January 25th, 2009
Yes, I made it! It was a long flight and I watched about 4 movies- Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind and Vicky Christine Barcelona were two that I enjoyed, and set the right tone for the trip. Oh yeah, I also watched Lost in Translation, but Ive seen that heaps of times.
Upon arrival, I went through customs and believe it or not, there was a "bike assembly" station outside of the airport! I have NEVER seen that before, and I met a couple of cyclists while assembling. I took my time, and noticed right away how warm it was. I had a couple of conversations with passing folks, and felt very comfortable. It was really relaxing- just the environment was different. When i took off, I had to stay to the left. Its like trying to write with your left hand when youve been right handed your whole life- very disconcerting.
I found a nice campground, and after setting up went off exploring. There was a buskers festival with lots of interesting circus acts and had a sandwich across from the park. The city was very active, and I enjoyed the weather. I rode off to the beach and was going to keep going, but I could see already how sunburned my arms were getting and went back to camp. I had a lively conversation with a motor-biking Kiwi on holiday, and he confirmed if I stayed on south island, I would have a "ball."
I slept early and deeply. When i woke up I was rearing to go so I decided on a 3 day trip up north to Kaikoura because I will head south afterwards and wont be back to Christchurch. I thought this would be a nice test run...I rode about 60 miles in increasing heat...Burning my arms, I had to put on a jacket despite it being upwards of 90 degrees. I rode all day, very little water and had a headache. At last, I saw a river with some bathing campers, and decided this was nice place to stay. I chatted with few families, and got some tips from another moto biker...My impression is that NZ is like the US but less developed, more rural. more relaxed and they appreciate adventures into the great outdoors. Mostly, my journey garnered interest and appreciation, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Day TWO- I left early and began the 80 km ride to Kaikoura. I took the back roads which meant a more scenic roads- ie brown hills. I kept thinking, where were the green hills? Everything was so dry, so hot and not much to look at. Well up ahead were some mountains, lots of climbign and some nice views opened up upon reaching the shore. Green sea water, waves, large cliffs and glacier carved mountains. There wasnt a single town or stopping place along the route, just cows, horses, sheep and llama. Its taking some getting used to- mostly I wish I had trained more!!
Yes, I made it! It was a long flight and I watched about 4 movies- Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind and Vicky Christine Barcelona were two that I enjoyed, and set the right tone for the trip. Oh yeah, I also watched Lost in Translation, but Ive seen that heaps of times.
Upon arrival, I went through customs and believe it or not, there was a "bike assembly" station outside of the airport! I have NEVER seen that before, and I met a couple of cyclists while assembling. I took my time, and noticed right away how warm it was. I had a couple of conversations with passing folks, and felt very comfortable. It was really relaxing- just the environment was different. When i took off, I had to stay to the left. Its like trying to write with your left hand when youve been right handed your whole life- very disconcerting.
I found a nice campground, and after setting up went off exploring. There was a buskers festival with lots of interesting circus acts and had a sandwich across from the park. The city was very active, and I enjoyed the weather. I rode off to the beach and was going to keep going, but I could see already how sunburned my arms were getting and went back to camp. I had a lively conversation with a motor-biking Kiwi on holiday, and he confirmed if I stayed on south island, I would have a "ball."
I slept early and deeply. When i woke up I was rearing to go so I decided on a 3 day trip up north to Kaikoura because I will head south afterwards and wont be back to Christchurch. I thought this would be a nice test run...I rode about 60 miles in increasing heat...Burning my arms, I had to put on a jacket despite it being upwards of 90 degrees. I rode all day, very little water and had a headache. At last, I saw a river with some bathing campers, and decided this was nice place to stay. I chatted with few families, and got some tips from another moto biker...My impression is that NZ is like the US but less developed, more rural. more relaxed and they appreciate adventures into the great outdoors. Mostly, my journey garnered interest and appreciation, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Day TWO- I left early and began the 80 km ride to Kaikoura. I took the back roads which meant a more scenic roads- ie brown hills. I kept thinking, where were the green hills? Everything was so dry, so hot and not much to look at. Well up ahead were some mountains, lots of climbign and some nice views opened up upon reaching the shore. Green sea water, waves, large cliffs and glacier carved mountains. There wasnt a single town or stopping place along the route, just cows, horses, sheep and llama. Its taking some getting used to- mostly I wish I had trained more!!
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