Day Seven - christchurch to rakaia gorge

Disappointing to leave the loft, such a cool pad, but the cycle trail awaits. 

We stopped gor breakfast on way out and continued through west christchurch towards rolleston. 27km of flat riding, we nearly past the town completely, had to double back to get some lunch, to set us up for the 69km steady climb to the gorge.

It wad supposed to be 400m of climbing, but cycling through Canterbury was flat as, long straight roads as far as you could see. A bit of sealed and gravel.. but still flat, long and straight. At one point we had 40km to go and I counted only 9 bends in the road. Not corners, just bends. 

We were lucky to have a tailwind most of the way which helped and Amanda cycled with the speaker so helps having music to ride along to.

By the end of the day it was a bit of a struggle, finished with an awesome decent into the gorge, with snow patrol chasing cars playing (it was one of my favourite songs - discussed during the day). 

Unfortunately I discovered a broken spoke and buckled wheel as we arrive at camp. We fixed the buckle but looks like we might need to stop in methvan to get it fixed properly. 

We all went for a swim in the river, even me. Then off to the lodge for dinner and drinks.

It wad busy, with all 5 tables taken, so we had some drinks while we waited for a table to clear.

Butch (x pro surfer) and Jo (ski coach) were great hosts and the salmon was delicious. 

We chatted with them after dinner as they finished their Chinese take out, special Thursday treat.

What a couple, who seem to have surfed and skied there way around the world and through life. Still doing it at 75/76, skiing, travelling and playing golf.

They are selling up to retire and travel still more.

Inspirational..living life and lots of stories to tell.