If you have ever gone for one of those runs that is just pure ecstasy, you know what I did yesterday. Cabin and I went for a 2 hour 10 minute run through mud, over mountain tops, down swooping downhills, up gruesome climbs, and cruised to a fast few K's on the road.
Every once and a while I go for a run that just reminds me of why I love running. With a smooth stride, I flow over rocks, whip around corners, and forget all my worries. Loads of brilliant ideas just start to flow and I feel as if I'm king of the world. I truly wish there was a way to share this exhilarating feeling with others or to get them to feel it for themselves. I guess when you find something you're passionate about, it just happens.
But enough of my attempting to be deep... After chilling out for a bit (because as good as it feels at the time, its actually quite tiring running for 2+hrs) on a beautiful sunny day, we grabbed a little food and headed over to watch a downhill mountain bike race.
Mountain biking in NZ is massive! Everybody does it in one form or another. So to say there were a few people out there watching the race wouldn't begin to describe it!
Everywhere you looked there were people crowding the course waiting for to catch a glimpse of their friends, family, local rider, and maybe a crash or two.
There was a large group of us staying at Budgie and Jo's place (11 all together), and two of them were racing that day. Harriot Harper had a fantastic showing and finished 3rd in the Pro Women's field. Sam also had a wicked day, though not quite what he was hoping for, and had a good showing in the Pro Men's race.
Harriot the Hucker!
Good thing that was from a practice run and not the race!
Budgie lite the fires and BBQ'd a massive amount of meat after the race and we all sat around chowing down like pigs (well, maybe I was the pig and everyone else ate a normal amount).
On a beautiful night, we sat around drinking and laughing as the conversation slowly degenerated and became quite crude. It was fantastic! I haven't laughed that hard in a while!
With sunsets like this, it easy to see why Rototua is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite places. And I haven't even had a chance to touch the endless miles of trails on a mountain bike!
Allie, the goof ball, and Sarah. They are from England. I love the accent! 
Talking mountain biking with the guys from Sweden.
Budgie decided he was really hungry and wanted a taco.
I was so excited to play with them! Totally wish I could have brought one home. I'm sure tiny little puppys are okay for carry on...?
Chance wanted to ride along with us on the 4 wheeler. Hard to say no to that face. Later on, Cabin and I took it upon ourselves to control the pine cone population using our legendary sharp shooter skills. We lined several of them up along the top of nearby fence posts and attempted to pick them off with 22's. Needless to say, I think we gave them a good scare.... not that we hit many, but we sure got close! haha To bad close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades. Guess, we need some more practice.
