Alps To Ocean Bike Ride, Day 2, Bramear Station to Lake Ohau Lodge, 82kms, 2 sore bums! 20C

Wind! Reef Those Sails!!

Annemarie first today...

All's Fair

...in love, war, and multi day adventures. We learned this on the Camino, and perhaps before that on our cycling trip, in Holland. Today those lessons came in handy. We never did get to see Mt. Cook in all its glory, but this might just mean we, or at least Geoff, will have to come back.

Our morning started beautifully, although clouds had come in during the night and it was clear that we would not likely have a bright sunny day for our ride this morning. Fair enough, cooler temperatures would be more comfortable anyway. We began on a gravel road that we had been warned about because of the gravel trucks barrelling down it at great risk to the cyclists, but the two we encountered were very courteous. The road was not as pleasant...it was over 10 Km's of vibration and ruts, which really doesn't help the backside. I've also found that the bumpy roads aggravate my thumbs and wrists (who knew). When we finally hit a sealed road, Geoff did a happy dance on his bike. That section was relatively short however, and we were back on a dirt trail (not so bad, better than gravel, but still pretty bumpy). The trail into Twizel (and completion of stage 2 of the ride), was a typical off road trail with lots of undulations. We arrived in good time for lunch, noting that the second section of our day should be easier and we should reach our destination in very good time. Yup, that's what we thought. We didn't factor in the wind that was NOT a tail wind! It was wild!! I know Geoff plans to write about it, but suffice to say the second part of the day was no cake walk, and the unfair part was that is was sort of downhill, but you would never know it. Thank goodness Geoff had the foresight to pick up some beer, Pringles and chocolate for our happy hour tonight. Great reward system

And from Geoff...

Every one who tours with bikes and panniers, or for that matter sails, and encounters high winds has their horror story. Somehow with time they grow much like a fish story! This is ours while its young and fresh, but first a few photos of the killer sunrise today! 

Back to the ride, we started out at 8:30 this morning after enjoying the very nice breakfast left for us, and while Annemarie has done a nice job of detailing the morning, we were fortunate as the high winds were essentially behind us for the first 43 kms. Small mercies! A couple of photos...

We stopped for a bite of lunch in Twizel...IV water transfer!

 

And by the time we found ourselves back underway the wind had begun to blow...unfortunately from the opposite direction. Our host Scott told us his horror story about this on the drive up...ours compares quite nicely.

As we worked our way up to the Ohau Canal the winds continued to build. Annemarie tucked the bike in nicely behind mine, but the winds shifted so often that it became difficult for her to effectively draft.

As we cycled down the canal the wind gusts began to push our bikes off the road. Just nuts, but it was to get worse as we approached Ohau Lake for the last 25 kms. 

By the way, there is a Sockeye Salmon farming operation on the canal.

I've never seen anything like it, and I suspect that this wouldn't be allowed in Canada, but perhaps I'm wrong. The operation was sizeable, and I couldn't tell if they were the new type of sealed pens, retaining much of the waste. The birds were having a great time however, and were largely grounded by the wind, but more likely a food source?

As we reached the lake all hell broke loose and it was near impossible to make any substantial, sustained headway. Lots of work with gears and such. Annemarie really impressed with her ability to hang in there. The few other bikers we saw complained of almost being blown off their bikes as well. None of them were carrying panniers. I'm not sure if my photos tell the tail...I have video! The dust you see in the distance is being whipped up off the glacial out wash plain at the head of the lake. Huge clouds of dust, hundreds of feet in the air. 

When we finally arrived at our very nifty accommodation, all the talk was about the wind. General consensus was that the winds were about 75 kph with gusts to over 100. Apparently this can happen from time to time in the winter, but it's rare during the summer. A local told me that the west coast will be taking a pounding today. 

Shortly after we arrived, the rain set in and has blotted out the amazing view from our room....here is what we found when we arrived. The present view isn't worth posting. 

We are presently in the southern Alps having transited from the Northern Alps today. 

The ride tomorrow has considerable climbing with a long steepish 10 km climb right out of the gate, with a steeper climb at the end of the 63 kms. What's that about? Why are the climbs always at the end? It's like that some days on the Camino too! Sigh...mores the pity that I can't carry very much happy hour stuff with me. That won't happen;-)

Our faithful workhorses!

Tonight we eat at a communal table which will be great! People here from all over the world. One of my favourite pass times when I travel.  

Not sure when I can post again, but will do so as the opportunity presents. Hoping for dry weather tomorrow, but it's pouring now!