The next morning, we had a trip planned for Mt Hutt Ski Fields. Then a leisurely cruise back into Christchurch to drop off the bikes.
What could possibly go wrong?
The morning started innocently enough and soon we were cruising up the access road to the Mt Hutt ski fields.
Then the higher we got the windier it became...
Until I came around this 1 corner..and HOLY SHYTE, the bike was flapping like a mad man on ice.
I could not hold it, with the brakes on as hard as I could squeeze, I was being driven backwards by the wind.
This isn't good, mild panic... then THOR took over..Over to the left, then the right, then the left again and some more backwards too. Then Ker-smack, I'm kissing the gravel, and rolling down the hill. In time to see my riding buddies drop in unison, like a well rehearsed synchronized swimming team.
You cannot tell by this pic, but THOR, was trying to rip the headlight assembly clean off at this point.. He did succeed in grinding away the left pannier lid and the left hand guard while the bike was down. :credit:
I was trying to think of this quote as I rolled down the mountain. Alas it had escaped me at that time. Something for next time perhaps.
We were soon back in Christchurch, bikes returned, credit card details swapped and we were soon on our way.
Bye Bye, XT. You've been fun. It's been 3500 km of pure joy
Then it was back to where it all began, a pub in Christchurch.
A big thanks from me to the rest of the crew.
It was "SENSATIONAL"
Until next time eh....
THANK YOU!