the 2nd brought on the tears! The 405m climb seemed to be relentless and my legs were tired. I was so overwhelmed, watching my speed get slower and slower and odometer not moving!!
Luckily there were no hysterics, and with Greg’s encouragement and giving myself a stern talking-to “focus on the road and nothing else,” I made it. The cautious descent was rewarded with ice cream from the Hira Store, and then onto Cable Bay Campground for the night.
The ride into Nelson was just a delight. We joined a cycleway around Atawhai, and enjoyed a traffic free time into Nelson. Brilliantly sunny day, with lunch on the grassy verge of the Nelson Cathedral. Cycleway again through to Richmond, Greg’s brother Sam’s place where we have been resting up, replacing the taken and uplifting the couriered left.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve everyone – Happy 2021!!
JG on balance 
Wow, what an adventurous beginning to your adventures! Merry New Year to you both!
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Gee wizz. A full on start to you journey. Bummer re backpack. A test for going with the flow, bumps and all. Getting up the steep hill – big congratulations. Mighty effort. You guys rock!!
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Yay!!! You are on your way!!! Lovely to read your adventures…..Happy New Year
.Hx
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Well done you two. What a challenging and exciting start to your holiday. Sounds wonderful despite the backpack and aches. Much love xxx
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Well done you two! What a mix of adventure to start with. Count yourselves as very experienced now! Kia kaha,
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Hehe… I know those hills well and am pleased I wasn’t riding over them on my bike! Good going, guys and Happy New Year!!! Looking forward to your next update xxx
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Well done, you had me puffed just reading about Those Hills. Lessons learnt on your first two days will stand you in good stead as the days unfold. HAPPY NEW YEAR from us lazing in the West 💕🥂💕
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Gotta love those hills, sounds great, and tough (but you knew it was gonna be that). Happy new Year – Eryn
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Got Mum and Dad here with us…,expecting your call later on tonight.
We’ve had an adventure.today…..Glenbrook Railway…
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My legs felt tired just reading about those hills …. sounds like a few challenges pre-wheels spinning, but getting into it and seeing some stunning NZ scenery along the way. Take it easy, casual spinning, stay safe and enjoy every minute
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Love reading where you are at – keep looking for more posts… but I know you are busy on your journey. What a huge first couple of days for you both. Thinking of you often and wondering how you are going. Great effort Jeanette! So nice to read such a ‘real post’ of how it is for you… What an adventure!…
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Hi Greg, During XMas break I saw both of you biking up closer towards Queen Charlotte on your way to Nelson (from Picton). we were diving towards Picton. Unfortunately, it was a narrow stretch and there was quite a bit of traffic, I couldnt turn around and meet you guys. Hope the changing weather didnt upset your plans and you are enjoying every moment. Nice to read from your explorers perspective and warmth you are getting from kiwis. Enjoy
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