6-11 November 2023

Leader: Paula Richardson

Six keen bike riders travelled to Nelson in cars, with our bikes to take on the Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Day 1. Coppermine Trail
From our base at the Matai Valley Campground, we set off early for the Coppermine MB Trail. This trail followed a forest-clad rail line up to Coppermine Saddle (880m). We reached the saddle in time for lunch (yummy Sandwiches) then fast as down the other side. The switchbacks were definitely a challenge for us all. Full suspension bikes were an advantage over the ‘baby head’ boulders on the descent. After a few scrapes and some bleeding, we made it back the campground for a well-deserved rest and watched fledglings in a nest by our cabin with quiet beer.

Day 2. Tasman's Great Taste Trail.
We awoke to find the weather looking good after heavy rain overnight. The day started with hot chocolate (thanks to the friendly couple who opened early for us) then a chilly ride into Anzac Park Nelson, where we met our fellow club member and guide for the day Lyndsay Fletcher. Lyndsay gave an impressive running commentary as we rode out of Nelson to his place in Richmond for a sumptuous lunch. On the way we swung past Paula and Douglas’s childhood home in Stoke which brought back lovely memories. From Lyndsay’s place we headed towards Mapua where we arrived just in time for the 3:10 ferry. We arrived at the campground with lovely A frame cabins and free hot showers!!! Having great sunny weather today was a bonus. That night we had lovely fish-n-chips on the wharf.

Day 3. Mapua to Kaiteriteri.
The day started at the bakery with a pie breakie. The ride around Motueka had massive views around the estuary. We saw a baby Pied Stilt taking first walks around the estuary under the watchful gaze of mum stilt. Dad stilt did not seem too interested in proceedings. Then onwards to Toad Hall where we stopped for lunch. A highlight was the Mountain Bike Park just before Kaiteriteri where we all got to practice our switchbacks once again. We had a lovely evening sharing pizza or tucking into meat pies made with love, then five rounds of housie in the pub.

Day 4. Kaiteriteri to Tapawera.
The day started trekking back over the mountain bike park and down the hill to Riwaka where we stopped for breakie and a coffee. Then we travelled along the Motueka River for most of the day as far as Woodstock, then taking a detour and stopping for a coffee at the small settlement of Ngatimoti. It was then onward following the river again. Solly and Douglas finally spied a lazy trout after a day’s searching. Then it was up 253m and over the saddle and whizzing down the other side and meandering into Tapawera, where we stopped at the hotel for the night. We had lots of fun tasting local beers that evening, hosted by Suzy. Then after a hearty salad that no one could finish, it was off for a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day 5. Tapawera to Nelson.
We woke to rain that was to last the entire day. First up, a steady incline to the Spooners tunnel, which is the 8th longest disused tunnel in the world available for cyclists to use. Then down the other side to Wakefield where we stopped at Waky Baky for morning tea / lunch. Then onward to Richmond. After which, taking the scenic coastal route to Speights Ale House for rehydration then back home to Maitai Valley for a hot shower and Thai takeaways. All up we travelled 236km for the loop trip. Having no punctures was a bonus.

Those on the trip were:

Brian Solomon, Graeme Richardson, Jenny Solomon, Paula Richardson, Rob Dey, Douglas (Paula’s brother)

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.