Day 17: Twizel to Cromwell

Palaentologists assert that triceratops had two brains: one in its head and one lower down, which controlled its huge and powerful back legs. Well, I think perhaps I am developing similar separate and rudimentary ganglia of synapses (that's ganglia, not danglia, ladies!), which control my back legs, separate from conscious thought. This morning, I just sort of dialled in the appropriate cadence and the nether regions took over, propelling me over the fearsome Lindis Pass and on to Cromwell! There was neither stop nor refreshment for 110 Km, so not much option but to press on.

All along the road from Twizel and through past Cromwell, cars are outnumbered by large capacity motorcycles. Many of the riders are early Dennis Hopper look-alikes. And no wonder, this is easy-rider country - vast skies, huge open country, crystal clear air with visibility forever to distant horizons. The sun beats down mercilessly. Cycling is OK, but you wouldn't want to be out here walking!

To be serious and honest for a second, coming down from Lindis Pass, through vast landscapes, I had goosebumps, a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. You just don't see this sort of thing everyday and it has been the most amazing cycle ride yet on this trip. Wow!

Covered today: 149 Km, cumulative: 2028, remaining: 287

written by

John and Claud on February 3, 2007 from Tarras, New Zealand

from the travel blog: Cape Reinga to Bluff

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