Monday 20th we hit the Queen Charlotte.

Up early and into the cars.  We drove around to Anakiwa where we unloaded and headed into the Queen Charlotte track for 12.5kms to Te Mahia.  The track was a comfortable cruise with some easy ups and groovy wee downs.  No race needed but it did not stop some.  The veiws along the track were fantastic.

At Te Mahia Saddle we dropped down to the wharf and waited for our trusty boats to arrive for a trip to Portage.

We all stopped in Portage, had linch with Abba and Trevor before saying our goodbyes.  We then rode up to Torrea saddle before rejoining the Queen Charlotte Track and heading back to Anakiwa.  The track starts with a grunt.  Plenty of pushing for some, less for others but a grunt for all.  We eventually arrived at a spot for a regroup and a couple of pictures.

From here the track only had a few more grunty ups but lots of fun downs.  The run down to Te Mahia Saddle was a break burner of joy.  Felt like whooping it all the way.  Regrouped and then headed back along the last 12.5kms.  Had some fun along here, felt tired in places but everyone had a blast.  Arrived back at the cars, some waded in the water while the rest loaded up.  The idea was to get back to the lodgings for a swim, spa and drinks.  That is what the A team did.

Team 1 went and chilled for a while before arriving after the A team had finished their swims.  A few went in for a short while but then we headed into the pub for dinner and drinks.  Muscles was the order of the day.

An early night as most were pretty shagged.