NZ over the ditch tour - day two: curves, confidence and cheese scones

Ride day 2 – Hanmer Springs to Nelson

We woke up to a cold and foggy morning. With an 8am start scheduled, I madly tried to dry my clothes and boots, which were still sopping wet.

Tip of the day: hooked my boots to hang over the top of the open. Worked a treat and it wasn’t long before they were semi-dry and toasty warm.

After such a wet and cold ride the first day, I was surprisingly warm as we headed off. I’d popped in some toe warmers, and a heat pack on my neck and chest.  The bike felt less of a challenge today and if I were to have to do a tight u-turn, I’m sure I could have 😉

On the way to Kaikura, the scenery was just incredible with mountains to the left, and mountains to the right. It reminded me of the Scottish highlands, but will different cows and sheep, and the odd llama.

This video shows just a smidgeon of the scenery.

As we entered Kaukura, the snow capped mountains met the beach. This was our first snow capped mountain sighting. By the time we stopped at the café for brunch, it had warmed up significantly with a top of 24!! 

After the rain soaked stop on day one, all five of us skipped happily into the Encounter Café, where the customer service was as great as the cheese scones and poached eggs, not to mention the ocean view.

Off came the layers and we headed to north to Blenham, then dog legged it South to Nelson.

This leg…. WOW. I had no idea what a treat we were in for. I was speechless… the twists and sweeping turns were never ending–the best I’ve ever ridden (ok I’ve been riding 4 years, but you get me). There were great rocky overhangs and rivers following us along.

Here's a video of the road to Nelson, NZ.

The road quality was superb. There were roadworks, but they were brief and a nice reprieve. In NZ, drivers happily give way to motorbike riders. Almost immediately, and where safe, they will sidle over. Ever thankful, we would all file past happily, giving a big wave.

Exhaused and happy, we pulled into the Pallazo Motor in, which lived up to its name. Beautiful and thanks for the upgrade!

A quick change and off we went to The Vic for a drink and dinner. 

Today will stick in my memory banks for some time. 

Cheers

Annya (and Andy)

TribalMoto