When a headwind is constant on the plains, you never get a pause from pedalling. No rolling downhill. No break. To take my mind off the grind, today was a podcast listening day.
Today was actually slowly downhill – losing 700m over about 80km. Such a slow descent makes it like the flat. I stopped regularly to rest – to replace the regular rests of going downhill in a more undulating terrain.
The sun was beautiful. I enjoyed that – the rain is returning tomorrow.
The weather was beautiful. I had a nice tailwind. I cycled along peaceful countryside roads. But I felt tired. Overtraining? Anyway, an early night is planned.
I left Jake’s place with energy and excitement. The plan was to ride up to another beautiful mountain lake at St Arnaud and then roll down the valley tomorrow to the east coast.
I followed the Great Taste Trail again up some country roads, stopping for an ice cream before climbing over a small saddle to change valleys to cycle to Tapawera. This is where I crossed my route on day 1, and where I met Jake – who was my host last night.
The road continued upwards with another little pass to change valleys. The climb really took it out of me, despite the sun and tailwind.
The lake is beautiful.
Big dinner and an early night.
arctic-cycler.com 