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Distance

75km

Blog

In many ways the final days of the tour delivered all that was promised before it began: beautiful weather and spectacular scenery; but none of the spice provided by gale force winds and torrential rain. After two weeks of riding everyone's fitness levels had converged (meaning the rest of us caught up to Tony, Ken and Roger) and we rode more as a group.

For the leg going from Hokitika to Arthur's Pass Connie was feeling tired after an eventful day yesterday (well weddings are traditionally a tiring affair) so Ken drove the Sag Wagon. The first highlight was the combined road/rail bridge soon after Hokitika. We had become accustomed to one lane bridges on main roads by now, but a one lane bridge shared with trains took it to a new level.

The morning was made more interesting because we rode on Old Christchurch Road to get to SH73 which meant 20 kilometres of unsealed road over pleasantly gentle hills. A couple of riders commented on the corrugations in places but they did not pose a problem for 36 inch wheels. I am running out of ways of saying "Fun". At this point substitute your own preferred phrase.

Once on SH73 we settled in for gently climbing main road. It was Joe Marshall's first day riding with us on his Schlumpf 29 inch wheel. We had lunch at the Taramaku River (?) (couldn't think of much else to say???)

We rode some more and had afternoon tea at Jackman's Hotel. Here the local wags gathered around our parked unicycles and sagely proclaimed that not even bicycles could ride up Arthur's Pass without stopping. Is that so??? The statement received scant assent from the relaxing riders. It was now that the Goodman family departed the tour and headed for home and school. Dave's assistance in organising the tour, as well as his assistance as a support vehicle, had been greatly appreciated. Daniel's ability at covering kilometres barely a week since first riding a 36 inch wheel had been impressive. However goodbyes were said and we went our separate ways.

From Jackman onwards the climbing became more noticeable till we reached our crank swapping pit stop at Otira. This was an impressive location: steep hills all around with red blossoms of rata everywhere.

Immediately we left Otira the climbing became serious. Most of us paused for photos to try for that elusive shot which would depict the gradient clearly. The most overwhelming sensation was the smell of burning brake pads from cars heading down hill. Roger though, perhaps spurred by the comments from the locals, rode all the way to the top without stopping.

Once at the top there was much snapping of photos. At the viaduct lookout we met our first keas. These birds really are persistent so leaving back packs lying on the ground is not a smart move if you prefer it intact.

The trip down from the summit itself to the township was a triumphant descent. This had been the last climbing challenge of the tour so the night had an air of celebration to it. This was helped by the accommodation: two warm, clean cabins with fires burning and adequate showers for a group. Luxury!!!

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