Isolated Flat

Friday, the day to get to the race. We decided this year to take the shuttle up the Moleswortth instead of finding a driver and taking a car. It's one of the dustiest roads on the planet. We arrived at Hanmer Springs at 3.30 and dropped our gear for the transport truck, and then waited, and waited until the shuttle left. It took so long as they had to load the truck - probably around 80 bikes and gear, and what a sight, all the bikes at the bottom, and all the gear on top. We cringed at the sight of our precious machines buried under a great deal of weight. Fortunately they survived.

Then a 2 hour bus trip up the Molesworth, which was great, but scary. I had forgotten how long the ride was, and how hilly it was. Bugger, too late to change my mind! Arrived at 7.30pm and set up camp and had dimmer. Very very cold - about -5 C during the night. Sadly, not a great night sleep, I felt like throwing up all night.

And then the next day...