CRUEL START

Sunday 1st March 2009

Day 1: Hamner Springs to Archeron Accommodation

With our bellies full of pies & chocolate & custard scrolls thanks to the delicious Hamner Bakery we begun our 1st cycle touring week together...
Within 30 seconds & absolutely no practise ride, riding fully loaded bikes we were heading up our 1st hill - Jacks Pass (6km climb) for those who are familiar with Jacks pass you would agree it is a tough climb at the best of times!
1 hour later we arrived at th pleased that part of the trip was over & it was only 20km to the campsite on undulating gravel road.
2.7km into the hill climb we had our 1st technical difficulty - the trailer unhooked itself snapping the saftey cabel - but thanks to
Scott handy work we were back on the road in no time.From the saddle to Archeron the road was undulating & easy riding, we had strong NW wind that helped push us along.
We were the only campers at Archeron so got the pick of the camp spots.
The weather was beautifully mild & the wind had died down making it the perfect evening for our 1st night cycle touring camping.
The sunset tonight was amazing so Scott & I wondered up a hill after dinner to check it out.
The only downside is the SANDFLIES!!
Gourmet dinner tonight of homemade Spag Bol - delicious!
After dinner we had our 1st History lesson for the week - The camp site is next to a historic cottage 'Archeron Accomidation Hut' this hut was built in 1886 using the materials of Dung/ Straw/ Clay & water
The hut is where musterers would stay while moving stock to Canterbury flat for stock sales.
2 1/2 shillings would get them a bed, Hot meal, stable for the horse & hood feed!
Quite Reasonable we thought?

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY:
- Everything we read about wildlife safety is telling us we need to be vocal while riding so not to startle the animals- I need to start practising biking up hills & singing & trying to breathe!! Most of the hill climbs I am struggling to breathe let along sing!!

- The sandflies tonight while cooking dinner gave me a great idea for a pair of pants... might have to develop these when I get back?

RIDE TIME: 2:01.54
DISTANCE: 26:44km
AVERAGE SPEED: 13km/hour
TOTAL TIME FROM A TO B: 2:30 Hours

Survived the 1st day - No worries!