West Side

I can now introduce you to the "West Side" route: This comprises riding the first half of the rubbish dump walk, and then turn right towards the Tararuas into Dalefield, along Watsons Rd, Matarawa Rd, pass Matarawa railway station and then up towards Greytown, coming out just over the road bridge from Greytown into Carterton.  It necessitates riding about 10 minutes on the motorway before going back down Dalefield Rd and back via the rubbish dump walk route.

I'm not sure what the distance would be.  I am though sure that the terrain is mostly flat, as in very long stretches of flat.  It provides a good contrast to the Gladstone/Martinborough route.  I tried to increase my speed overall for the ride.  It took me an hour and that felt like a good ride. 

Even though this route is so "close to home" even by car I don't really know the roads that well.  It makes for more variety to vary it up, and I enjoyed the ride today.  It was the combination of a new route and the stunning snow on the Tararuas.

The aim is eventually to merge the Gladstone/Martinborough/West Side routes and other routes so I can have the distance thing.  I think though its also important to work on the speed.

I forgot to wear my gloves today.  But that's better than forgetting to wear my helmet - as I did the other day (v. dangerous and stupid to ride without a helmet I know!)