Sunday, February 12th, Fairley to Timaru - Rolling Hills & Pastoral Views

Miles ridden = 40(ish), 62km, elevation ascent = 1047 feet, descent = 1945 feet. 

As you can see from today's profile we had more down than ups but we did have some respectable 6-9% short climbs. With no wind and lots of sunshine, it was overall a delightful day

 

We spent a peaceful  night on the farm. This morning we were greeted by this gentle sunrise accompanied by a cacophony of sounds from the call of dozens of Tui birds and sheep blaring their morning songs. Forecasts for the day -  sunshine and blue skies. What could be better?

 

Michael and Jayne provided made-to-order breakfasts along with hot mugs of fresh pressed coffee, tea, toast, homemade jams and marmalade and freshly prepared rhubarb from their garden. They made us all feel more like family than like guests. 

 

 

Before we left we took time for goodbyes and big hugs, it was sad to leave this lovely family farm. We would pass by the farm again today on our ride and we promised their children Neve and Oliver that they could join us. We loaded into the van and went back to Fairley for the beginning of our route. 

 Fairley is really is a sleepy farming town and none of the local residents were to be seen as we unloaded our bikes for the last miles. 

 

Much to our surprise the entire family waited for us to pass by. We stopped and took more photos and readied for our ride with the kids. We were impressed that they were wearing safety vests and helmets. 👍

 

The sign says "Dunbaylin Downs" because Michael was a contractor 

who rolled the hay bales for other farmers and he is now officially "done baling."

 

I did snap this quick photo - can you imagine what it must have been like hauling that big schoolhouse they turned into a farmhouse up this road? (See yesterday's post)

 

Riding together

 

Neve

 

Oliver

 

They rode with us for about 6 miles, this was probably one of the most memorable moments of our tour and we were happy and honored to have them along. At the bottom of the hill mother Jayne was waiting to drive them home. 

We continued on quiet pastoral roads with rolling hills, calling to the sheep we passed. They responded with lots of "baa's". 

 

If you look closely you can see the sheep herder driving the sheep - see that white line?

 

We finished today's ride with a celebratory lunch in Timaru and yes we do look tired - because we are! But hey - cheers to the Sisters!

 

 

Tonight we stay back in Christchurch with our tour for both dinner and a farewell breakfast. One more day in town to wander around an rest up a bit. We will also visit one more time with friends Susan and Phillip. We have plans to meet them for dinner and hopefully won't bore them with too many of our stories. 

I will write my last blog with a wrap up of statistics and any other items that might be of interest.  That probably won't happen for a day or two as now it is time to relax and celebrate and get ready to travel home. But I might surprise you and do it sooner so keep checking back.