Flying and Biking

The morning of the first day of the credit flexing was a flight over the mountains to Milford Sound followed by a cruise round the fjord and a flight back, the only down side to this morning was the 6am start. You always worry when you get in light aircraft but the pilot seemed quite confident that this little seven seat plane would get us safely to Milford sound. All being weighed and the main ballast (Dave and I) seated under the wings does not do much to increase the confidence. The flight was amazing 30mins across mountains with incredible views everywhere. It certainly beat the alternative 5 hour drive if you were trying to get there and back in a morning. The sounds are a very impressive fjord and once discovered were used by early sailors as a natural safe harbour from the terrifying seas at their exit, except it was calm the day we went.





The afternoon was the Vertigo Heli-Biking. After being fitted out with a very shiny full suspension bike, gloves and helmet we were weighed again and taken back to the airport. This time we were taken to the helicopter port rather than the light aircraft. We were soon in the air flying between the planes towards a peak that would be the start of our trail. Queenstown is the second busiest airport in New Zealand (presumably in air traffic terms). The good thing about heli-biking is that you start at the top of the hill which means most of the work has been done for you. Unfortunately pro kit does not immediately turn you into a pro rider and as the others disappeared off the slightly more controlled plummet down hill was preferred. The approach was slightly justified when some distant memories of first aid training were recalled to stop one of our number leaking red after he had lost an argument with a corner on the descent. The ascents were somewhat of an evener although the rich eating was taking its toll on fitness levels. It was the riving crossing that provided most entertainment. The first crossing was determined to be too fast and too deep and our guide was pleading “think of the bikes, water is their enemy” so it was off with the shoes and socks and wading through with the feather bikes across our backs. It was a handy opportunity to wash off the blood from an unnecessary look at the ground moments before. The second crossing was shallower but just as fast and as the first of the group managed to ride it the decision was made. Most of the group made it across with varying degrees of success but all crossed except me who stalled and then plunged into the stream half way across. A snack break facilitated suitable wringing of clothes to make the rest of the ride tolerable. Thankfully the subsequent crossing was more successful and we all crossed without any swimming. As we had opted for the cross country option rather than all down hill the route saw fit to complete the trail with a series of steep climbs that made full use of the “granny gears” much to the disgust of some of the group. A good afternoons biking even if we were shown up a little by some of the “I don’t get to go biking every weekend…”s. Post biking Lone Star was recommended for a feed due to the large portions. The food was excellent the service was interesting “how would you like me it sir? That’s just the way my boyfriend likes it!?”
Small planes are ace, choppers are cool, bikes are shiny, at least before you take them riding.