Green Jersey ride

Having been awarded the Green jersey yesterday, I got to wear it today during our most spectacular ride yet in this country. Blanco and I left 25mins ahead of the main group but then never saw them all day long. I'll designate this ride, the *Cyclo-touring* ride since for me, today was all about enjoying the scenic views, the Kiwi ambience and spending a day with my best friend. We paused to take photos, found a sweet cafe serving a flat white for Blanco, a chai for me and some tasty sweet and savory muffins. To top it all, they were playing some stellar tunes.

At this point, let's face it, for me Epic Camp is not about fitness, it's more about the *end goal*, making it to the southernmost point of the South Island. I am severely tired from riding 1500 mi, swimming 25k and running about 100k. My bike fitness feels like it's going backwards... though running feels great... go figure! However, I could not have done it without the love and patience of my partner, so today's stunning ride is dedicated to him.

It was one very cool ride along NZ's scenic Southern Highway... bay vistas, white sand beaches and rolling green hills. Short steep climbs and hills that went downhill dead straight. I hit my slowest and fastest speeds of camp today! 4.4mph and 46mph!