Day Thirteen - Cromwell to Lumsden

The route from Cromwell, passed bannockburn and followed the Nevis Road (pronounced Nee-vis apparently) over Duffers Saddle and then down and back up and over the Nevis saddle before a steep decent on the other side of the remarkable range from queenstown. 

We were all worried about this as it was the longest climb of the whole route. All 12.2km of up, up and some more up.

HC is I believe stands for Horrible Climb, and is too hard to categorize.

As we headed out of bannockburn there was a live scare crow standing by the side of the road. He called out 'are you heading to the nee-vis road'

I replied 'yeah, but I believe it's pronounced Nevis'

He responded in a broad Scottish accent, 'you're in a completely different country ITS NEE-VIS'

Never seen an irate scare crow before.

So chuckling to myself I continued on to the Nee-vis road and started the slow to the top. Fortunately it was in reasonable good condition and rideable. There were plenty of 4WDs coming and going in both directions so gave us confidence it might be rideable all the way to Garston.

It took over 2hrs, but finally made it to Duffers

Clearly very happy with out achievements and perhaps a little delicious. 

A fast descent down to the Nevis valley and steady climb back up to the Nevis saddle..not nearly as tough as the previous, felt mostly flat as we road on through the barren landscape. Realizing now why Bannockburn claims to be 'The heart of the Desert'. Beautiful nonetheless. 

We navigated a few river crossings and a convoy of 4WDs out for an adventure of their own.

We were trying to make Garston for 3pm, there is a food truck there and we were in need of fuel. As we arrived we tries the Hotel, but of course it was closed. Didn't see a for sale sign. Fortunately the food truck was still open and we stopped for some burgers and lots of sprite.

Interesting 'fact' Garston is the more inland town in New Zealand. Who knew?

Joining the round the mountain cycle trail we headed for our camp for the night at Lumsden. Once again running out of time to make the FourSquare which closed at 7pm.

As we neared both destination and time limit, James pressed on himself and myself and Amanda were slowing after a very long day.

James sped on to try to get the food shop in before closing. Making it with only minutes to spare we'd eat once more.

While getting organized at lumsden campsite Amanda noticed I'd been getting a tan through my cycle top.

Matching my let and ankle tan lines.

A quick feed, tents up and in for the night just as the rain arrived. Can't complain we'd had no rain since Blenheim. I feel to sleep with the lovely sound of rain on canvas and slept well.