No words were spoken as 30 rugby-mad Irish cyclists struggled up Haast Pass from the west in torrential rain on Saturday.
But they had so much craic on their 143km journey between Haast and Wanaka.
The Irish Rugby Union-sanctioned World Cup Cycle Challenge is raising money to support injured rugby players.
Each rider has raised at least $12,000 for the IRFU Charitable Trust, which supports more than 30 seriously injured or paralysed players.
They want to complete the 1050km ride, ascending a total of 7700m within nine days, so they can get to Otago Stadium in time to watch Ireland play Italy in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday.
Irish tour leader Brian McDermott said the first 2km of the climb was the worst.
"We all found the first 2km very, very difficult. We've been on a few climbs all over the world and it was up there [in difficulty]," Mr McDermott said.
Cyclist Paul Harvey agreed.
"The rain was coming down so hard all you could see was steam," Mr Harvey said.
But like any good game of rugby, it had two halves.
Immediately they conquered the main divide, there were clear blue skies and a strong northwest wind that dried them out and shunted them to Makarora for lunch.
Highlights included the forest, the waterfalls, and views of lakes Wanaka and Hawea.
The tour left Christchurch last Monday and travelled down the West Coast.
They rode over a snowy Crown Range from Wanaka to Queenstown yesterday, and tomorrow they depart for Alexandra.
The tour includes former 1970s internationals Nick Quinn and Robbie McGrath.
Natural High company owner and tour guide Andy Hunt, of Christchurch, described the tour as a "travelling circus" and "absolutely hilarious".
They had chosen an ambitious itinerary that only about 5% of his clients would normally tackle, he said.
"On Porters Pass, it was snowing but they put their heads down and got up Porters Pass. It was an amazing feat and they showed a lot of courage and heart."
