There were wild winds last night that kept me awake. The tent was buffeted and shook for hours. Over the three nights I spent in Tekapo, there was almost constant wind. Last night, there were 2 foot waves hitting the shore. Luckily, the campground, and the area I was camped in, was slightly sheltered.
I stayed in Tekapo because of the long weekend here but left this morning (Monday). I could have stayed another night but most of today’s ride would be on quiet roads.
Today’s objective was to climb over Mackenzie Pass and find a campsite near Pleasant Point.
The first 16kms were on the main road out of Tekapo, and the drivers were great, but when I turned off, it was bliss – almost no traffic at all.
I could see two passes but wasn’t sure which one I’d be going over. In the end, Mackenzie pass was fine. It got steeper at the end but it was all manageable – especially because I had a good tailwind all the way up 😁
The descent on the other side was fast and steep, and was a buzz. I was almost at the base of the descent when I met two english ladies going the other way. One wanted details of the wind at all points. I tried not to disappoint her too much, but after persistent questions (where she kept saying – it’s not bad is it – I had to say – Yes ! It’s howling on the other side of the hill, and you’re heading into it for 20kms. It is what it is though. (They also had a super steep climb to get through too.
They were doing the Sound to Sound ride, which I’d never heard of before but would meet people every day who were doing it.
There were a few short sharp hills over the next 40kms, but for the rest of it, I was either coasting or pedalling easily.
I had some lunch in the park in Albury and made it to Pleasant Point in good time.
Unfortunately, the campground didn’t look inviting at all, so I went 13kms to the next one + into the wind, which was coming from the opposite direction by then ! How does that work ?
Temuka campground is fine, and I did my daily chores before walking into town to the Irish Pub – The Jolly Potter for dinner and a Guinness. I was too tired to cook, and walking was a good alternative to getting back on the bike. Besides, my washing line is tied between the bike and the tent.
Dinner was great, as was the Guiness 😁
Now for a good sleep on my repaired sleeping mat – it just gets betterer and betterer.