#despecha riding adventures

[argentis]

I have a new enemy. Wet metal on roads. Nearly lost my rear twice while cornering. Fortunately, was able to gun it to stay aboard.

Did manage to get some canelés from this weekly pop-up place and fancy hot chocolate bars with Baileys for a special treat. So I'm gonna relax and play some Skyrim tonight.

[argentis]

Got my covid jab, then managed to maintain 80kph on Johns Rd/SH1 without wrist pain. Have learned I hate the Shands Rd carpark exit to Dressmart; really steep ramp, waddled Despechá down with the front brake mostly engaged because turning back was not an option. Was gonna go to Lyttelton for a pie, but the rain was a touch heavy, so I went home.

Supposed to have really nice weather on Friday and Saturday so I might do something fun then.

[argentis]

Fine day so I rode out to Oxford via Tram Road. Had to keep pulling over because my city nose wasn't used to the country air, I was sneezing a fair bit. Had lunch at the Sheffield Pie Shop in Oxford, then came home via Rangiora and Kaiapoi. Lovely run but Despechá was not keen on going over 90kph.

[argentis]

Weather was nice-ish so rode out to Leeston on a whim. Did manage to hold at 100kph for a few minutes on the open road. Didn't go as fast on the way back because someone 3 vehicles ahead of me was doing 80kph and no one felt like overtaking.

Ended up getting a few things from Ellesmere Butchery. Already almost out of bacon because family decided to try mine out. I should've bought more than 1 small packet. Might go out there again sometime, maybe when there are fewer roadworks along the way.

[argentis]

I really have to be better at giving my ass a break when riding. Went from Lyttleton to West Melton then back via Rolleston and Templeton, through behind the Airport to Belfast, finishing up in Papanui. Dismounted and couldn't support myself, so had to drape myself on Despechá's seat until I could feel my knees again.

Good thing I didn't go all the way to Darfield.

[argentis]

Rode out to Ohoka to check out their farmers market. Very cold on the bike. Injured finger, in particular, really felt the chill. Chatted to one of the stallholders who owns a Gixxer 150 and had ridden it all the way to Invercargill earlier in the year. She also makes a delicious sourdough baguette.

Managed to get Despechá to 100km/hr for a few seconds but managed to maintain 95 in open road conditions for most of the way back.

I guess the next step is either Rangiora or Oxford now.

[argentis]

Really nice weather today, so after picking up canelés and other goodies from Butter, I decided to ride Despechá to Little River.

I guess half the biker population of Chch also felt it was a good day to hit SH75 too. There was a fair bit of waving to oncoming riders, especially on the return trip. Knees and ass are suffering atm.

Will be a fun run to do again in Spring/Summer. Though I might check out Kaituna Valley, Birdlings Flat, or Kaitorete Spit next time.

[argentis]

Rode out to friend's place in Rolleston for a catchup. Google maps gave me a real bizarre zigzag route from Wigram via Lincoln.

Pissed down on my way home, so ended up very soggy from the waist down. Jacket and backpack cover work as they should, but I should get waterproof pants sooner rather than later.

[argentis]

Made it to Lyttleton but made a mistake on the way back. Missed the exit for Bridle Path Rd, so I ended up having to do my best to get up to 100kph on the Tunnel Rd until the next exit. I got to 90kph, and fortunately, no one was right behind me. A bit more time and fewer corners and I could probably get to 100kph, not that I'm actually keen on the idea atm.

[argentis]

Good riding day today. Stopped at the Seekers Mākete at the Arts Centre for my first taste of birria tacos (alright, tasty), then just rode around enjoying the weather until I remembered why I went out in the first place (charger cable for mum).

[argentis]

Another run out to Rolleston today, this time to visit a dear friend and her baby. The forecasted "occasional showers" did not happen, and I managed to sustain 80 km/hr on the way back from the roundabouts to Templeton without a shit ton of wrist pain.

Did get a little surprised by a few bumps in the road that gave me the slightest hint of airtime though.

[argentis]

Rode out to Rolleston today. Took the side road rather than the motorway because I'm slowly working up to going faster. Stopped by Cookie Time on the way back because I can't say no to bulk bags of cookies.

I think one of my next goals will be Rangiora, potentially onwards to Oxford. That'll get me onto Ashley Gorge and an eventual Sheffield Pie Shop run.

[argentis]

Got and installed a pinlock insert for my helmet. Minimal crying. Maximum profanity.

[argentis]

Rode out to Lincoln today. Wrist needs more strengthening to maintain 80km/hr. Had to pull over a couple of times so I could shake the pain off.

Might try going out to Rolleston or Diamond Harbour next, provided I get some decent weather.