After a rest day at the bach we were keen to head off up Palmer Road and over the Rahu Saddle. We were keen, particularly as we knew there was the fantastic descent in to Reefton. Being early on a Saturday morning the road was quiet and we were in Reefton in good time and stopped for a cuppa and a change of clothes. Now we are further South and it's autumn it is noticably cooler in the mornings and so it was a merino top and long riding trousers to begin with along with good gloves and beanie.
One positive of a full beard is there is a natural barrier to the cold on your face - and after today's 20.1 kph average speed I'm happy to live with the increased drag of the beard.
Most planning I do I base on a 15 - 16 kph average speed so the 20.1 kph shows just how favourable the conditions and road surface were for us today.
It certainly does feel very familiar being back in "Home Country" and an area I know so well.
We stopped at the Pike River Bridge and had our pre-prepared lunch of Cheese Toasties, a boiled egg, freshly baked Shortbread and orchard fresh plums!
We then pushed on straight in to Greymouth and on the 6 km to Paroa and the motel at the pub where we are stopping.
I know I am tempting fate especially here on the Coast however I am still so amazed that I have now ridden my bike for 52 days and not once had to put my rain coat on! Like I say I hope I am not tempting fate,
Time will tell.
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