Alex's school trip to Central Otago (mountain bike holiday)

Alex clearing the gap

Last week I got to come along with Alex's school as a chaperon for 20 kids on a mountain bike holiday. Yes! That is right, this school actually takes kids to the mountains for week to ride their bikes instead of do math. It is safe to say that Alex feels like he won the lottery living in NZ.
The school principle, who organized the trip is a cycle enthusiast. He did many of the hard down-hills with the kids. I was really impressed with his ability to let the kids "go for it", while also teaching safety and bike-awareness. There was also two other dads, Sean and Bob. One was a great cook, the other a great mechanic. So that made me "Nurse Jen" - the only mom.

There were many many nasty wrecks - but luckily no real injuries. It is amazing how "rubbery" these kids are.

DNI kids posing at Lake Wanaka

What I loved about whole idea of this trip is that New Zealand school's want these kids to know what is out their backdoor. The schools give a major opportuny to provide them the experience to see it and enjoy it!

The kids had the option everyday to bike something easy or super technical - seriously, I was impressed with the crazy tracks and jumps. Again, Alex was in heaven.

My girls! These little studs rocked the tracks - they were super fun, and I had a ball with them.

Alex scoping the next jump in Wanaka (All handmade dirt jumps)

From Dunedin to Central Otago.



I loved that Central Otago (only 3 hours west of Dunedin) it is so much like Montana.
The land is dry and it is full of deep valleys and big mountains. Made me miss home.
This area is super futile as well. It is full of wine vinards and "heaps" of fruit is grown here. (Heaps is a word that everyone say's here)
We stayed in Cromwell and drove to Alexandera, Clyde, Wanaka, and beyond.....

Wine and Mounains, two of my faves.

Blown out tire!



loading and unloading the van with kids and bikes - these lucky kids got "heaps" of shuttles. We only got stuck once.



Alex with his free ride bike

Alex doing a 360 in air

Alex with cone on head.

shooting the hip

Kids ready to drop down "hair ball decent" outside of Alexandera, NZ      (yes, alex is wering pj's)



This girl's name was Ellie and she rocked the downhills.

For the last night of the trip, I suggested to the princible that the kids have a "talent show" - of course I had to teach the girls the Micheal Jackson dance "Thiller"
They were sooooooo good. Never out of character - super creepy!

                                           Thriller Girls!       Sierra, Mia, Harret, Jazzy and Sophia