Kinda Nelson.... my Sunday ride
A report from the West -
The weather forecast was crap - multiple fronts on the way, limpid dark sky and Jim on TV promising the worst. I don't know if it happens in the rest of NZ, our forecasts are often wildly out and the Coast's reputation means people always believe the worst, even I sometimes get sucked in. This morning it was a pleasant surprise to find just light grey skies, and that I'd moaned just enough about the forecast and my probable ruined day that Ruth encouraged me to go and ride.
I was ready in minutes, heading up the Buller Gorge on dry roads to my first stop at Maruia Falls. From there it was a bit over 20k to the Maruia Saddle Road turnoff.
Plodded through the Saddle track with a few photo stops and had a great blast down the Matakitaki Valley where even a little sun broke through thin cloud. A quick coffee then back via seal and campervans (oddly rare in the gorge today), safely home before the rain finally arrived about 1pm.
A good shakedown trial for my new 60CSX GPS (loaded with CooneyR's track file) and general blow out of cobwebs! We sure live among some great riding country. By the way, a Q for the locals: What's the Glenhope - Tadmoor road like? I've been intrigued by that 'Dry Weather Road only' sign for years - is it fun on a bike? Some pix for ya:
TRUTH, n. An ingenious compound of desirability and appearance. ~ The Devil's Dictionary
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