New Zealand Cycling Day 21 Akaroa to Christchurch, a set on Flickr.
On probably the hottest day of my stay my final day riding here in New Zealand and I took the (slightly) easier return route from Akaroa to Christchurch. Before I set off in earnest I stopped for some poached eggs and toast in a cafe just on the outskirts of town. Once I had washed it down with a long black coffee I was on my way.
The climb out of Akaroa was about 7km rising to just above 400 metres above sea level. The descent down and the flat were hot and I stopped for a coke in Little River before setting off for the final big climb up over the summit road just above Christchurch. By this time it was really hot and patched of the road were becoming sticky in the heat. As it was the last day of riding I did not really want it to end, especially with the perfect weather. However all good things must come to an end and a final attack up the last climb to my hosts house saw me sweating excessively.
After copious amounts of water I set about packing up the bike for the trip back to Geneva.
In all a great 3 weeks of riding with probably the last couple of days providing me with the toughest riding of the trip.
Back to the turbo training in Bourg d’Oisans now !