I’m not sure I would have embarked on the 35km trip around Bora Bora by bicycle had I known exactly how far it was.  Now 35km is not that far.....but on cruising bikes with small wheels and cruising legs that don’t get much of a workout....it’s no mean feat.   Intentions were to cycle to the top of the island from the main village and return....well that was my intention.  Jenny and Johnny hired bikes which had larger wheels and, having just done a cycling trip in the North Island, they set the pace.  The views were magnificent and there was nothing to do but keep on peddling.  So we did.  We had lunch on the side of the road about halfway around and another few miles further on stopped at one of Bora Bora’s exquisite white sandy beaches for a cooling dip.  Wonderful!

 

Heading back up the west coast we were stopped by an entourage of police vehicles with flashing lights and sirens and waited as a bunch of cyclists approached.  This was the annual Bora Bora cycle race – from the town to the Hotel Bora Bora and return five times.  They passed us several times and it was gutting to see those muscled thighs pumping on top class bikes as they sped past. 

 

Back on Bandit we were all too tired to do much – even a swim was out of the question for me as I’d had a cooling shower back at the dive centre where we left the tender.  We’re on serious water rations right now as our faithful watermaker is not working.  Nothing serious – just a part that needs to be sent from the UK or USA and one we don’t have the time to wait around for.  We carry 700litres and have stocked up on bottled so will be fine until we get to Tonga.  It’s just a pain as we are so used to the luxury of having masses of water and having to ration is difficult.