ITINERARY
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)

Thursday – Arrive in Blenheim in the morning.
If you are flying in we will pick you up at the airport. We meet for a morning coffee and a chat about what is to come over the next few days. After getting ourselves set up on our bikes we head off through the Marlborough wine region then gently climb along the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park. 105kms.
Meals: L, Evening meal out at own cost.
Accommodation: Log Cabin.

Friday – Enjoy an early morning walk beside the lake and then its back on our bikes as we head towards the coast. Today’s ride, although dropping towards the coast, includes two notable climbs to test your legs as we pass through lush forest and follow stunning river valleys. The day’s ride ends with a glass of wine at a Nelson vineyard.
Approx 100kms cycling.
Meals: BL, Evening meal out at own cost.
Accommodation: Nelson Guesthouse.

Saturday – Outside Nelson City we follow quiet rolling back roads to Motueka. After a coffee and lunch break we climb the ‘Marble Mountain’ Takaka Hill (900m) before dropping back down into Golden Bay and a final cruise out to the beach.
Approx 110kms riding.
Meals: BL, Evening meal out at own cost.
Accommodation: Guesthouse.

Sunday – With an early start we board a water taxi for a 2hr scenic boat ride around the Abel Tasman National Park coastline to Marahau. Back on our bikes we follow an undulating coastal road before heading inland into the heart of the Moutere wine growing region and end our journey with a vineyard wine tasting. In the afternoon we transfer you back to Nelson in time to catch a flight out.
Approx 40kms riding.
Meals: B.

Please remember that this is a guide only and due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary.

APPROXIMATE OPTION COSTS:
Evening meals: NZ$10 for a simple takeaway to around NZ$30 for restaurant meals.

TRIP DATES FOR SUMMER 2009-2010
November 19th – 22nd 2009
December 17th – 20th 2009
January 21st – 24th 2010
February 18th – 21st 2010
March 18th – 21st 2010
April 15th – 18th 2010
November 18th – 21st 2010
December 16th – 19th 2010
**a private group may book their own dates, please just ask!

PRICE FOR 2009 & 2010
4 days Blenheim to Nelson: NZ$1375.
Single supplement NZ$195.
Bike hire: Hybrid - NZ$300, Road bike - NZ$400.

PRICES INCLUDE - 3 nights accommodation on a share twin basis, Escape bike guides/drivers, support vehicle and trailer to carry all luggage, meals as per itinerary, land and boat transfers for the duration of the tour as per detailed itinerary.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE - airfares, visas, airport taxes, optional activities, evening meals and some lunches as per detailed itinerary and personal equipment (bikes etc).

ABOUT OUR ROAD CYCLING

• All our biking is vehicle supported which means all your gear is carried for you. Snacks, lunch and water are always at hand.
• If you need a break from the saddle you can ride in the vehicle at any time.
• Daily distances from 50 to 110 kms. Although you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to come with us, a reasonable standard of fitness is required and makes your trip more enjoyable.
• Not only is this trip about getting some good distance rolling under your wheels, it is also about experiencing your surroundings from a different perspective, meeting people and experiencing the sights sounds and smells. You will become part of the landscape and environment we are passing through, merging with the people and communities that we encounter along the way.
• People who travel with us enjoy the active outdoors and want something different in a holiday. By doing one of our trips you’re not just a spectator, but part of the scene getting to touch, smell and see what’s going on from close-up rather than as a passer-by.