Queenstown: Sunny, 23-25C,

A Shake Down, or Perhaps A Shake Up?

Now, that was quite the day. We've been walking lots of kilometres since we arrived, but with the bike ride fast approaching we decided that a day in the saddle was in order. A good idea as we've hardly touched our bikes since we began prepping for and walking Camino. it helped to remind us of many of the lessons we learned during our preparations for and during our Nederlands ride two and a half years ago. So late last night we arranged bikes, purchased water bottles and gathered our cycling gear together. 

We picked up the bikes, mountain bikes not hybrid trail bikes as I'd requested, but oh well. That was a mistake as the bikes weren't that good, and were not really suitable for distance riding. We were excited to ride, so accepted what was available and off we went. Probably not our best decision, but we survived the 46kms and we know our next bikes will be much better. Any way, back to the day, and here are a few shots taken along the river after we departed the main lake pictured above...

I think this is the first photo of some sheep I've taken in the land of the sheep! How did tht happen?

While it doesn't look like it, this river is very fast flowing. Incredible color and beauty.

Lots of sharp climbs on this route with switch backs and loose surface, so a good preparation for some of what we will see the day after tomorrow. 

A nice crossing of a secondary smaller river.

A stop for lunch at a sweet, cool spot along the main river...very welcome indeed!

Then the remainder of the ride back complete with quale and a new bird for me.

Once all was said and done, we had a cold drink and returned for a brilliant shower! Both agreed that while the bikes weren't great, it was a wonderful day and we re-learned a great deal. Things should go a bit better the first day of our ride on the Alps to Ocean. We chatted with the operator of the company providing us with our bikes and accommodations, and everything sounds like it's in order. He will pick us up at 9:30 and drive us up to Mt Cook Village where our chopper will be ready for departure with our bikes at 2:30pm. So lots to look forward to, and tomorrow will be spent preparing gear, and picking up some food to sustain us while riding. 

Dinner time here, and I think time for a cold beer!!