RobiNZ Personal Blog

The most average sized thing in the known universe?

Listened to this while riding the Hamilton Te Awa River Ride. It looks at a listener's question What's the most average sized thing in the known universe? I guessed before hearing and was way out. They look at it several ways, end up with some surprising answers. https://www.radiolab.org/episodes/middle-everything-ever Read more →

Waikato River Trail | Mangakino to Atiamuri | Time Out 2021-22 Waikato

Today I drove North, 56km, to Mangakino to ride another section of the Waikato River Trails. I had hoped to complete the final two sections this trip but the trail North of Mangakino was closed for forestry operations. Oh well, a reason to return! Waikato River Trail | Mangakino to Atiamuri Lake Maraetai, Mangakino Parked up at the Lake Maraetai foreshore, Mangakino. First move was a coffee from the brilliant Bus Stop Café (in the background of the photo below). There was a thick mist hovering over the lake, but (at 11:00) it was finally starting to lift. Just thirty... Read more →

Hillary Trail | Whatipu, Gibbons, Muir, Pararaha Valley Loop | Time Out 2021-22

'Time Out' has been lots of cycling but today was about revisiting Whatipu, a favourite local remote ride, for a bit of a walk. Open, for more than pedestrians/bikes, again! The road, closed for months by a substantial slip, is repaired and a section of the Te Ara o Hillary / Hillary Trail (the Gibbons, Muir and Pararaha Valley tracks) reopened after massive upgrades to protect against Kauri dieback. It's aa viral plant disease spread by feet of all kinds. Stopped on Whatipu Rd for the spectacular view, looking back to Huia, and to check out the road repairs. Whatipu... Read more →

Picton - Havelock Link Pathway Cycle Trail | Time Out 2021-22 Picton

Today's ride has a most unassuming name, "The Link Pathway", but don't let that fool you. It is historic and relates to the 1860s bridle path and, I presume, due to it linking Picton and Havelock, Queen Charlotte & Pelorus Sounds, and (in part) passing through Linkwater. Construction of the trail began in 2005, after residents wanted to see paths link local communities, and the rediscovery of four sections of historic 1860s bridle path between Picton and Havelock. The old bridle trail sections now form around 20% of the Link Pathway, which also incorporates an old stock route near Picton... Read more →

The Great Coast Road | Punakaiki to Charleston | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast

This morning I discovered it isn't wise, due to nosey locals, to leave the deck sliding door open unattended... Had a slow start, breakfast at about nine on the deck with that view... After all the recent riding on the mountain bike it was time to do a road ride for a change. Giro Rob was dusted off for the first time on this leg and after being left for a week in the back of the Bravo... Cycling Punakaiki to Charleston Today I re-rode, fourth time I think, the Great Coast Road from Punakaiki to Charleston and back. It's... Read more →

West Coast Wilderness 04 | Kumara to Greymouth, to Hokitika | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast

Last day of the West Coast Wilderness, it began with breakfast at the Hotel and packing the overnight bag (which was later collected by the shuttle). It was a beautiful morning, and we only have a short ride today. Had to meet the Cycle Journeys shuttle in Greymouth, only ~40km away, by a café at about 1pm. As had some extra time I backtracked a few kilometres, a couple more than anticipated to be honest, to check out the local cemetery. Had read some of the settler stories and thought might be interesting to see some of the history. I... Read more →

West Coast Wilderness 03 | Milltown to Kūmara | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast

Today's ride is the longest day of the West Coast Wilderness. About 50km and 400m climbing but nothing steep. From Lake Kaniere it's all dedicated cycle trail or hydro service roads, with no traffic, up the Arahura River Valley. A climb takes you over the ridge to follow the Kawhaka River Valley back to Kūmara. Canoe Cove (Lake Kanere), Milltown to Kūmara After the night in Hokitika we returned to near Lake Kaniere to start riding. The first part of the ride is on quiet gravel road. The road towards Milltown is spectacular, the morning sun and clearing skies made... Read more →

West Coast Wilderness 01 | Ross to Scenic Waterways | Time Out 2021-22 West Coast

Was up early, for me, and fuelled by a lovely breakfast at Teichelmann's B&B. I'd opted for continental; Frances' home-made muesli was awesome. I put En-Trance (my mountain bike) together and rolled it over to the Cycle Journeys depot, just across the road. They have secure parking, so the next trip was in the Bravo with a bag packed for our overnight stay tonight. We are back at Teichelmann's the following night, then another night away, and I had booked an extra night after the trip finishes. Frances and Brian made that easy by allowing me to leave my luggage... Read more →

Roxburgh Gorge Trail - Alexandra to Doctors Pt. | Time Out 2021-22 Roxburgh Alexandra

I drove, about an hour, from Beaumont, through Roxburgh, to Alexandra to finish riding the Roxburgh Gorge Trail to Doctors Point. It was about five in the evening by the time I set out on the bike. It's about ten kilometres each way, slowed by extensive photography for reasons which will become apparent. To get to the trail I had to cross the SH8 Alexandra Bridge. Thought this view of the Clutha River Mata-Au was special, but it had much more to deliver this evening. Roxburgh Gorge trail to Doctors Point There won't be many words in this post, but... Read more →

Great Taste Trail | Pigeon & Motueka Valleys | Time Out 2021-22 Nelson

It was still cloudy up in the hills, so I hit the Great Taste Trail again. Rather than follow it explicitly I was heading through Richmond, then Pigeon Valley to the Motueka River Valley. I've ridden there a couple of times, so nice was looking forward to visiting again. Then it would be home via Mapua, Rabbit Island (another swim?) and back to the motel. Although mostly road riding, I was on my Mountain Bike (see yesterday) which would hardly be challenged by the gravel road and trail ahead. Heading towards Richmond, the white plume on the horizon is steam... Read more →