Xmas midnight treat.

Celebrating Chrismakkah abroad was an interesting experience.  I lit the candles over FaceTime with my family, and I spent the Eve walking around downtown Queenstown handing out dessert.  The second part of that story came about when I went for food at my favorite bakery.  I am a familiar face there, and have befriended most of the employees there.  They gifted me a box of 6 berry tarts, which absolutely made my night.  I ate one, and decided to share the rest with whomever.  The worthy recipients were two different bouncers, a girl who didn’t get into one of the bars, an acquaintance/ bartender, and a police woman.  Each was as surprised as the next to be offered a midnight treat, but the gratitude and smiles shared showed that it meant a lot to each of them.  I did it because I wanted to share something tasty, and spread a little happiness if possible.  To me, it was a great improvisation to the evening and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way.
For most people, the holidays are about relaxation, letting loose, and enjoying things in excess.  I am not most people.  On Christmas morning, I did this:

Strava keeping the logbook tidy.
This was one of the most, if not “the” most brutal ride I’ve done.  It was so steep, unrelenting, and there were multiple occasions on which I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish the ride.  It was Sufferfest ’14, and it was one of the best days in a long time.  By the time I had reached the top, I had exhausted my water and food supply, so I was running on fumes.  Thankfully, the stream running through the area was of glacial origins and was fine for drinking (which I thought was super cool – first time I’ve been able to dunk my water bottle into running water and drink the contents).  After enjoying nature’s water cooler, I pointed the bike down hill, and the real fun began; The descent was worth the ride up.  It was a little sketchy, but I sure was having a riot of a time – and passing a car on the way down was just the cherry on top.  The inspiration for this ride was, “Just to say I did it”, and I’m glad I did, despite the insane climb.  The views were stunning, and the speeds were high, however, I won’t be doing it again any time soon!
5km point/Just above the lodge/Top of the ski lift