The steepest climb that I attempted previous to this was over Mount Cargill into Dunedin which rose a mere 400 metres over 8 Kilometres. I was a little apprehensive about the climb particularly since I had partaken in just a few beers the day before.
After a quick 7 kilometre warm out out of Arrowtown the road rises sharply through a series of switchbacks. Reaching the top of the switchbacks you have risen 450 metres in around 6 kilometres and the views are sensational. To add to the hardship there was a moderate headwind against me for the final 5 kilometres and 350m to the summit. Only a few years ago the final part of the climb was still gravel which would make the ride all that more challenging. Luckily for me, the road is now sealed and the surface is as smooth as a baby's bottom.
All in all I finished the day with an average speed of 17 kilometres per hour. Not too bad in my books for pushing 140kg of bike and fat man up a mountain...
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| The van in the circle highlights the gradient |
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| The Switchbacks |
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| Rich and Karlene making the final push |
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| The view from the summit |
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| Reaching the summit |
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| Fill er up buddy... |
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| Cyclists representing, America, Canada, Australia, Germany and Taiwan |
Wow, what can John and I say!!! - what an achievement (how are the legs feeling after that climb) definately superfit and ready for Europe. We look forward to reading your stories daily and love all your photos. You can't wipe that smile off your face, can you.
ReplyDeleteLove always MUM XX
I would be smiling too don't worry. That certainly looks like a climb I would rather walk than ride a fully loaded bike up :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoying all your photos and stories on your blog. Very envious right now!!!
Sheryl