"we're just tired"

One of my besties from back home is in NZ right now as well. Caitlin is working as a sea kayak guide in a town called Motueka, a 2 hr bike ride from Nelson. We're living close enough that we can go on mountain bike and apple stealing adventures on her days off, and far enough to be independently figuring things out in a new land. 

Recently, we went explorin' through the Kaiteriteri hills, a region just outside of Motueka. We faced some seriously extensive climbs, as well as some "high-risk" descents (but we showed em who's boss, mostly).

For most of the ride, we had a ton of energy. Towards the end of the ride however, we were both feeling tuckered, and agreed that hitchhiking the remaining 10km (downhill) back home was the most sensible option. (why....why?!)

About 5 minutes later, a truck with ample storage space stops to pick us up! I run towards it and start hoisting my bike into the back, then notice he's trying to get my attention through the rear window.

I walk up to the passenger window and he says, seeming worried, "What's happened?! Is everything ok here??"
"Oh yeah, we're just tired." I respond. Wrong answer.
"Oh, you'll be alright." He drives away.
I turn to Caitlin, "We need a better excuse."
"I've got a sprained ankle!" She peels off her sock and starts towards the road with a limp.

Owe, that looks sore. Who cares if she's facing the wrong direction,  PICK HER UP

A few cars pass and we start to feel lazy and embarrassed. Caitlin puts her shoe back on and we bike the remaining distance. We spent the rest of the ride uncontrollably laughing.  How we would have composed ourselves if somebody had actually picked us up and confirmed that Caitlin's ankle was indeed sprained and looked pretty swollen? We hadn't prepared enough to answer any questions about the injury and would have burst into laugher if anyone had been concerned for her.

Remember the eels? They exist.