American cyclists map Great Southern Route
02 Mar 2010
Never mind the New Zealand government’s pending national cycleway, a couple of cycling Americans in their seventies have jumped the gun and created the Great Southern Cycle Route.
Retired US lawyer Peter Seed and his wife Linda live four months of the year in the South Island city of Dunedin and, as keen cyclists, spend many hours meandering the back roads of the southern region.
Their regular journeying has taken them hundreds of kilometres on quiet country roads between Christchurch and Dunedin - an area they claim is perfect for cycling.
Now based on their extensive travels, the Seeds have compiled a trail called the Great Southern Cycle Route, so others can share the experience.
Great Southern Cycle Route
The route is a series of 11 map booklets taking cyclists on a 577km tour along the back roads of the South Canterbury and coastal Otago regions.
The trail passes through the towns of Geraldine, Pleasant Point, Timaru, St Andrews and Waimate and as well as maps, the guide includes accommodation and regional information.
The couple says each map covers 40 - 60km a day along quiet country roads with stunning scenery. Directions, wayside points of interest and "absolutely everything you would need", are included in the guide.
Holiday experiences
Peter Seed says creating the Great Southern Cycle Route was repayment for the couple’s holiday experiences in New Zealand.
"We have had so many happy times here and been so well received we thought it would be a great way to give back," he said.
"It is just such a beautiful area that is largely untapped. Timaru is the perfect landscape for cycling tours and you visit all these wonderful communities. It is a fun way to holiday without killing yourself in the process."
The Seeds spend part of the year in Florida and Minnesota where Peter is on the Park and Trail Council. He has co-written a bicycle touring book for Minnesota-Wisconsin and a walking book about England's South West Coast Path.
"Sealed roads are a lot easier and more enjoyable to cycle on and more suited for families," he said.
Ocean Cycle Trail
Trish and John Blunden of Sefton Homestay in Timaru, who are also keen cyclists, met the Seeds on one of their journeys some years ago and now support the Great Southern Cycle Route through their website.
"Peter and Linda were ahead of their time. They have already created a stage of the proposed National Cycleway. All that needs to be done is some good signage and publicity!" the Blundens said.
The proposed Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail from Mt Cook is one of 13 cycle trails selected from 54 to proceed to a feasibility study by the NZ Government.
While he supported the Mt Cook trail, Mr Seed said he believed it would be some years before it was implemented.
"Meanwhile, there is my trip, which takes you past all the communities where you can eat and get accommodation and support the town."
More information
Green light for NZ's 'Great Rides' cycleway
Quick start for New Zealand cycleway projects
New Zealand cycleway offers off-road appeal
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