We arranged in advance for a two day easy tour through the Waipara Valley Canterbury wine district. (Thanks Margaret for this brilliant idea!)
We did this so that we could get warmed up for our big tour and get used to riding on the other side of the road. We rented hybrid bikes from NZ Pedal tours for our inaugural journey and planned on a very easy day of about 40 km. We also had scheduled a nice lunch and a bit of wine tasting along the way.
The weather was a bit cool, but overall very mild. However the winds picked up quickly and at one point we really were being blown about quite a bit. Probably anywhere from 25-30 mph. So while we were riding flat roads, it was so windy it really felt as if we were going uphill.
By the time we made it to our made it to our first destination, the Pegasus Winery, it really was very blustery and we had only ridden about 25k (approx 15 miles). But being the troopers that we are we readied ourselves for a bit of wine tasting. We enjoyed their Sauvignon Blancs, Riesling and my favorite - a killer Merlot-Cabernet blend.
Owned by the Donaldson family - any relationship Chuck and Leslie?
We bought a bit of wine to enjoy later. The road to our next destination was a very fast highway with no shoulder. Our guide David asked that we ride this segment in the van. Hmmm - could this decision also have anything to do with the fact we had also just been wine tasting? It did appear to be wise as the winds had picked up even more and the road was as bad as described.
We arrived at the Waipara winery in time for lunch and I had a delicious salad made with Halumi cheese, pears, kale, beets, kumura (sweet potatoes ) and pecans. YUMMY!
Our last leg today was up through the hills alongside the Waiau River into Hanmer Springs. The wind had really dropped off and we enjoyed a delightful ride through sheep country on fairly nice roads.
We rode into Hamner Springs in time for a relaxing dip in the hot spring pools. These were very impressive and had pools of different temperatures so you could "work your way up" to higher temperatures.
Having this type of shakeout ride was an excellent idea and we are all feeling a bit more comfortable on the road. Tomorrow we will also do much of the same and I'm confident I will be ready to roll! The most difficult skill to master seems to be getting used to having my rear view mirror on the right side of my glasses. I'm still working on that one.
Praying for good weather and NO more wind!
3 comments:
Hi Gail, I was sadly disappointed at no photos of food with complete fish in them ;). Wish we were in New Zealand on a motorcycle and meeting up with you somewhere along the way, looks like a wonderful day of riding.
No shoulder, busy roads, lots of rough chip seal, steep hills, heavy duty winds, traffic on the wrong side of the road. You are going to love NZ. Try barking at the sheep you will love the reaction. Have fun!
Had to run a test, as I have tried several times to post and it just wasn't working - but now it is! So - we want you to know we are envious of your passion and grateful that you choose to share the adventure with your more sedentary friends back home - I feel more fit with each blog I read! Sadly, I can find no connection to the Donaldson Winery, but happy they are producing a product commensurate with the good name. We wish you sunny skies, and very light zephyrs as you continue the ride. Would love a video of you barking at the sheep ...
Post a Comment