Matawai to Wainui Beach Gisborne

Eight days and 793 km after leaving the Tasman at Cape Egmont I dipped my toes in the Pacific and can say "I've done the Kopiko"

Compared to yesterday today  was a breeze and we were at the beach bu 1:30 PM. siMckayla and Ads were there sitting at the beach in the shade and another couple Henry and Robyn who we criss crossed with over the days rode in just after myself, We were all very self congratulatory and pleased with our effort,

Then a guy rode in, I said let me take the photo for you and then he tells us he left on Wednesday, four days after us and was about to turn around and ride back to Matawai the 104 km we'd just ridden from! And some people say I'm mad!!!

Matawai is only probably 75 km from Gisborne by S H Way 2 yet it sits at about 600 metres so it's not suprising they get snow in winter and this morning in places you would say there was a frost! Yes at 6:00 AM it was cold on the bike.

I wasn't happy with my gears and so through a freind of Robyn's above who was at the beach I was put on to Norm Graham who works from his garage at home. Semi retired now buut been a cycle mechanic all his life - I phoned him and he said pop round. Ten minutes later he had my bike in his stand and the problem was getting sorted. Once finished and I said now how much? He said no payment! How good is that,

It's a bit like the farmer's along the way who leave fruit and water out for the riders.

I decided not to tent tonight and have gone all out and booked myself a bunk bed at the "Flying Nun Backpackers". Interesting. It was the old nunnery and very much reflects what one would expect it to be,

There's not a lot to hold me here much longer in Gisborne so I think I will backtrack tomorrow and aim for Rotorua over the next few days.

I've got wait till I receive the pic of the Pacific as I didn't take one myself!