Day 13 Taumarunui to Otorohanga ..101km

Hi all
This is the third time I have tried to type this blog into the computer. It has swallowed the last two attempts, Steve is blaming Dave.
Today we tried to head off on time. We left at about 7 45pm with Tod still eating his apple as we set off. It was overcast and warm. It cleared later in the day to nice and sunny. The wind was on our left side with a head wind some of the time. The trick was to wait for the corner to take your turn on the front so the wind became a tail one.
The legs were heavy after yesterdays effort and they took a while to warm up, a problem I always seem to have. There were a couple of good climbs, but none to warrant a challenge for the King of The Mountain jersey by Tod, Steve and often Kim. I was able to be up in the bunch for the photo opportunities at the top of the hill. I have instructed Ange to take the photos at the bottom of the hills so I can be in all of them.
There was still the fast flats through farming country. Still with only four of us, the time on the front comes around quickly.
I would just like to clear up the rumours regarding Serge (re surge). I find that sometimes the three old fellas slow down just when us younger guys get a boost of energy usually on a nice small hill. They call it surging I call it taking advantage of the moment.
We tried to get off the road before too much traffic which we nearly did. Towards the end of the ride there was a couple of close encounters with trucks. The roads were narrow with little or no shoulder. The trucks are wide and travelling at 100 ks. Most have been very good leaving us room but today was a big wake up. Also the road has a rumble strip which rattles the bike and the body if you get caught on it.
A sign we are getting closer to Auckland is the lack of one lane bridges. We still have the road kill to contend with which today was 10. There were two sets of road works with the second set consisting of very large metal chip. Tyres needed to be checked after that one.
The coffee stop was at Te Kuiti. A very nice cup with a muffin before heading off for the last 19 ks.
The afternoon was spent cleaning and checking the bikes. We had a short walk around town given the condition of the legs.... still a bit heavy.
Dinner was eaten in, with meatballs, spaghetti and salad cooked by Ange with help from Tod. Steve and Kim are on dishes while I type this again.
Tonight we are staying at the Palm Court Motel at Otorohanga part of Golden Chain. We arrived here before booking in time but the staff were great, allowing four lycra clad middle aged men to wonder around the forecourt for a while.
Tomorrow is over 180ks to Auckland and home. Some of the South Island crew and some mates are going to join us along the way. We are aiming for the 3pm ferry across to Devonport, then onto the Hospice on the Nth. Shore.
I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, but more to being with Sarah and the boys.
Again I would like to thank those who have donated and those who text and phone us etc.
Cheers
Shane