Day Seven, and the rain poured down, and I mean it was torrential. I knew it was coming though so planned just a short 180km stint from Christchurch to Hamner Springs. Famous for its hot pools.
The ride is an easy one, but made harder buy the constant rain. I only stopped once, for a bathroom break and then it took me half an hour to get my bloody gloves back on. Still I arrived just after lunch and thankfully my room was right next to the laundry and the lovely people at the motel were amazing helpful in helping me get my wet gear dry, as well as letting me put my bike in there garage.
In the afternoon I borrowed there umbrella and wonder around the small but very pretty small town. Finishing of course at the hot pools where I spent an enormous amount of time just sitting and relaxing. Honestly this whole motorbike touring thing is exhausting!
So not a big day on the bike, but I got to visit yet another place I have never been to and tomorrow will come the Lewis Pass road, I wasn't to know it then but it would be one of the longest days I have ever had on a bike.....
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Although I haven't been to the hot springs at Hamner I have been to the one's at Rotorua and those hot springs are so freshing and relaxing its un believable. Your skin feels so soft and clean. Shame about the rain rog.
ReplyDeleteGood thing you had the hot springs to warm you up after your ride in the rain. The steam rising up from the pools looks inviting.
ReplyDeletePutting wet gloves back on is right up there with trying to put on wet jeans, no fun at all. My guess is bad words were said, more than a few.
Glad the Innkeepers were able to help you dry out your gear and store your bike.
Thanks for all the ride reports.
Another nice report Rog! I saw a photo of Hanmer Springs in NZ Geographic a few years back taken in winter with snow right to the edge of the hot pools. It's good as it is but it would be magic in winter.
ReplyDeleteYea, I would like to jump in that hot water right about now :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful postings so far, but hey were is your legendary summer?
ReplyDeleteChillertek: As far as the rain is concerned you just have to take what you get and deal with it....still ebjoyed myself regardless.
ReplyDeletetrobaritz: You would be right in your assesment on the glove department. That is why I didnt take many pics today.
Geoff: I can only imagine what it would be like in winter..terrific I would think! Not sure I want to ride there at that tme of year though.
ReplyDeleteSonja: Your guess is as good as mine as far as summer goes, it has been the worst we have had for many years that is for sure. Although I missed the worst of it in the South Island....it just keeps bloody raining!
George: I presume it is cold where you are, nice of you to pop a long I havernt from you for a while. Are you managing to find some nice dirt roads...?
ReplyDeleteNot really any trips since it's getting colder here by the day :-(
ReplyDeleteLounging in the famous hot pools for the day excellent.
ReplyDeleteSues! Thnaks love, a great way to end a day.
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