I woke this morning with a solid headache and some apprehension on how the day would shape up. After yesterdays tough ride into the wind I was respectful of the days planed 180km ride to Christchurch. Before the ride we had a 2k jog down to the local outdoor pool for our standard 3k swim session. The air was chilly and it was easy to see why. The mountain range surrounding Kaikoura had a topping of snow. The call had been made to wear wetsuits for the swim as it was thought the pool temp would be pretty cold. The pool was located next to the sea and allowed for a spectacular view of the snow capped mountains. There was a number of photos taken. Some of the boys trying to look like swim suit models, but couldn't really pull it off. Check out the photos on the epic camp web page. As it turned out the temp was OK and the wetsuit made for a very pleasant swim. We jogged back for breakfast and the usual routine of packing bags, bike gear on, bottles filled and ready to roll. The days ride had a KOM in the first 20km and then a straight ride to Christchurch. You will have to read the other blogs to find out what happened at the front end of the KOM. As we left the coast line and headed inland the climb started. I didn't stay with the front bunch for long and tried just riding solid on the climb as I was still fatigued from yesterday and knew I could not go a lot faster. I ended the climb just behind Russell and Dave L then rolled to the drink stop. From there once we all got on the train lead by Daniel it was a fast trip to our first stop at Cheviot. Dan & Kaye had to leave the camp today to run their Newton expo at the Wanaka Ironman. So sad to see him and Kaye go. They were both fantastic on the camp, adding value in many respects and always fun to be around. Thanks for your hard work Kaye and your company and back wheel Dan.
The rest of the ride in was great and we arrived in ahead of schedule. I am having a night at home in my own bed which will be nice. We run Godley head in the morning from Scott's place in Sumner so will be familiar territory and enjoyable run if the legs are not to tired.
On reflection its been an amazing 11 days. We have gone so far, done some much and been through some beautiful country since we left Kaitia. We have 4 big days of riding left to complete the journey. Not to mention the odd run and swim. Also there is some real competion still alive for the red jersey with Dave & Petro going hard. Petro currently holds it but with Dave's ability to just run as far as he needs with no obvious negative effect its not an easy job. Dave went out for a 25km run after the ride today and I think Mark P was going to match him. It will be an interesting battle to watch over the next few days.
The body feels better tonight, still tired but much better, what a difference a day can make. Looking forward to tomorrow.
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