Crossing the Alps, or there and (not quite) back again

31 - 3 Mar

Planned to hang around Fox and Franz Joseph and have a rest day but it was cloudy and rained so decided to catch a bus to Greymouth. After a month of biking I feel stronger and fitter and I'm ready for the big challenge - the Southern Alps Circuit, crossing the Alps twice over Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass.

First day it's an easy ride gently uphill to Reefton. From there it's all uphill for the next 70 km with two rather steep climbs over Rahu Saddle and Lewis Pass. After that it's mainly downhill but with several pretty steep hills. It was cloudy in the morning but the sun is shining on the other side of the Alps. I had an early start and manage to do 145 km to Hanmer Springs by the end of the day! By far the longest day and it's a well-deserved treat to soak in the hot springs at the end of the day.

Catch a bus to Amberley some 50 km before Christchurch next day and bike from there to Ashley Gorge. I should head back to Greymouth over Arthur's Pass the next day but there's a heavy rain and storm warning for West Coast and it usually dumps all over the Alps. There's a strong head wind in the morning and clouds coming in. I change my plans and end up back in Christchurch where it all started over a month ago. Catching a bus to Greymouth tomorrow.