Cycle ride from hell (Queenstown - Te Anau)

Today woke up early and headed to Te Anau which would be our base for a cruise around Doubtful Sound.

The start of the ride was dull and overcast some might even say it was raining. Nonetheless the view of Lake Wakitipu was pretty good. As we progressed the cloud began to clear, the sun came out and it was pleasent cycling weather. The journey was enjoyable and when we stopped for some grub I thought we were making good progress and would be in Te Anau by 4pm (silly me). Within 1/2 hour the wind that had been pushing us along quite nicely turned against us making the straight down hill stetches a pain in the bum. Speaking of which I (SS) vowed before our next journey to buy a better pair of cycling shorts. Continuing along long straight roads, with the relentless wind and the fierce sun beating down, scortching my (SS) pasty white skin, we started to get tired, weather beaten and a little bit hacked off. Our average speed was shameful and the day was dragging and my (SS) patience wearing thin. Towards the end (only 20 miles to go) every muscle ached, sunburn was taking its toll, I (SS) was on the verge of tears. We made it though, 10 hours after we started. I (SS) can safely say this was the 2nd worst cycle ride of my life, Mark rated it as OK, slightly below average!!