The weekend enjoying cycling in Nelson

Hi,

Well, what an amazing weekend!  Up super early Saturday morning to get to the Bluebridge ferry.  Mike dropped me and Toby at Maccas next to the train station and went to collect Sally and Andrew from their house.  We were eating brekkie at 5.45am!  They open early there!

Onto the ferry after a quick New World visit and coffee needs met - I got a Rooibos from the thermos from Iona while in the car queue - we were on the ferry quickly.  Got a table near the cafe (Sally and Col took the cabin) and enjoyed chatting, reading, quizzing and eating.  The time passed quickly.

Gentle snoring wasn't too audible over the ship engine noises

Into the car at Picton  and Toby and I had an uncomfortable journey to Nelson.  His knee was sore so he had to stretch it out over me and I couldn't change positions.  I fell asleep which made the time pass quickly.  But by the time we got to Nelson, I was pretty sore.

We met Nelson Cycle Hire (JR and Anita) at the airport and they kitted us up quickly.  Due to the winter ferry timetable, they decided to transport us close to Rabbit Island to ensure we had a good chance of catching the 4.10 ferry to Mapua.

We met Paul here too.  So that made the group:  Sally, Andrew, me, Mike, Toby, Iona, Col, Paul.

Rabbit Island was lovely

The day was lovely - light overcast and hardly any wind.  We rode through farmland on bike trails before getting onto Rabbit Island.  A bit of coast riding before going through pines to the ferry terminal.

Toby only had about 4.5 km to get to the ferry at this stage

Toby's knee came right with the exercise.  Good on him.  He did such a brilliant job both days cycling further than he has done before.

Feet waiting for the ferry

 We got to the ferry well before its departure time.  We probably got there at 3.50pm.  Sat around contemplating things before getting on the ferry when it pulled up.

 At Mapua, a lot of Golden Bear brewery beer was consumed before the cold made me and Toby (with no beer coat on) jump on the bikes and find our accommodation.  We got the Mapua Leisure Camp and found our unit.  Very nice.  Then Toby wanted to play tennis so we got on our bikes and explored the camp.

There was no equipment at the tennis court so we had to forego that fun.  We decided to explore further afield.  Down to the beach and along the top of the breakwater.  As we passed the camp boundary, we read a sign that said that nudity was not allowed outside of the camp boundary.

Yep - we were staying at a nudist camp.  Fortunately the colder weather meant no one was playing tennis when we went to check that out!  Dodged a bullet there!  Toby was horrified - in a good way.  Hahahah.

Off to dinner at 7pm and the food at the Apple Shed Cafe was scrumptious.  The service was a bit hot and cold.  But, when the food came, I enjoyed it.  I had two entrees - a delicious chowder and the squid.  And a lovely apple and feijoa juice.

I walked back to Iona's room as Col had left early, feeling unwell.  We tried to watch the rugby on their TV, but the day had caught up with me and by 10pm I had to walk back.  It was only a couple of kms and the night was lovely.

Next morning we got up and rode into town with our grey bags slung across our shoulders (me and Mike).  Dropped them at Iona and Col's unit then found the Mapua Bakery for brekkie.

Best iced coffee at Mapua Bakery

This was an incredible place!  Yum!  My Eggs Benedict was amazing.  Toby ate all of his.  And the iced coffee was so good.

Feet enjoying the beach

We had stunning weather all day.  The ride from Mapua to Motueka was so good.  Beautiful countryside and then up across Tasman Heights.

Posing with Toby

Mucking around with Toby

Iona crests Tasman Heights

Once we were in Motueka we explored a bit - checked out boardwalks and a shipwreck.

Col negotiates the boardwalk in Motueka

Bike at Motueka

The Kai Festival was on in Motueka and we enjoyed the atmosphere there.  Met friends of Iona and Col's (Sue and Janice) and then rode off.  Mike and Toby went first and took a Gilbert shortcut that really worked.  The rest of us came behind and eventually Andrew corralled us into a group.

When we got to the mountain bike park though, we split up again.  We all took the Easy Rider route through the park and it was such fun!  Toby said he was petrified, but he made it easily!

Then down into Kaiteriteri and up to our accommodation.  A steep driveway right at the end was fun for everyone.

We relaxed before JR and Anita arrived to take us and the others' luggage.  We left at 6pm and we were boarding our flight to Wellington by 7.50pm.  What a great time!  So well looked after.  Great countryside.  Good bikes.  Welcoming hosts!

More, please!

The others remain to continue until Wednesday.  Lucky things!  Wish I was there still.

Have an awesome week!

Love,
Angela