Qtn to Alexandra - just a couple small mountains in the way.

Qtn to Alexandra - just a couple small mountains in the way.

High in the country behind the Gibston ridge line I'm ridng down a series of rutted tracks at 30kms/hr heading for a deep ditch. Suddenly a figure looms in my peripheral vision and the elbow and shoulder pushing hard against my side is Dallas forcing his way through - not apologies no excuse me - just Dallas coming through.

While I am well used to that with Wayne, Dallas pushing so hard was a surprise but we both survived the shallow water crossing - in the same deep rut - somehow!! Setting the tone for the rest of the day were you Dallas.!

As we roll around the shoulders into the Nevis the average speed increases but the 4hrs have already taken their toll on the bodies. 3 of the team had already decided to take a short cut home after climbing out of the Nevis valley. Back down to Bannockburn and home. (Barry, Charlie, Jeff and reluctantly Mary)

That left Lindsay, Geoff, Dave Cartman, Wayne, Al, Dave Drew and Dallas heading to Alex.

Away in the distance is the Oblisk - the boys can't believe that we are even going anywhere near it let alone past it. Up and up - but gentle angles but 15kms along and up and up before the downs start. Riding in big wild country with large snow patches and rough 4 by 4 trails. Past numerous gold mining ruins, climb back out again, and then roll along before finally we get to a turn point. Down is appealing now - 10hrs or more has past but the trail goes back to the right and up and now the Oblisk looms high above us and behind. Finally the dye of the world - with Alex a long way down.

We are at 1357 meters and Alex at 200 meters - that is a long way. The down tracks are overgrown tussock cover4ed 4*4 - rocks and ruts hidden from view, so slow going but and hard work on the brakes which are smoking. The pace increases as the tracks open up and soon (well 35 mins later) we are woopering and hollering through open paddocks at 5okms.

5kms to Alex on tar (time trail mode) and as we roll into Montieths the elapsed time reads 11.35mins

The other stats
Distance 84kms / Average Speed 8.3kms/h  / Ave moving Speed 12.2km/h  /  Ma Speed  48.9km/h
The big one  Elevation Gain 3,193m  (with a elevation loss of 3,453m)

The weather - perfect still sunny day.  Here is the connection to Dallas's Garmin

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/407938484#



Not a bad test for a new Trek - thanks R & R.