Day 36 of TA - Getting High !!
Saturday 15th November
Distance: 71 km
Elevation gain: 1,132 metres
From Wanaka over the Crown Range and into to Queenstown (Arthurs Point)
About 7.5 hrs elapsed from 6:30am to 2pm.
Recap Friday Rest Day
A big sleep-in today. Rob had to wake me for 7:30am breakfast. Thank-goodness he did. Buffet breakfast when you are eating heaps is awesome!!! Maybe I went too hard? There was laundry to do and emails to catch-up on. Very lazy day. I made it into the sauna and spa which was very relaxing - until another couple came into the sauna and ruined my zen moment of reflection. I hope the spa and sauna help my legs because they are (understandably) exhausted after nearly 300km and 3,000m of elevation over the last 3 days.
We had dinner with some mates from Bris-Vegas, Steve and Nicole, which was awesome. They completed a 9 month lap of Australia last year in a 4WD and saw some amazing sights. Steve blogged their trip and I have to give them some credit for inspiring me to do this TA cycle trip. Reading his blog gave me intense FOMO. The lesson was "don't wait for retirement!" Get out there while you can and make your own adventure to see the world.
Back to Saturday
Let's do this!!! Today we cycled on the highest highway in NZ. The Crown Saddle section of this road (near the summit) is officially recognised as the highest sealed through-road in New Zealand at nearly 1,100 metres. It's also the highest point in the entire TA route, and on a personal note the coldest I have been in living memory.
It was a regular 5:30am alarm to get us moving. We had a quick on-the-go breakfast but had some complications getting our bikes out of the secure storage at the hotel. A pair of bolt-cutters to the rescue and the lock was open…magic. We were rolling early, again trying to get some distance before the wind picked up. It was a cold morning in Wanaka . The feels-like temperature was a balmy 2 degrees. We remarked to each other about how much colder it was going to get today as we climbed through the Crown Saddle. For the first time on this entire TA trip I was wearing my ski gloves instead of normal riding gloves, and a set of lycra leg sleeves and arm sleeves.
The first 25km out of Wanaka was a gradual climb and our reward was a break at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. It was a chance to warm up inside the cafe by the fire, and to enjoy a hot chocolate. We probably procrastinated a tad too long by the fire but we were cold.
From Cardrona it was (only) 15km to the summit, and the road climbed through an alpine landscape. The traffic along the road was constant which was kind of annoying, but at least there were no trucks. There was no respite from the cold; the sun failed to offer much warmth!! At one point on the climb it started to rain, and then some ice/snow started falling. Although it was very brief I will maintain that I cycled over the Crown Range in summer with snow falling. The gradient increased and our pace slowed but with stops we made it to the summit / lookout at 10:30am. It was a lazy wind at the lookout - It went straight through you! And combined with the sweat inside my jacket and gloves, I was freezing cold in no time. We took a few photos and then got moving again.
The descent from the summit was even colder, with our fast downhill speed and the increased wind-chill, I was even colder and my face was numb. It was a very twisty 5km down on bitumen before taking a 5km gravel road into Arrowtown. We dropped nearly 700 meters in elevation. I couldn't wait to get to Arrowtown and find a warm cafe to thaw out. Just as we were arriving at Arrowtown there was a brief rain/hail shower. So it was still cold off the mountain. I checked the weather app on my phone - Arrowtown Feels Like was at 4 degrees. It took a long time to warm up. We found a bakery and I had a pie and then a bar of dairy milk chocolate, all the time trying to find some sun and avoid the wind.
We (un)luckily picked the same day as the Queenstown Marathon. This meant many closed roads along the TA route for the section from Arrowtown to Queenstown. We had to bypass these sections and instead rode 13 km to Arthurs Point along the Wharehuanui cycle trail. This was a good quality cycle trail - well maintained and smooth. It went via a golf course and then into the hills behind Queenstown. I wasn't super happy about more up and down but the trail was very good.
Tonight we are staying in Arthurs Point with our cousin Leigh. He has an excellent spot and was very generous to let us crash at his place. We went out for dinner across the road and enjoyed Burgers and Beers.
Sunday is another rest day - and Mel arrives. After nearly 2 months apart, I can't wait.
Distance: 71 km
Elevation gain: 1,132 metres
From Wanaka over the Crown Range and into to Queenstown (Arthurs Point)
About 7.5 hrs elapsed from 6:30am to 2pm.
Recap Friday Rest Day
A big sleep-in today. Rob had to wake me for 7:30am breakfast. Thank-goodness he did. Buffet breakfast when you are eating heaps is awesome!!! Maybe I went too hard? There was laundry to do and emails to catch-up on. Very lazy day. I made it into the sauna and spa which was very relaxing - until another couple came into the sauna and ruined my zen moment of reflection. I hope the spa and sauna help my legs because they are (understandably) exhausted after nearly 300km and 3,000m of elevation over the last 3 days.
We had dinner with some mates from Bris-Vegas, Steve and Nicole, which was awesome. They completed a 9 month lap of Australia last year in a 4WD and saw some amazing sights. Steve blogged their trip and I have to give them some credit for inspiring me to do this TA cycle trip. Reading his blog gave me intense FOMO. The lesson was "don't wait for retirement!" Get out there while you can and make your own adventure to see the world.
Back to Saturday
Let's do this!!! Today we cycled on the highest highway in NZ. The Crown Saddle section of this road (near the summit) is officially recognised as the highest sealed through-road in New Zealand at nearly 1,100 metres. It's also the highest point in the entire TA route, and on a personal note the coldest I have been in living memory.
