Biking

On Tuesday we cycled from Christchurch to Akaroa to visit Sylvia's uncle Tim. Sylv's bike was equipped with slicks, and my town bike was specially pimped for the occasion.

We didn't leave until quite late because Sylv had a phone interview at quite short notice! We took the 22 km Little River Rail Trail - not because it was easy riding (it wasn't - it's quite a rough surface) but because it was off-road.

As usual, our cycle touring had an exploratory dimension. Damn maps.

Yay!

It's an 80 km ride overall. Once you get to Hilltop, it's only 12 kms to go...but in those 12 kms there are some nasty, steep little climbs out of the various bays you go around in Akaroa Harbour. We were pretty tired by the time we got to Tim's cottage.

Tim kindly shouted us to dinner when we got there, just the kind of pampering a couple of tired tourists need. The bath at Tim's place also felt pretty good :-)

Breakfast at Nicky's place

We stayed the night at Nicky's place on the road to the Kaik. She has a beautiful piece of land sloping down to the harbour, with an amazing house and garden.

L-R: Frances, Tim, Sylvia, Nicky

We felt pretty lazy catching the bus back the next day. However, after Little River the NW headwind picked up and we saw a bunch of roadies struggling into it and felt some satisfaction in a decision well made.

We've also done some random mountainbiking since we've been back. Here are a few photos from the newish tracks at Mcleans Forest, part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park.

Sylvia

Looking sexy in lycra?

Kylie