Now I’m getting the handle of this new cycle computer, here’s the most interesting set of statistics for the day: the co-plot of elevation and temperature.
Note the hottest part of the day was as I was climbing Taylor’s Pass, where the temp kicked in a sizzling 31 degrees. Over the course of the day’s ride, the temp averaged 25, before dropping with the sun to a pleasant (at least for me) 17.
I cooked, and I sweated and I climbed before touching down into Campden Cookstores.
Prepping at the Last Oasis
As mentioned yesterday, I was deeply suspicious about the quality of my front tire, and had booked in with Bikes and Beyond to replace it.
Fantastic service from Jason and his team (of 1)! He went out of his way to do my tire change first, and tuned up my gears which had stretched a smidgeon.
He reckoned I was on the button about the factory tire. Even though Koni are a good tire, they factory fitted are like the cheap chinese tire version, compared to the “Pirelli” version I’d replaced the back tire with.
I was so much happier with my new tire
While I posted a truckload of duplicate stuff back home, gobbled down mince on toast for brekfest, and brought antibacterial gel, Jason had sorted out all the work I needed, test ridden the bike, oiled the chain and even repaired a little squeak.
Bikes and Beyond are a relatively new outfit (only about 1 year), and aren’t in the Sounds to Sounds guide yet. I poked them towards Jonathan Kennet, because their service was fantastic.
Subtle Note on Personal Hygiene
Riding on my shoulder this trip is Vic Sefton. Vic writes a blog which is well worth reading: https://vicseftons2s.wordpress.com/
Complete with this piece of personal maintenance advice, hence the stop at the pharmacy for some antibacterial creme.
How was the ride?
Gosh! Up up and more up! Today was fueled by about 2.5 One Square Meals and two sachets of isotonic drink.
The uphills just didn’t end.
The weird thing about this area is the number of cow stops – grated bars on the road designed to stop cows but not cars – there were!
Cows were roaming wildly and freely everywhere, and the only thing that seems penning them in were these cow stops all over the place.
A little piece of rural kiwiana us city boys don’t see every day…
Interesting Photos of the Day
The start of today’s leg was partially flooded by Blenheim’s river! As I was cycling around, there was large bits of underwater areas. Obviously, something’s happened to the river’s natural level.
I had to do a double take on the guide books instructions… yes, you do carry your bike across this river. Is this a taste of things to come?
You can’t quite see it that clearly, but this is where the tarseal at the base of Taylor’s Pass becomes gravel.
I would come to miss that tarseal, but the guide book’s congratulations from reaching the top were well appreciated.
Tomorrow’s Mission
It looks steep. Real steep. I suspect tomorrow might be a camp under the stars day. I have my tins of creamed rice for the morning and ravoli for a cold dinner.
This is Living!
Feedback to Facebook Friends
Wow! You guys made my wordpress app (Jetpack) do a double take! I’ve never had so many people look at my site. Thank you! 🙂
One writer noted the hill at the end is a walker. YES!!YES IT IS! I was absolutely shagged with all the climbing by the time I got there. You are absolutely right! (solidarity fist pump!)