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Cycle Tour of New Zealand - South Island, 2004 |
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cycling NZ cycle tour my setup books & links other travel | ||||||||||||
wk 1 - wk 2 - wk 3 - wk 4 - wk 5 - wk 6 - wk 7 - wk 8 - wk 9 - N. Island (wks 10-13) - cycling |
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Hooker Valley, Mount Cook behind |
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Me in front of Mount Cook |
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The reflection of Mount Cook, seen from the highway |
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Day 50 - Which one is Mount Cook?!?!
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I met three other cyclists today, the first being brits! They had just cycled across S. America and were complaining about the weather, NZ drivers, and the people that threw a plate at them from a passing van! The other guy was a swiss guy who had met the Dutch girl from Wanaka! The day was sunny at first (which means perfect magpie diving conditions) and with little wind. Upon getting into Mt. Cook I had to stay at the YHA (the only hostel) as it was going to be a cold night! It was pricey but not too sterile! YHA Mt Cook, $28!!
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Day 51 - Where was my first wind, never mind the second!
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On a road, that is a tourist bus gauntlet run, famous for Nor'westers blowing the hapless cyclist back to the main highway with little effort, I found the only day it could ever blow the wrong direction! A beautiful day, which meant great view of Mt. Cook from the road (which I couldn't even see yesterday) though it was behind me. Stayed at Tailor Made Backpackers $18
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Day 52 - The 3,000km barrier!
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Another beautiful day (with more dead bugs decorating my face). Felt pretty good though I'm sure that not having had a rest in 4 days will catch me up tomorrow. MET MY FIRST GERMAN cycle tourist! Yeh! Stayed at the motor camp in the centre of town, getting brave with the tent (even though there were backpackers!). $10
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Day 53 - Magpies 42, Steve 0
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The day of the magpie... They are getting even more aggresive, one hit the front of my helmet getting through the defences I'd installed. It actually forcably knocked my head forward. Then a little later, one flew in front of me (they only attack from behind), and shit from a height.. a new weapon! Despite ideal conditions, i felt like I was going nowhere, my average speed shows that 5 straight days cycling tired me. Stayed for a day off in Methven even though there is NOTHING to do here! Redwood Lodge $25
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Roadside Possum |
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The first German cycle tourist of the season, Mario |
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Heat sensitive sign in urinal, Methven |
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Day 54 - Day off
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Day 55 - Ummm which way is Springfield
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After snoggin the girl from the hostel, I made my excuses and left! Despite the infamous Methven Rodeo (read as an excuse to drink and fight) I made my way out with a huge hangover to keep me company, following the signs to the nearby gorge. Unfortunatly the signs were pointing to the town which was in the opposite direction from where I wanted to be going. I realised this 30km down the road.. Decided to cut my losses and carry onto the Telegraph Rd back to Arthur's Pass road. So a 50km day was turned into a 107km day... Stayed at Springfield pub ($15), the shitest plave I've stayed at with a pub full of local loons, though I was given the pub photo album which featured more nudity than Channel 5 on a friday night! Apparently when the locals get bored (which is often out here) they get naked... contemplated staying over a night to see... !
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Day 56 - The biggest climb so far..
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At least I couldn't go the wrong way... After being woken up at 2am with some strange person coming into my room (clothed) I made a hasty getaway! The day had fablous scenery that was lost on me due to the fog and clouds.. which didn't clear until I got past Porters Pass and then it started pissing it down into Arthurs Pass Village. Stayed at the wonderful Mountain View Lodge (minus the views) $18
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Bike with a great backdrop, nr Arthurs Pass |
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Bike at the top of Arthurs Pass |
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Old sign at Arthurs Pass |
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wk 1 - wk 2 - wk 3 - wk 4 - wk 5 - wk 6 - wk 7 - wk 8 - wk 9 - N. Island (wks 10-13) - cycling |
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