Saturday, February 8, 2020

Day5: Ranfurly

Today was a bit of a rest day with a view to finishing a little early. It was laundry day. Much needed as I have been wearing the same socks, undies and riding gear since I left home 5 days ago. Needless to say things were getting a bit ripe and an intervention was needed. Apologies to all delicate sensibilities but by the time we have tools and spares packed there is little space for lots of clothing changes. Laundry done and everybody is happier, especially the contents of my undies. 
We also took the opportunity to give the bikes some tlc with air filter changes, checking chain tension and making sure no important nuts or bolts would fall off. 
With that done it is time to update the blog!
Today we ride through Burke’s pass, not the one  to the west of Fairlie but there is another to the east, heading South into Waimate. I know this as of course I went off towards the Burke’s we all know. He was a busy little bugger and arrogant as well. He could perhaps have named one after his wife, son, daughter or best mate. 
Once that navigational confusion was resolved we followed the correct Burke and then the Hakaramatea pass, just under 1000m. 
I should edit this out to save my shame but as it turns out there are not 2 Burke’s passes. Just lots of signs to the one. We did Mackenzies pass. Oh for fucks sake, whatever. Both were stunning and today my photos just didn’t capture the vast vistas. Beautiful blue sky’s compliments of a very cold start. 3 degrees in Methven when we left because it’s summer in NZ. 
Lunch in Kurow, famous for Richie Mcaw and not much else and then further South, into the Maniototo via the iconic Danseys pass. 
Lovely time had by all. 
Sadly all are down to 2 as Bernie had to head home yesterday due to work commitments. He is on the ferry as I type. 
Tomorrow is not a rest day. We head back into the mountains of Oteake conservation reserve and the Hawkdun ranges. Then South west along the Dunstan mountains eventually entering Southland to overnight in Waikaia. That’s the plan anyway. It should be an epic day. 
Here are some photos from today. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZqXLIsyIsBDltUMXyoXRWIyWLMr-svl_https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=13MCLSM39e-JQRX1JQDI2ZUqi4nYmLj-phttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1hQ0uAf659nobKGinnlWhwARsQVKA1nxNhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1iEiYftlVhs6FimHTze9OYxummvIunrXthttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1AZSgIYqi9TXyKma0Q63KA2mxu__5dSJthttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1774dcAnRkX-c9ZKVYl8T5IUYNULFmcRchttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1OmB0By2MvuIO1G02CACKF-LicjvlKhH8

No comments:

Post a Comment