ECNZ 2010 – Day 12 – Christchurch to Geraldine

ECNZ 2010 – Day 12 – Christchurch to Geraldine

Ahh the highs and lows of Epic Camp and the NZ summer. I really wanted to show off my favourite run in Christchurch to the crew today. It was always going to be tough throwing a hilly 17km run on day 12 of Epic. By the time we finished the run everyone was very happy we did it. If you come to Christchurch make sure you check out the Godley Head loop, it’s just brilliant running up and along the hills over Sumner and back along the sea cliffs to Taylors Mistake. Just awesome views and everyone agreed, the weather was perfect as well.

Today’s ride was always going to be one of the least scenic of the camp. Add to that some head winds, a fairly constant drizzle and a 20-30km stretch on state highway 1 and it won’t go down in the Epic achieves as one of our all time classic rides. The first 60km were ‘friendly’ to keep the bunch together. Whilst this is good for the group the low speeds were hard with lots of free wheeling and dodging wheels. Pete O’Brien went down and I couldn’t believe I didn’t follow. I was 3-4 wheels back, trying not to slam my brakes on full force I very nearly went into the back of Rich. Good skills by Pete though to fall left, not into the traffic – most others would not have those instincts. A few band aids and he was good to go.

After the ‘friendly’ zone I just wanted to get moving so went to the front and upped the pace. I was also on my Avanti Crono TT bike today so wanted to get down onto the bars. After some discussions about the change in pace David C and I ended up going off the front with DC doing the lions share of the work. Lunch couldn’t come soon enough as I was having a mini bonk starting to kick off. In the crappy weather I just didn’t eat enough (also might have got a bit dehydrated eh Gordo J ). Post lunch the legs were like tree trunks so I just rolled in pretty easy for the final 55km solo. It was nice getting some encouragement from athletes heading down to Challenge Wanaka in their cars along with some athletes I coach. Challenge is on this weekend – great race but slow course.

About 5km out from home I got a slow puncture but managed to nurse it into the motel and was well pleased to finish off the day

Just 3 days to go now!!!!

Summary

Run 17km

Bike 150km