Day 1 NZ Ride
Today was the first day on the trail ride in the South Island of New Zealand
Bikes loaded on the trailer with Phil looking very pleased!
Loading the bikes!
The bike trailer and van at the Queenstown airport
Ian on right and Chris with the welcome sign as we came through immigration!
Bike packed and luggage for the trip at home
We have 5 Aussies being led by 3 Kiwis including my riding pal Chris Jones. I have done several rides with Chris over the years and he has been keen to host me in his home country!
It was an early start for the 4 of us who left from Melbourne being Rob Baker, Steve Seymour, Ellio Stocco and myself. The cab arrived at 3.30 am to take Rob and I to the airport with another cab picking up Steve and Ellio at the same time from their homes.
We arrived at the airport around 4.15 am and we’re almost the only ones there!
Ellio and Steve had a bit of a problem with space and had to come in 2 cabs…
After waiting at check in until 5.00 am we then made our way through checkin and had a well earned breakfast in the Qantas lounge
The plane left on time at 8.00 am and the plane flight was uneventful to Queenstown
Our arrival was terrific with Chris, Ian and John from NZ there to meet us with the special tour sign.
After the special welcome it was off to Arrowtown to Ian’s “Bach” to unpack our bike boxes and assemble the bikes which was done with the help of plenty of bike tools and equipment.
My bike unfortunately had a gear cable problem which needed help from the local bike shop back near the Queenstown airport which fortunately had a great bike shop where the repairs could be done. I then road tested the bike by riding a couple off kms to the airport where I was helping Chris welcome Phil Eager who flew in from Brisbane. Once again the sign was part of a special welcome for Phil!
We then traveled back to Arrowtown to help Phil set up his bike and load our bikes on to the trailer specially modified by Chris to transport our bikes between trails on the 3 weeks we are here in NZ.
After this it was off to dinner at a lovely restaurant and a walk in the lovely historical town.
After this it was back for a briefing at Ian’s batch and to the youth hostel/ holiday park for the night
A great first day with warm weather which suggests the ride should be great!
Looking forward to a sleep after an early start to the day!
Bikes loaded on the trailer with Phil looking very pleased!
Loading the bikes!
The bike trailer and van at the Queenstown airport
Ian on right and Chris with the welcome sign as we came through immigration!
Bike packed and luggage for the trip at home