Morning in Blenheim was cooler than we’ve experienced so far, especially once we got under way.
Failing to fuel up before we left town caused one or two (those with smaller tanks and Mel’s 128 cubic inch beast which has a voracious appetite for high octane juice) to worry about running out miles from anywhere, particularly as the first gas station at Snedden only had 91 (not good for Harley’s). Fortunately there was gas and breakfast 20km further on at Ward - perfect. So, a bit cooler with some erstwhile weather forecasters predicting rain in the next few days . Being so desperate for a decent downfall, I doubt whether the locals would feel the least bit bad seeing bikers getting soaked in the process. As usual in late summer, Marlborough is a dust bowl, the paddocks seeming growing more rocks than grass, but supposedly grape vines enjoy the paradox of tough conditions to produce the best wine. There is always the strong smell of the sea as the coast draws nearer, the combination of wild water, seaweed and seal poo all add to the mix, signalling that Kaikoura is getting closer. Road work crews abound, some completely rebuilding roads only a couple of years old, so flouro cones and stop-go people are a dime a dozen, with one we spoke to (originally from Auckland) reminding us that most local workers despise Jaffa’s (those of us fortunate enough to come from Auckland), for reasons that are apparently more historical than anything... Lucky we earn enough to pay the taxes that serve to both employ them and to fix their roads. Into busy touristy Kaikoura for a cold drink and to pass some time, before heading out past the old pub to what is apparently a seal colony (we only saw one, asleep on a rock) before hitting the road again. The next 90 minutes were sublime, long straights followed by miles of tight, twisty and technical riding, pushing reasonably hard without exceeding personal limits, and being reminded why we’re here - fabulous. We stopped at the “temporary “ pub at Waiau, the original being badly damaged in the earthquake, with most enjoying a cold drink accompanied by a blue cod buttie, both of which were great. Mike C opted for an ice cream of monumental proportions and his efforts to cope with both size and mess kept us amused. We have arrived at Hanmer Springs, washed the roadworks lime from our bikes and are shortly due to meet for our evening session. Tomorrow Nelson via Murchison. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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