Well, the first 20 kms were a breeze.
And that’s because the blustery gale force puff was up our jacksies. Could make out the lycra VPL on those in front, it was that good.
And for those who don’t k know what I mean re VPL, pse google images and I take no responsibility!
Then, the next 10 or more was head on. Holy shit, keeping the bike upright whilst pedalling to go forwards was ridiculous. Hannah had to dismount at one corner so as not to be tornadoed over to Brazil. I tried to round the lads at the front to do my bit and lead to slip stream … got even with Grant and then thought he was younger than me so look after your elders. Dropped back, and back into file.
Eketahuna was a pit stop. Escape the wind that abated after a nourishment (and no pies) but transitioned to rain.
It was a case of grin and bare it until we reached State Highway 2. Grant decided to stay true and went left to follow the actual trail, the rest of us went right and rode SH2 sharing the road with all sorts of traffic.
The positive about this was weaning Grant off us in prep for his next part of the journey solo (the South Island), and Hannah the same. Baz and I finish our ride at Wellinton.
But when Grant met up with us again, he’d broken a spoke, so the focus was on finding a bike doctor to administer first aid.
We did. It was repaired.
We continued the last 50kms from Masterton to Martinborough. Where the clouds had dispersed and the ball of yellow shone strong.
A vast contrast from the mornings character building. So, to the landscape. Contrast. It was a parched dry karatane shite brown whereas this morn, a vibrant green. Albeit been over because of the gale.
It’s been two weeks today since rolling off the Cape and now here we are, one more sleep before the final slog and tick, North Island ridden.
Whatever the weather, bring it on.
Kidding!!!!
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