EC:NZ'06 :: Day 9 :: Spectacular Western Coastline (Hilly!)

Today was the most visually satisfying day of the camp. Westport is right on the rugged western coast and our accommodations were about 200m from the ocean with only a grass field separating us. Our morning began with a drive to a hilly trail run above the ocean. There were about 10 cameras on the run so I am quite sure some photos will reach the internet. The west coast reminds me of what we would see along the Oregon and Washington pacific coastlines. Hilly, rocky, windy, rough seas, lots of colors – the earth at it’s best! The run was 50min long before we piled back into the vehicles and returned to home base for breakfast.

We were scheduled to roll out on the bikes at 9:30 and left on time. The ride was 140k but was along the coastline which is extremely hilly. The scenery was _so_ beautiful. One of the prettiest routes I have ever done. Did I say it was hilly? We went up and down (steep) nearly the entire ride. I rode with Gordo, Monica and Jeff Miller. Wim was there the first half of the ride. Once again, the g-man pulled in such a way that the group stayed in tact but we never let up. Ride time was a little over 5hrs and I would say that the pace was my maximum steady state for that duration. Harder than my IM pace. I could not have had a higher average effort. Professor Byrn has a way of getting the most out of me. Jeff rode well and Monica appears to be getting stronger as the camp progresses. The last two days the g-train has just kept a rollin’ …

When we arrived at our destination in Moana, we found we were situated in brand new condos over looking Lake Brenner. They are real nice places. A group of us put on our wetsuits and swam in the lake. The temperatures felt about 63-64 degrees; chilly at first. Mark P. was without a wetsuit and was skinning it. He is a faster swimmer than I in the pool so my rubber suit had us moving at about the same pace. He felt the chill after about 40mins but plowed on through the chop just fine.

I had some deep tissue work done by Richard prior to dinner (an incredible spread down at a local restaurant). My low back has really flared up the last few days making saddle time less comfortable than it otherwise would be. I am hoping it lets go tonight because tomorrow is the BIG challenge. We will climb Arthur’s Pass. Steeper than anything I have ever ridden as there are parts that will be near 20%. The TT climb should take me about 75min. “Somebody” planned a triathlon first. That’s right, a race first.
CRAZY ... I tell ya!

Today -- 50min run, 5hr ride, 45min swim.

The only negative today was that my buddy, Jason Rita, had his rear derailleur yanked from his frame. He will be scrambling to get back in action on the bike tomorrow. We are in the middle of no where, could be tough. Big thanks to Jason for hooking me up so that I could post to the blog. No time for e-mail tonight as he has his own work to do.

See Yaaa ….