Today the ride was only 66 kms so there was no hurry to get
moving so we slept in. It was great not
to have to jump up and get rolling. The extra time to have the second cup of
coffee was appreciated.
Jos was not successful in getting his disc brakes working
last night and he wanted to hit a bike shop in the morning. Agnes wanted to hit the quilt shop. Tom was busy hunting down his rain gloves which
he had misplaced, and Amy & I were just chilling out. We rolled downtown and after the third bike
shop we found somebody who would work on Jos’ brakes. Tom found his gloves and
Agnes got to her quilt shop. Agnes found
a New Zealand quilt kit and some fabric which has lots of sheep on it and it is
really cute.
By the time we were ready to roll there was a big nasty
looking cloud bank coming over the mountain and I was starting to feel like we
had miss our chance. On the bikes the
sun is shining nicely and we are making good time as there is a decedent tail
wind. The climb for today’s ride was 732
meters but it was spread out through the ride in a lot of steep little
spikes. I think the longest grade was just
over 1 km long but it was pretty steep hitting 10%.
From Wanaka we cycled over to Lake Hawea. Absolutely
stunning scenery. Following along Lake
Hawea was absolutely breathtaking. Then
we crossed over a little pass called the neck back to Lake Wanaka. By this time the wind has picked up and is
just howling up the lake. We were just
flying. Most of the time you could ride
along at 30 to 40 kms/hr with almost no effort.
Tonight we are staying in a little farm house which is out
in the country. It is a very quaint place. The sun was shining on the big over stuffed
couches on the veranda. Sinking into
them with a glass of chocolate milk after the ride was heaven. Agnes and Amy are preparing pot roast for
supper and it smells wonderful.
What a great day.
Terry
You guys have earned a tail wind and good weather, glad you finally got it! Glad that Agnes got to the quilt shop. Sorry you weren't able to make it to Puzzling World or jet boat on the Wilkins River. Things to do when you come back.....
ReplyDeleteLater,
Earnie
Great adventure story with rain and mechanical challenges. You guys always improvise and make the best of it. Way to go.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the bra fence. Ten years ago they were collecting bras and panties as good luck to attract an available man. Will have to compare pictures. Looks like the sun is shining so know you will have spectacular sights.
I am so enjoying your blog and especially your photos. Keep it coming. Thank you for taking a part of each day to write your stories, you are a great writer.
ReplyDeleteSo far you have had wind, rain, mechanical problems, have seen a kia and sheep on the road. I think you have it all covered now so the rest of the ride should be smooth sailing.
The vests you are wearing are certain to be a conversation starter - very visible and clever.
Keep it coming and stay safe on the road. Here's to the sun in your face and the wind at your back.