2017 New Zealand Smiddy Challenge - Day 2

Stats

159 kms 
27.6 kph average speed 

5 hrs 44 min ride time 

Elevation gain: 1052m

Min temp: 8C
Max temp: 25C

Written by Ross Noye

When Mr Russell invited me to a ‘Cheese & Wine Tour’ of the South Island of New Zealand, he mentioned there would be a bit of a ride saying, “You’ll be totally fine, NZ is flat”.

And we actually found that 500 meters of flat land in a fantastic day of riding yesterday! What a day it was with 144 km of sensational scenery and great company. Plus we were pampered by our wonderful Road Crew support team - class act guys!

We even had time for a jet boat ride which was well worth the money before finishing the day with a team dinner that absolutely hit the spot and with Scott McGeever taking out there Smiddy Category Jersey - great stuff Scotty!

Matt ‘Mad Dog’ Muir and Andrew ‘Friebs’ Friebe (who flew out from Adelaide to join the ride) provided some entertainment with an update on road statistics and we took time out to celebrate Phil Anderson’s birthday with him. It was a top night!

On Tuesday morning, Mad Dog had us rolling out on time from Methven at 7 am for our 164 km ride to Lake Tekapo. 

The NZ countryside didn’t disappoint; it was truly picture-book perfect! A little rain and breeze took a little shine off the day, but the Road Crew stepped up to take our mind off the rain and wind with hot soup, coffee and tea to warm us up at morning tea.

At lunch they had super sangers to top off an energy boosting meal for the 14.6 km uphill ride to get to the real hill. Once we made it over the hill we grabbed a tailwind and a truly breathtaking view of Lake Tekapo, what a sight! 

It just doesn’t get much better than to end a ride like that and the Smiddy Team certainly did their homework, making sure each day ended with a ride to talk about for a long time.

Tuesday’s Smiddy Huddle was lead by Steve and Tim Russell and when Tim thanked our support team a hearty three cheers echoed around the lake.

Steve spoke about the Smiddy values of friendship and generosity and why these values have made Smiling for Smiddy the organisation Russell Law supports. 

The culture of generosity and friendship is supported by the ‘leave no-one behind’ philosophy on the ride and I’ve got to thank Friebs, Ben, Mad Dog, Tim, Archie, Bill and Chalkie for getting me over those hills. 

Talk about generosity these guys have hearts as big as Pharlap! And of course the yells of ‘Go Rosscoe’ from the peloton at every turn helped! 

Being part of Smiling for Smiddy is truly amazing stuff, Steve, and I get it. It was a great call.

It was a cold and rainy start to Day 2. Photo by Michael Fellows.

Keeping warm was a challenge at morning tea. Photo by Michael Fellows.

The sky cleared for the final 30 km of Tuesday's ride. Photo by Michael Fellows.

Hands up who is happy that the sun is shining in Lake Tekapo! Photo by Michael Fellows.