____Two more days of overcast weather; the rain holding off until the late afternoon. Sending me to the nearest campsite for a cabin. Three long climbs on the first day; finishing with Vinegar Hill and the first puncture of the trip at Hunterville. The second day; from Marton, through Bulls, Foxton and on to Waitarere. Now on the west coast plain and the winds sweeping in from the Tasman Sea.
____It has been one long battle to get fit; as I approach this part of the tour as I approach love-making. Ride for as long, as hard and as fast as possible; then collapse into a deep sleep. Wake up and start riding again. The only difference being: I don’t have to justify my performance to the bike.
____Day Ten is the first day for over a week without rain and I’m back under canvas again at Paekakarike after following the Kapiti Coast Cycle Trail; named after the island which shelters the beaches from Waikanae to Whareroa.
____Then 50 kilometres to Wellington, not the easiest of cities to enter by bike. Restricted roads and hilly terrain; but another dry day if a bit breezy. A hotel for the night and a walk round the city centre; busy with Christmas shoppers on the day before Christmas Eve.
Enjoying following your travels. Merry Christmas Chris, and all the best for 2011.
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