Tara - Day 3

Bike: 270K, 9:45
Run: 10K, :50

(Kaikoura to Nelson with Rye Saddle KOM and tack on to 270K)

The morning started out with a wee 50min jog in the dark with Scott and Douglas. We knew there was a long ride coming up so decided to get the run out of the way before, rather than after the ride. On the way back, we met up with Jo but she didn’t look so good. I thought she must have turned around early due to her leg injury.

Ok, so this was one BIG ride. Especially for Steven, Piet and I who tacked on to 270K! It was windy and there was a lot of climbing. Lunch wasn’t until about 180K and fortunately we all worked together in a true echelon form because I don’t think we would have made it otherwise. Everyone worked really well together and no one spoke a word. There had to be a lot of concentration and I think survival mode kicked in for everyone. It was very cool though, how everyone rolled around perfectly, only taking a few seconds at the front and the headwind didn’t seem quite so cruel!

There was a KOM at the top of Rye Saddle that was stinkin’ hot and I think I made it to the top in about 5th place. After a slower descent than those in-front of me, I was able to regroup with Bevan, Steven and Piet at the drinks stop (thank you Sarah because we were all getting totally dry!) to make our way to Nelson. After pulling out the map a few times and retracing our steps once, we made it. Steven, Piet and I tacked on to 270K. Phew, long day, but a great day! This is what Epic Camp is all about!

After dinner we had ice cream which was the best treat after such a fun and challenging long day! I think that is the farthest I have ever ridden in one day. Fortunately I was booked for a massage with the great John Ellis, because it was needed very much! My wrist was pretty inflamed from all the vibrations and from gripping the bars for so long.