12ODR cycle tour

By Andrew Willmottt | Posted: Wednesday September 11, 2024

Sunday saw day one ticked off with a ride from Lake Ohau to our accommodation in Twizel.

Approximately 20km with the wind predominantly from our tail. Weather forecast not looking favourable, so the lead group might be looking at their contingency plan.

Day 2

A beautiful start to the day. With a terrible weather forecast the decision was made to shorten the ride. A good decision as the morning glass and early tailwind gave way to gale force headwinds. The boys did well finishing the 16km in just over an hour and a half. The saving grace was the Tekapo Hot Springs to soak our aching bodies.

Day leaders did well executing the modified plan and delivering on the promise of no rain.

Tuesday, weather permitting, we swap the bikes for the morning for a walk into Mt Cook's Hooker Valley. A shortened ride in the afternoon with a likely tailwind should complete another great day on the Alps 2 Ocean trail.

Day 3

It was an early start to get through our busiest day. We left sunshine in Twizel for Aoraki Mt Cook, but soon encountered rain and occasional sleet. The plan quickly changed from walking the Hooker Valley to the shorter Tasman Glacier track. After a look around the DOC Centre, too, we then drove back to try and get the ride in. Sunshine and a tailwind gave the boys a lift for their ride from the Pukaki foreshore to Twizel.

A quick stop at the Four Square to recharge everyone's batteries before our next stop. The man-made hill pump track was probably the most well received trail we have ridden. A short loop that had the boys occupied for nearly three quarters of an hour.

One day to go which will see the group ride from Aviemore Dam to Kurow.

Day 4

Just as we planned it ...

Today's leading group nailed it, rallying everyone to get up, breakfasted and cleaned up to leave for the final ride of the trip. This was a 16km section of the Alps 2 Ocean trail from Aviemore Dam to Kurow. With a tailwind again the ride was cut out in an hour, just in time for the BBQ lunch. Thanks to the River Cafe Restaurant for preparing the sausages, and also to Mr Scott, Mr Swan and Mr Esser (student teacher) for their support with the trip.

The boys now have a final debrief to complete before it is on to writing up their trip evaluation in the last assessment task of the year.