If you want to be transferred from one place to another, take a plane. But if you want to travel, ride your bike.
If you want to be transferred from one place to another, take a plane. But if you want to travel, ride your bike.
That – "with apologies to travel-writer Paul Theroux" – is the opinion of local cyclist and adventure junkie, Richard Grant, who spoke about his experiences of cycling in New Zealand at Rhodes University last Wednesday.
Setting the tone by referring to himself as "(f)unemployed", Grant shared highlights of his 9 November to 7 December journey with around 20 cycling and travel enthusiasts.
Afterwards, Grocott's Mail asked Grant about the difference between cycling in New Zealand and here at home, in South Africa.
"New Zealand has been described as 'Pedaller's Paradise'," Grant said. "It is a friendly, safe, English-speaking, first-world country, ideal for cycle touring. It is also a country I have long wanted to visit. I have friends and family there".
But it was an eye-opener. "Cycle touring in New Zealand made me appreciate the opportunities we have in South Africa for this mode of travel," he said. "I have done several cycle tours here, alone and with friends. Our scenery is wonderful, the back roads quiet, and the people friendly. I have never felt unsafe cycling around our countryside".
Was the traffic was as bad there as it is here in South Africa? "In New Zealand most of the roads are tarred and there is no network of quiet back roads like we have here. Most people have cars and because almost all the roads are tarred, anyone can go anywhere and many people do," Grant said.
"In South Africa, on the other hand, it is easy to cycle to places very few people visit, because they are at the ends of rough, gravel roads". There were some scary moments for Grant, and he shared with the audience how he had come to find out through the newspapers in New Zealand how five cyclists had died within a period of just five days on the roads there. He said some of them had died on the days he was on those roads himself.
"I'm really glad I went," Grant said. "If I were to go to North Island again, I think I would hire a car for transport between major places of interest and hike or bike around once I got there. "Apparently New Zealand roads have become much busier in the past eight years or so. I am told the roads on South Island are quieter."
Would Grant recommend others follow in his bicycle tracks? "Cycle touring is easy and a healthy and inexpensive way to have a holiday. Cycle touring is travel. Everything else – planes especially – is transfer! "
