Finally no wind. . . and Introduction to Sandflies. . . Over Lewis Pass

 Day 4 ride data from Strava, which I had to split into two entries, which I'll explain later:

NZ Day 4a Hanmer Springs to Reefton 

NZ Day 4b Hanmer Springs to Reefton 

Route map from RidewithGPS:  NZ Day 4 Hanmer Springs to Reefton 

After the 106 miles the day before I was ready for a little bit of a break.  The original full route from Hanmer Springs to Reefton was 85 miles.  Brian Farrant proposed riding out 20 miles, loading the bikes on the van, moving ahead 25 miles and riding the last 40.  

Sounded good to me for a few reasons.  First, was beat and wasn't relishing the thought of riding 85 miles (and another 6,000 feet of climbing) on top of 106 miles the day before.  Second, the road to Lewis Pass, NZ Hwy 7, was super busy.  By the time we got to mile 20 I was ready to jump on board and cut out the 25 miles of traffic.  After getting in the van and driving the 25 miles, I was convinced I'd done the right thing.  It was a lot like riding Green Valley Road between Folsom and Cameron Park but without the shoulders (a slight exaggeration, but you get the point).  

After getting back on the bike for the last 40 miles, the traffic was much, much lighter and tolerable.  And as the day wore on my legs felt better and better.

Reefton's a super cool little town.  It reminds me of Guerneville, CA, with the Inangahua River filling in for the Russian River.  

I met the first sandflies of the trip.  I am not sure if I got bitten, but they were sure trying.  I was wearing some UV leggings and arm covers so I had very little skin exposed except for my fingers, my wrists, my face, ears and neck.  It didn't stop the lil buggers from trying.

 

Linda and me at the 20 mile point where we got jumped ahead 25 miles--and our first sandfly sightings. And probably bites, though they don't appear to bother me too badly.

A typical rest stop set-up by NZ Bicycle Tours.  L-R John Engstrom, Cecille Taylor, and Carole Gibb.  Carole is Brian Farrant's partner.  She's a lovely lady, brings homemade snacks for us every day.  Including carrot cake on Day 3!! Forgot to mention that.

View of the Waiau Uhwa River from NZ 7 Hwy (in the first 20 miles of the ride)

We don't see a lot of summit signs, ran across just this one so far. 

A couple of shots from the 2nd half of the day's ride.

Getting close to Reefton at this point. 

Stepped off the road just a little bit, road to Reefton. 

This little guy hopped right up to one of our group--just stood there, likley waiting for some sort of treat. 

We were in the Hurunui District from Hamner Springs to the summit of Lewis Pass. 

Lantern Court Motels, Reefton.  Our accomodations for the night.

Downtown Reefton. 

Our room was lower floor, middle.