Training Log Archive: Vaala

Straight up Big Hill Road which is exactly how it sounds, if not bigger! Then, because neither of us had actually really looked all that closely at the map, headed left down the super gravelly Goat Rock Rd which sucked lots and the weather was crap. But it all got a lot worse when we reached a farm gate and the "road" turned into a grassy track leading off somewhere not very helpful so we had to turn around and head back up the horribly gravelly woe of a hill. Eventually we found the correct turnoff, a few kms further up the road. At the Panama Rd turnoff we took one look down it and I had a panic attack so we tried to see if the other road went down into the bay too but no luck so yep, back to Panama Rd it was. We walked the first section 'cause it was so insanely steep and gravelly (I guess I am grateful we didn't have to "bike" up it - if someone bikes all the way up that road then I'll bake them a cake). Made it down to Le Bons Bay where I fuelled up on cake before we headed straight back up again (up the main road this time). That is one long climb. No stops allowed until we got to the top and lay down for a rest. Finally cruised round and down to Akaroa for an extremely late lunch before riding round the bays and back up to the Summit Rd via Pigeon Bay Rd. Made it to the super cool campground in Okuti Valley in time for dinner. They were expecting us.

C • Looks like the ridge road d... 2

Nice little cruise in the valley.

After more cat drama than I can handle we finally got away. Brutal start straight up Rapaki then along the tops and round to Diamond Harbour for a quick stop to devour leftover pizza. Feeling pretty damn miserable at the point, stressed about Molly and hating the strong, cold wind. But then the adventure got going and all (but my legs and lungs) was well. Up over the monument saddle and down to Port Levy then over some fun gravel roads into Pigeon Bay where I got to devour cake. Then up out of that bay and round the tops before the speedy descent into Okains Bay in time for tea and a nice hot shower!

On the mtb but on the road... from work up Dyers to the rogaine.

Fun times in the tussock with Lara. We were both feeling a bit shattered.

Slowly down the hill then home 'cause my bike light was super dodgy and prone to just turning itself off which was a bit frightening.

From work out to the TT.

Tough work with some pretty cruel winds and some shattered legs. Now I really am exhausted.

Home again very slowly! Met Chris in the river (well, he was in the river. We sensibly stayed on the road).

Too sleepy and too windy and cold outside for running. Rode over to explore the status of our house instead.