(no subject)
Four days ago I headed out towards Arthurs pass along highway 73. The first day was a mix. Great tailwind for the first 20 km. Then the wind turned around. I stopped at 70 km and camped at Springfield. It was all basically flat (technically slightly uphill the whole day.)
The next day was Porters pass. So steep! ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbotron/437123358/ ) I got up to this last bend, an then had to walk the rest of the way up. Once I was onto the mountains, it was really hilly. Lots of dips to cross over streams, and then up again on the other side.
I got to Castle hill. There were a ton of big bumble bees flying around, it was strange. Castle hill was great, what a interesting place. After exploring around there for a few hours I got back out to the road. I found out from two girls who were hitching that there was a free campsite about 10 km up the road. I hadn't decided what I was doing, so I decided to go there for the night. Glad I did! Ended up meeting a bunch of interesting rock climbers and an american cyclist.
The next day I headed back. Checked out Cave stream along the way but only got to the stream entrance. The water was too cold! Long ride back, about 110 km all together. Got in around 8:30 pm. Glad I have a lot of lights on my bike for safety.
Now I'm done my cycle tour! Spent yesterday in Christchurch, getting picked up soon to go to the airport to head up to Whangarei again.
The next day was Porters pass. So steep! ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbotron/437123358/ ) I got up to this last bend, an then had to walk the rest of the way up. Once I was onto the mountains, it was really hilly. Lots of dips to cross over streams, and then up again on the other side.
I got to Castle hill. There were a ton of big bumble bees flying around, it was strange. Castle hill was great, what a interesting place. After exploring around there for a few hours I got back out to the road. I found out from two girls who were hitching that there was a free campsite about 10 km up the road. I hadn't decided what I was doing, so I decided to go there for the night. Glad I did! Ended up meeting a bunch of interesting rock climbers and an american cyclist.
The next day I headed back. Checked out Cave stream along the way but only got to the stream entrance. The water was too cold! Long ride back, about 110 km all together. Got in around 8:30 pm. Glad I have a lot of lights on my bike for safety.
Now I'm done my cycle tour! Spent yesterday in Christchurch, getting picked up soon to go to the airport to head up to Whangarei again.