Hamner Springs is such a pretty little town with so many possibilities that it seemed a shame to arrive at 6pm and leave again at 7am. Such is the schedule on this trip.
We did a couple of hundred Km over the beautiful high country roads in drizzle to Ruapuna Race track mostly in convoy with Andrew in his S1 and Keith in his S2.
After a couple of dry orientation laps the rain set in. Unlike Manfield where I had to find my way again, this track was very familiar after an absence of 10 years.
I am progressively dialling in the suspension of the Exige to try and eliminate the low speed understeer. I can’t recommend the Ohlins dampers enough as although Lotus give you a pretty narrow range of adjustment it is enough to change the car quite a lot without making it lethal. The wet track at Ruapuna was good for having an explore and the odd spin. It’s great track with plenty of complexity. I remember being totally exhausted at the end of the GP.
We had a quick stop in Christchurch for a display in the cathedral square and after a quick bite I finally got to a shop where I could grab a local Sim for my phone so I can get a data pack. Now I might get some of this blog down.
In the afternoon we did the drive that Keith has been talking up so much to Akaroa via the back ways and the high pass. It is a great road and we did most of it maggot free (white camper vans). The high pass over to Akaroa is one to try for sure. There was only one section of grit still from the ice and a quite foggy section but it was a great drive. We paused at the top to admire the view and the temperature was still pretty cool.
Akaroa itself is quiet little spot at this time of year with a strong French background. We had a great meal at Bully Hayes Restaurant and collapsed into bed exhausted.