It was a regular 5:30am alarm to get us moving. We had a quick on-the-go breakfast but had some complications getting our bikes out of the secure storage at the hotel. A pair of bolt-cutters to the rescue and the lock was open…magic. We were rolling early, again trying to get some distance before the wind picked up. It was a cold morning in Wanaka . The feels-like temperature was a balmy 2 degrees. We remarked to each other about how much colder it was going to get today as we climbed through the Crown Saddle. For the first time on this entire TA trip I was wearing my ski gloves instead of normal riding gloves, and a set of lycra leg sleeves and arm sleeves.
The first 25km out of Wanaka was a gradual climb and our reward was a break at the iconic Cardrona Hotel. It was a chance to warm up inside the cafe by the fire, and to enjoy a hot chocolate. We probably procrastinated a tad too long by the fire but we were cold.
From Cardrona it was (only) 15km to the summit, and the road climbed through an alpine landscape. The traffic along the road was constant which was kind of annoying, but at least there were no trucks. There was no respite from the cold; the sun failed to offer much warmth!! At one point on the climb it started to rain, and then some ice/snow started falling. Although it was very brief I will maintain that I cycled over the Crown Range in summer with snow falling. The gradient increased and our pace slowed but with stops we made it to the summit / lookout at 10:30am. It was a lazy wind at the lookout - It went straight through you! And combined with the sweat inside my jacket and gloves, I was freezing cold in no time. We took a few photos and then got moving again.
The descent from the summit was even colder, with our fast downhill speed and the increased wind-chill, I was even colder and my face was numb. It was a very twisty 5km down on bitumen before taking a 5km gravel road into Arrowtown. We dropped nearly 700 meters in elevation. I couldn't wait to get to Arrowtown and find a warm cafe to thaw out. Just as we were arriving at Arrowtown there was a brief rain/hail shower. So it was still cold off the mountain. I checked the weather app on my phone - Arrowtown Feels Like was at 4 degrees. It took a long time to warm up. We found a bakery and I had a pie and then a bar of dairy milk chocolate, all the time trying to find some sun and avoid the wind.
We (un)luckily picked the same day as the Queenstown Marathon. This meant many closed roads along the TA route for the section from Arrowtown to Queenstown. We had to bypass these sections and instead rode 13 km to Arthurs Point along the Wharehuanui cycle trail. This was a good quality cycle trail - well maintained and smooth. It went via a golf course and then into the hills behind Queenstown. I wasn't super happy about more up and down but the trail was very good.
Tonight we are staying in Arthurs Point with our cousin Leigh. He has an excellent spot and was very generous to let us crash at his place. We went out for dinner across the road and enjoyed Burgers and Beers.
Sunday is another rest day - and Mel arrives. After nearly 2 months apart, I can't wait.
Our next cycle leg is on Monday, out of Queenstown and into the wilds of Southland.
Today's theme song is by Peking Duk - High
I'm high and rising / Alive now, I'm fine 'cause I let you go
I had a great sense of achievement getting over the Crown Range today. And I can almost see the end in Bluff. I'm feeling so high and alive. Endorphins are flowing!!
Ready to roll at 6:30am today
Friday night, out for dinner with Nicole and Steve.
There was fresh snow on the peaks behind Wanaka on Saturday morning as we headed to Queenstown. It was a harbinger of the cold conditions on the Crown Highway.
Photo control point 27 - Cardrona Hotel, Crown Range
At the Crown Range Lookout. It was so very cold. We could clearly see the Queenstown Airport and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.
At the Crown Range Lookout. It was so very cold. We could clearly see the Queenstown Airport and Lake Wakatipu in the distance.
Looking down on Arrowtown before our final descent. Overnight snow on the peaks in the distance.
Anthony, it was great to see you yesterday. And Rob, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you. Nicole and I had a great time catching up with you both and are so glad we did. We are both in awe of what you’ve been able to achieve - particularly having driven today from Wanaka to Franz Josef along those roads you’ve been on. Truly heroic! We were chatting to a fellow on a quick break at Fox Glacier who is a Wanaka local. When we told him you’d be riding from Wanaka to Queenstown he wondered which route you’d take, then said they’d obviously go the long way because there’s no way they’d take that road over the top. Yet you both did. Well done guys; amazing effort. All the best for the home stretch to Bluff. PS I’m very pleased to hear our trip and my blog helped provide some inspiration for you.
ReplyDeleteI sympathize with you both as I do not do cold and this was a trial you have overcome.. looking forward to catching up with both of you.
ReplyDeleteIt sounded very cold! I spotted your gloves on Rob's insta story🥶
ReplyDeleteDine out on "cycled over the Crown Range in summer with snow falling"
Great you get to catch up with Mel on Sunday
You both did well as most people I know who drive over the Crown Range just shudder at the thought! Personally, driving it (ie not me!), it's quite majestic and the views down to Queenstown are fabulous! The Cardrona Hotel is a nice iconic place to stop for coffee! You certainly are being tested with our spring weather and no doubt glad you live in Brisbane! Rob would be used to the cold...Glad you enjoyed your stay with Leigh, how fabulous to catch up. Leigh, Terry and I biked from his place to Arrowtown and back this year, it does thru the exclusive Milbrook golf course and the trail is lovely to ride on especially on an ebike!! All the best for the runs down to Bluff, hope you don't get a polar blast!
ReplyDelete