Relief!

Probably more for me than the riders as they are only halfway!!

Yes the last few days have sounded pretty tough but the weather has a profound effect on mood and motivation. The high passes are the core of the Great Southern Brevet, they are the events distinguishing feature. However they are also the greatest risk. Riding at almost 2000 metres in exposed alpine areas is very weather dependent.

January is usually the most settled for weather in Otago and hence the date for the brevet but that doesn't mean adverse weather won't occur as we have seen.These weather events usually last 2 or 3 days and then it is back to summer. This year those 2 or 3 days aligned perfectly with the GSB alpine crossings :-(

The light at the end of the tunnel ;-)  Ian emerges from the Beaumont tunnel on the Clutha Gold Trail

Ian and Wendy take a break in the sunshine at Beaumont Tunnel

A noticeable improvement in mood from the txt check-ins with the sunshine this morning.

Date: 20 January 2016 at 06:30
Subject: SMS with Hamish Pedersen

Text in Lawrence
Just leaving
Cracker day

Date: 20 January 2016 at 06:34
Subject: SMS with Russell Shanks

Hi Dave Russell Shanks Naesby 😀

Date: 20 January 2016 at 06:34
Subject: SMS with Brian Alder

Beaut dawn ride around the Naseby water race.  Looking forward to a beer tonight.  Brian Alder

Date: 20 January 2016 at 07:49
Subject: SMS with Russell Lawry

Cjell and Russell just leaving Roxburgh after very pleasant evening.
Thai takeaways at Doctors Point washed down with a couple of beers followed by damp drag into town.

Date: 20 January 2016 at 08:30
Subject: SMS with Max Doesburg

Max, Pascal, Phil, Dean and Scott in Alex having a cooked brekky. Looking forward to the jet

Date: 20 January 2016 at 09:15
Subject: SMS with Hana Black

Back on track at Ranfurly. Sun is shining 😀

Date: 20 January 2016 at 09:53
Subject: SMS with Mike Sherwin

Hey Dave in tekapo you want me to drop the spot tracker off somewhere or post it once home. Thanks for a great event

Date: 20 January 2016 at 10:14
Subject: SMS with Rob Davidson

Ranfurly.. man that took a lot longer than I thought it would. Tough night in the rain. Great day today though😊 Rob D.

Date: 20 January 2016 at 10:28
Subject: SMS with Wendy Riach

Ian and wendy are in Lawrence.  What a contrast.  Nice cycle trails in the sun.

Date: 20 January 2016 at 10:43
Subject: SMS with Gareth Rapley

In Naseby.  Back on course since Ranfurly.

Date: 20 January 2016 at 10:50
Subject: SMS with Russell Shanks

Hi Dave Russell Shanks Duntroon 😀