Day 9: Twizel

Today was all about the riding. That’s what I was thinking to myself with my bum jammed half in and half out the motel window where I was attempting to break in. 

Today was the day we tackled the Awakino saddle, a track that is known to be difficult and more so recently due to slips and washouts. It joins the Mount Buster track in the Oteake conservation reserve to the exit on the northern side near Kurow. We had decided if we didn’t do it this year we would never tackle it and always wonder. 

It certainly delivered in spades. Scenic remote country. The track climbs up a narrow rocky gully where it crisscrosses a stream, eventually crossing the saddle and then descending roughly 1 kilometre over a distance of 5 km. Steep. It crosses scree slopes with big exposure and is generally terrifyingly awesome. The track is almost all covered in loose rock which makes it very tricky to ride both up and down. One washout required a wall ride above a 3m drop into the creek, no mistake zone and also don’t think too much zone. Our little group did really well. Both Dave’s came into this trip with significant injuries and put in a heroic performance. Bernie was epic. He rode at the back, completely within his comfort zone and made sure the rest of us were ok. I just fluttered around and tried to survive. 

It took us 3 hours to travel 20 km. It would have been quicker to walk to be honest but we wouldn’t have had the epic sense of achievement. 8 intact collar bones. Couldn’t ask for more. 

The afternoon was all about incredible big sky scenery. Cresting the Hakataramea pass to see the Southern Alps unveil themselves across the MacKensie basin with Mt Cook head and shoulders above the rest. God’s country. Later as we approached Twizel Lake Pukaki was showing off her absurdly unreal blue waters with the snow streaked mountains in the background. What a lovely day. 

So I was thinking all this as I contorted myself through the window. Dave Mac kindly offered to transfer our laundry to tumble dryer while the other 3 went for a pre supper nerve settling drink. I was particularly thankful as I definitely needed a drink and my riding gear had become a crime against humanity. In his enthusiasm to join us he locked the keys in the motel room. No good deed goes unpunished.