We had such a lovely riding day to Nelson. About 275 km, which the mapping software said would take 4 hrs….yes slower roads for sure.
After a simple breakfast we were off. The first 40km were by the ocean ….right down where we could see the waves crashing onto the black rocks. We had a hard time keeping our eyes on the road instead of on the water. The roads are narrow….minimal if any shoulder, twisty with lots of campervans, big trucks and small cars.
150 km later, we got to Picton, which is the ferry departure point for the South Island. From there we went west along the same steep narrow road that I cycled on about 3 weeks ago. Very twisty, and many of the corners we took at 25km/hr. I had seen many oncoming cars and campers cross the centre when I was cycling, and we were very aware of that today….so we took it easy, ensuring we left a lot of space in case the oncoming traffic veered into our lane. This was about 40km….then after that we got onto the highway, with more twisty roads, but here we could travel at 70-80km/hr. Many of the corners did say 35km up to 45km/hr.
9 km from our destination….there was a line of traffic stopped on the road. The road was closed due to an accident ahead. Thankfully we were off the twisters, and down at sea level. There isn’t an alternative route into Nelson….just the one we had been on. Thankfully it was only closed for just over 3 hours, and we waited about 2 1/2. The sun was shining, we were comfortable ….someone was walking from vehicle to vehicle offering water and a place to use the facilities if anyone needed it. He was just someone also stuck in traffic trying to make it a bit better for everyone!
Once we checked in…a quick wash up and a visit with a cycling friend and his friends. A lovely evening.
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