All Smiling and A2O Completed.

Sunday 11th February 

After a comfortable night in Duntroon, we were up and ready to go. Rick had kindly moved the Trusty Bus to the front of the building, which made loading much easier. Bikes were retrieved from Secure Storage, and at 7.30 am, we loaded the bus to the dulcet tones of the Ride On Lawnmower chopping what little grass there was. Having refused to pay $17.50/pp for a VERY ordinary continental breakfast in the hotel, we swapped it for a mixture of a pre breakfast picnic and then something more substantial at The Flying Pigs Café. Croissants, Panini, Burcher Muesli with fresh fruit all featured. A Lovely Young Man providing great service.

Out of the cosy café, the air temperature had dropped. Yesterday’s rain had fallen as snow on the nearby mountains. With the wind rolling down to Duntroon, it was a damn chilly start. As the morning rolled on and the wind came up it was F..F..Freezing. Cyclists had many layers on, with buffs, gloves and jackets essential for comfort. Snow caps on the mountains

The trail today was generally good gravel with short sections of rock, mud and puddles and one section of shortest, steepest, sharpest swithbacks imaginable. 

We encountered rivers, glacial valleys, canals, snow caps, brassica forage crops, narrow lanes, 2 huge hills and lots of small ones, farm lanes, some rail trail, a very long, dark tunnel and a welcome surprise, the Enfield Pub and finally the fabulous entry to the destination, Oamaru, through a beautiful botanical garden and finally a really well preserved historic street. Rolling Agricultural Hills

The top point of the ride today with the sea in view.

Coffee, cake and beer at the Enfield Pub

Once actually at the sea we had a photo shoot with a frame provided. At our house we met Robin from Kiwi Bike Tours and handed back our bikes. The house is incredible. Huge and restored in the style if Oamaru wealthy merchants of the 1880’s. Chandeliers in lots of the rooms!!

 The lounge

After a clean-up we checked out the historic area and did a bit of shopping, returning with ingredients for a final salmon dinner to be prepared by chef Rick, and plenty of champagne. 

 Enjoying the fabulous Salmon Pasta with all the trimmings followed by Pear Crumble with cream and icecream!

Here are some comments from the participants. Photos don't necessarily resemble the Royal titles!

Wendy - Dame Pedalalot

After my first experience of NZ cycling 18 months ago, I just wanted to come back! It was fabulous that Rick and 7 other riders wanted to come with me. It has been a brilliant trip. So much camaraderie, support and lots of laughs. Everything was done as a team, from riding, catering, paying the bills, doing the dishes, having beautiful piped music….. I chose to have a “torture bike” and at times, yes it was, but great to have made it to the end. 

 Sue - Dame Readalot

My lasting memories. The amazing rural aromas –silage, hay, cow, pasture to enhance the deep breathing to get up hills. The scenery a living geography lesson – mountains, valleys, odd shaped rocks. The sky was always a changing cloudscape. Quirky accommodation from the basic pub at Springfield to the opulent mansion in Oamaru. The surprises along the way, especially the historic and busy town of Oamaru full of life. The pleasant strolls along the wetlands in the small settlements where we stayed for the night after the day on the trail. Most of all the companionship on the trail, in the kitchen and all other activities, my gratitude to all for a memorable holiday and achievement! 

Kerry – Dame Washalot

What an amazing experience! The Alps To Ocean has been on the Hit List for Grand Cycling experiences. So, when the opportunity came up to join this group, I was delighted to be able to “put my hand up and money on the table”. I had heard of these great trips that Wendy and Others arrange, and feel both humbled and honoured to be able to be part of the group. From the Epic upper trail to rolling to the end point at Oamara, this trip had everything. The subtle nuances of the track and then also those Big Moments … there were no regrets or disappointments. Cycling fills my heart with joy, and to share this trip with likeminded folk, who live nearby my home, has been such a momentous experience. Thank you, all, for how you have added to my experience, and I’m forever grateful to you. 

 Tim - King of the Road, Trails and Tracks (music)

A great combination of a stunning ride and a great group to do it with. Like a Great VIC but with comfy (though very varied) accommodation, shorter days, no crowds on the trail and no queues for the facilities. The A2O is nearly all off road, which means almost no dangerous traffic to deal with but occasionally means having to negotiate some rocky terrain or damaged trails which adds to the interest. Highlights were the two days with a tail wind, the views from the trail as we skirted lakes on the way to Otematata, and the blistering rides down the hill after Lake Ohau. Not to mention all the great meals! 

Sandie - Dame Thinkalot

Destiny hey, to cycle around NZ in Jan-Feb 1978 with two great mates and then to return in 2024 for another blast with a whole new group of friends. Road bike the first time and E-bike the next, young the first round, and a tad more mature the second. A ride of thrills, varied surfaces and stunning views. Superb weather, delicious dinners, appreciated lunches and welcomed coffee stops. What a team we made both on and off the track. Huge thanks to those with the initiative to plan the trip and book the bus and wonderful accommodation. I’d have never stepped out on my own to take this journey and know it’s up there on my list of most amazing memorable journeys. Cards will never be the same again without Smarties. Thanks Rick for everything! 

Chris – Dame Chatalot

What an Alps2Ocean adventure! Challenging riding, great company, beautiful weather, spectacular scenery, delicious food and fun times. Even a dramatic fire along the way! The ride surpassed expectations. Every day was filled with new experiences. I’m glad we did our own tour with varied accommodation along the way. Rick’s support driving the bus, shopping and cooking was invaluable. We enjoyed the picnic lunches and evening meals and appreciated our luggage being transported. Thanks everyone for a wonderful experience. Each contributed to making it a memorable adventure. 

 Rick – King Cookalot

As support person I could not have wished for a more supportive, cooperative and hardworking team!! Everybody just wanted to get things done and wanted to chip in and help! Thank you all for such enthusiasm and energy! There was always somebody there to help! I also really enjoyed the opportunities to learn more about you all…family, friends, interests…it was precious! Thank you. 

Catherine - Dame Drinkalot (Tea/coffee),

What a fabulous trip. Great pedalling with some very rocky narrow tracks at times. Other times lovely smooth and gentle tracks. Amazing views and lucky with the warm and dry weather. Thanks for organising it Wendy and thanks Rick for the support vehicle

Denise - Dame Laughalot

Chalk this up on amazing achievements of my life, and to share it with wonderful like minded buddies made it truly memorable. Most of my impressions start with F... fantastic, frightening, fitness (before, during and after), fun (if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong), friends, fortunate, fellowship, free-wheeling (down hills), freezing, fearful (but conquering it), and f**k what a wonderful achievement by us all. And we did it in February.

Don't believe the sign below...we rode 324km!