On the Road in the Gypsy Rose

Hi There,

I am in Kaikoura parked in my campervan on the beachfront on the Kaikoura coast. It is very cold having snowed down low last night and it is cold and grey. Later today if it warms up I will go for a ride, in the meantime it is long walks along the beach with my travelling companion Copper, a red border Collie cross who has entered my life and been with me about six weeks. He is a great travelling companion and loves new adventures.

Yesterday we were at Rarangi Beach not far from Blenheim. I notice both there and here in Kaikoura cycle paths are being constructed. I am sure this is a result of the Government's interest in having a series of cycleways constructed throughout New Zealand in different areas, and hopefully linking them up. Great to provide cyclists with an alternative to the busy highways. Don't know whether it will suit roadies though, I think a lot of the paths will be gravel. Still there are some wonderful sealed backcountry roads in most districts with little traffic. Good to provide a safer enviornment so more people will enjoy being out on their bikes.

I am off to Amberley and then to Culverden where I will be attending a Christmas Country Fete on a high country farm. Aspiring Cyclewear and my handwoven range of clothing will be on display.

Bye for Now.
Rosemary Weir
Aspiring Cyclewear

An Introduction

Hi Folks, I am a keen biker, both on the road and on my mountain bike. I live in Nelson and have spent many happy hours exploring our wonderful countryside. I am also a keen tramper, and got into biking about three years ago to recover from a knee injury and now I am hooked. I produce merino cycle jerseys which I sell online and at the Nelson Market on Saturdays. In a couple of weeks I am off to the Culverden Country Fete with my bike jerseys and my other business, Handwoven wool and mohair clothing. I will be setting off in the Gypsy Rose, my old Bedford Campervan to see the country as well as speak to retailers who I supply with my woven clothing. A great excuse to get on the bike and explore what other regions have to offer. I am keen to get into bike touring in the near future and am exploring options for the ideal touring bike. I want one which will be good on the tarmac, but also will take me over the gravel backcountry roads.

In New Zealand we are on the verge of creating a network of cycle trails which will hopefully link up and provide some great trips for bikers. In the South Island we already have the Central Otago Rail Trail which is very popular with a wide range of ages and experience levels. In Nelson we hope to have cycleways developed over the next few years which will provide coastal cycleways through to Motueka and beyond. Already money has been allocated for a cycleway on the St. James Station near the Lewis Pass, and in Queenstown an extensive trail is being planned which will be great to visit after doing the Otago Rail Trail.

I will keep you posted on any new developments with regard to my Aspiring Cyclewear, and will let you know how my South Island trip goes.

Goodbye for now,
Rosemary Weir