Friday January 3, 2014
My rest day yesterday helped me tremendously – I have had a bit of a cold since Christmas Day. Although it was a very windy night and my sleep was a little sporadic because of the 80 km wind-gusts I felt very refreshed when I got up. However the weather forecast was not good, with 80 – 120 km winds forecasted, but easing up during the day. We decided to get ready to go and see how the weather was when we were ready to leave. We were late leaving 9:30 am and it had started to drizzle but the wind had let up. As we started our first climb of the day the heavens opened and we got absolutely soaked. It was horrendous. However, once we had crossed the ridge and were coming down the other side of Weld Pass and Dashwood Pass the sun came out.
We stopped in Seddon (30kms) for a cup of tea and a wonderful savoury muffin and then carried on to Ward. It was a very windy day but the wind was behind us. I was comfortably doing 18 kph up hill (lol). The road was busy but again had reasonable shoulders for most of the way.
As we turned into the gravel road to Peddlars Rest we realized how much of a tail-wind we had, I struggled to do 10 kph along the road.
Hopefully we have the same tail-wind tomorrow as we have about 80 kms to do tomorrow to Kaikoura. Peddlars Rest is a small bunkhouse with 1 (2 bunk room) and 1 (4 bunk room). It has all the facilities a weary cyclists needs including hot showers, fridge, stove and all pots, pans, crockery and cutlery and a washing machine that we can use for free. It is supposed to be for bicyclists, but the owners allow it to be used for other road users and hikers. It is a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place.
Hi Guys
The pictures are lovely and I enjoy reading about your grand adventure. Eric is out snowblowing “your” driveway for Brian. We are expection 15-20 cm of snow today (I think it is going to be more since it hasn’t stopped snowing). The girls and I are hanging out inside watching spongebob. We had a good holiday. Charlotte is ready to go back to school. She misses her friends. Mind you, she will not like getting up at 6:15. She has been sleeping in.
Take care
Cathy
We can see snow on the New Zealand mountains, but are still in shorts and only having to put up with a bit of wind.
Jacky and Ralf
Hi Guys:
The pictures look lovely. We are in a deep freeze back home (-40 C). Nice to hear you are having lovely weather.
All Best.
We keep hearing about the dreadful weather in Canada, really glad we moved our Grand Adventure forward.
Take care
Jacky and Ralf
I have been reluctant to look at you postings as we now have 18feet of snow here in Historic Huronia. And now that I have and feel wonderful for you and Ralf and your trip…and really morose myself. 4 long and wintery months to outdoor riding for me.
I promise to check regularly….keep posting!
Wes
We had a stiff wind today. Fortunately it was a tail wind and we completed 51ks in 2hrs 15 – fastest time. Enjoy your indoor training – don’t mean to rub it in – yes I do. lol
Jacky