The first of our full day rides in New Zealand was the 84 km St James Cycle Trail. I penned a poem reflecting on some of our finest (and other) moments of this memorable ride…

 

 

 

After months of getting ready across the Tasman we soar
Our trusty bikes packed in boxes we’re adventure bound for sure

The Kiwi customs lady with my cardboard box, unimpressed
“Bike?” she asked, waving me through already focused on the next

For on spotting Paul’s hand made beauty she thought nothing could be finer
Her face now a smile, she declares with joy “Ah, your box is made in China!!”

Just north of Hamner Springs the St James is our first trail
One kilometre into the ride our pace is that of a snail

In synch we do a u turn on this charming country road
For the head wind is oppressive its the reason we have slowed

We drive on to the track head some 20 kilometres away
Having no idea how we’ll get back at the other end of the day!

Now at last, with back packs on we’re ready to start once more
But Paul is looking perplexed there’s something he’s looking for

His helmut has gone missing without it he could end up dead!
But look no longer, my dear friend there it is – firmly on yer head!!!

With dark clouds and threatening skies we don our wet weather jackets
Its the only time the entire trip and for them we paid packets!

Up a hill to get us started then down to a valley floor
On our trusty 29ers here in New Zealand we soar

In a beautiful camping area river and mountains backdrop
We meet Kiwi four wheel drivers being friendly, we take a stop

They offer freshly made cookies as the ANZAC spirit we share
Just two days after ANZAC day a very tasty fare!

But we dont linger for too long with sandflies, plenty for all
Except for those lacking fashion sense wearing leggings, just like Paul

The country side’s quite lovely as we ride our trusty bikes
Gorges, rivers, mountains soaking up such sights

A side track several Ks long takes us down to a pristine lake
We pass two hunters with guns grateful no pot shot they take

We see Brumbys grazing in the distance and Wild Canadian Ducks
We also know of wild pigs and that’s what really sucks

For one neat section of single track has holes dug everywhere
Those stinkin wild boars were routing without care!

In these wilds late in the day comes a car with dogs in back
They’re looking for some food and sport out here on the St James Track

And their appetite for fresh meat will fill the boars with dread
Those piggies days are numbered as the teeth in the hunters head!

With a river crossing to conquer Paul has got it made
With booties from the UK worth the money he paid

For while I removed my shoes and socks he had a better bet
Those specially designed booties made sure his feet got wet

Winding up the last long climb it just went on and on
Wind was also howling with the setting of the sun

But what goes up must come down seven K’s, smooth and sweet
The last downhill was a rush a winding single track treat!

After a long and tiring day it was great to finish fast
This farewell section of the trail was an absolute blast

But it’s not all over yet still needing to reach our car
The headwind still oppressive the distance still too far

At track head DOCs have a hut a retired couple resting within
Could we impose upon their generosity would it be a sin

To interrupt their evening have them drive us to our van
Who should do the asking? Paul, you are the man!

The lady was somewhat icy but slowly warmed to the task
Dodging hares and rabbits hitting rocks in the dark

Her damaged under carriage was a very small price to pay
To tuck these Aussies into bed at the end of a very long day

And perhaps one day down the track when there is snow on the hills
We will return to St James and relive these biking thrills