12ODR Cycle Trip

By Andrew Willmott | Posted: Thursday October 22, 2020

The 12ODR Cycle Trip was eagerly anticipated with it having been postponed from earlier in the year, due to lockdown. With the planning done so long ago the students did well to re-familiarise themselves and make the necessary modifications.

Day one required further modifying due to the devastating Lake Ohau fire. While not riding through the township, the boys were still able to see the impact on the nearby landscape. A shorter ride, it was a good chance for the boys to find their legs.

The second day was the longest on paper and had the biggest change in elevation. After conquering the 2km climb up from Lake Tekapo B Power Station to the Salmon Farm, the boys were treated to sealed canal roads and a tail wind. This didn't last and after stopping for lunch a strong headwind slowed our progress towards Lake Tekapo. A swim at the Lake Tekapo Thermal Springs was a welcome finish and a chance to recover from the day's cycling.

The best weather of the trip helped make the third day memorable. A drive to Mt Cook Village and a walk up the Hooker Valley for lunch, while seeing Mt Cook unveiled from any cloud, was a highlight for most. After a quick stop in at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre we drove back to the previous day's starting point and rode back to our accommodation in Twizel.

Unfortunately, we had to miss the planned Kurow river trail section, on the last day, but there were several tired bodies (and bikes) that appreciated this decision.

The group were happy to have experienced good weather and thankful for the support of experienced cycle-tour operator, Nick Beekhuis. The boys will now evaluate the trip planning and reflect on their contribution to its success, as part of their assessment task.

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