Old man mountain
The early dew settling on hot dry sunbaked grass is one of the best smells ever.
JANUARY 7 No riding today. Waking early we drove to the Motueka River not far from Ngatimoti, and fished hard for the elusive browns. Slow and hard fishing produced a couple of fish to each, but a superb day in blazing sun on a sublime waterway. That night we checked out the rabbit population and a remarkable shot by my brother-in-law left us with one to skin and clean for the pot. Outside, the Old Man Range giant lay on his back snoring happily – as the last vestige of sunlight disappeared. Mount Murchison kept watch behind us.
JANUARY 8 Rain and an earlyish start to Nelson to stay with very old friends, one of whom I’ d known for over 55 years. I rode out back towards the Ngatimoti but decided to head into Nelson rather than going the long way round through Golden Bay as the rain wasn’ t ugly, but still persistent. The welcome was warm, we chatted like the possessed, then watched a little cricket and ate like kings.
JANUARY 9 The Honda Hikoi of happiness is on its penultimate day in the South. Today dawned sunny and dry with the Nelson sea wall glowing in the early morning sunshine- all 11 kilometres of it. I always thought it was man-made but it turns out it’ s a natural phenomenon. Great billowing heaps of cumulus over the vista from Wakefield to separation point- or thereabouts, a vast 180 degree vista with rising sun and a cup of tea. A visit to the Nelson Car Museum was amazing- so cheap and an excellent venue with superb displays. Then a quick blat back out to Ngatimoti to see Ross and Colleen in heaven, and then Ross and I twirled through glorious, small, back roads up into the Graham Valley, to meet with the redoubtable Rand Aubrey Colgan on his horse ranch and rock studio. Rand is a facebook friend who thought we should meet in person. As well as a musician, he runs a podcast and broadcast
KIWI RIDER 101