Monthly Archives: October 2012

Our first stunning west coast ride

. Our New Zealand Adventure .

Tuesday October 30, 2012, 37 miles (60 km) – Total so far: 552 miles (888 km)

We finally left Westport at 9am after a leisurely breakfast and topping off the tires at the local Firestone Auto Shop. Since yesterday was such a long day we really were not in a riding mood but didn’t want to stay in Westport another night. Our goal was the Punakaiki Beach Backpackers for a two night rest. We encountered steep hills but when we finally made it to the coast the view was amazing. What a beautiful area of New Zealand! We had heard that the west coast was one of the most popular rides here and we could see why. It was beautiful as we rode along this South Pacific paradise. As we continued to ride the hills we completely forgot about how tired we were and just continued this awesome ride. After lunch at a scenic picnic spot we descended the last hill and arrived at another slice of paradise. The Punakaiki Backpacker is directly on the beach. We are staying in the front twin cottage with beautiful views and the sounds of the crashing waves.

Shortly after we arrived a Canadian couple also arrived from Westport. They had left an hour after us. We enjoyed dinner and conversation with them at the one and only tavern. It was fun swapping New Zealand “tales from the road”. We continued to enjoy their company back at the hostel kitchen and dining room area late into the night. What a fine ride today. Tomorrow has been declared a rest day after 5 straight days on the road.

Riding through a half tunnel on the way to Westport:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E7DqwLs7WQ

Our reflection from across the street as we were eating breakfast.
Our reflection from across the street as we were eating breakfast.

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Right before I spotted this car I was thinking that it was steep and not a good place to get too close to the edge.
Right before I spotted this car I was thinking that it was steep and not a good place to get too close to the edge.
Wide load coming up a hill.
Wide load coming up a hill.
An ocean view.
An ocean view.
It took us almost 6 hours to go 50 km. Here's why. This graph is from Nigel Rushton's Pedallers' Paradise.
It took us almost 6 hours to go 50 km. Here’s why. This graph is from Nigel Rushton’s Pedallers’ Paradise.
What a coast line!
What a coast line!
Yes...we are in Paradise.
Yes…we are in Paradise.

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After being in the Antarctic I know penguins!
After being in the Antarctic I know penguins!
A true South Pacific ride.
A true South Pacific ride.
Jocelyn is still climbing while I'm walking.
Jocelyn is still climbing while I’m walking.
Still going.
Still going.
Our lunch break with a guest. We shared a warm beer...it was wet and delicious!
Our lunch break with a guest. We shared a warm beer…it was wet and delicious!
What a view!
What a view!

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A view from our cottage. Jocelyn talking with her mom.
A view from our cottage. Jocelyn talking with her mom.
Our cottage with magnificent cliffs in the background.
Our cottage with magnificent cliffs in the background.
Paradise indeed.
Paradise indeed.
The proprieter made an excellent loaf of bread. Delicious.
The proprieter made an excellent loaf of bread. Delicious.

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The views behind us.
The views behind us.

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A well deserved pint at the local tavern.
A well deserved pint at the local tavern.

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