Oamaru and onward
April 27, 2008The cycle trip is off to a great start. After a walk by the Pacific and a quick beer seaside, we took the gondola to the top of Christchurch fora meal overlooking the city and a Time Tunnel ride. It was back to the Pavilions motel, with twin beds for a night’s sleep.
Up early to get out of town Sunday morning to Oamaru, a small town on the ocean which has preserved a lot of the early limestone buildings from the past. We had lunch by the water, and a terrific salad whipped up by Bas, our guide and the Salad God. After lunch, we drove to Weston to start cycling. Kathryn and I got a head start on the others, who were fast and fit. I rode about 10 kms before heeding the sensible warning not to overdo it. We passed by limestone walls, lots of sheep (1400 per New Zealander). I’m writing this in the town ofKurow
and would be sending this now but the local Internet station owners are mucking about on the roof trying to hook up their connection. Bas is keeping an eye out for Kathryn, who is pretty much deconditioned and myself, who could be in better shape but between the kitchen and various distractions, neglected to train as much as I should have.
But none of this is a worry. We’re surrounded by beauty and five other riders (Bob, Mary Jo, Linda, Rebecca and John). More about them later but I can say from just observing this first day’s riding that Mary Jo is a monster.
I just got some assistance from a friendly Black Lab in writing this entry. Attention must be paid.
Terrain so far has been what I expected, some rollers a couple of daunting uphills that I merely observed and some nice downhills with a few switchbacks. I’m feeling more psyched about some things I forgot about the Speedplays and hope to ride more tomorrow.
