Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Day 9 St Arnaud to Picton..129km

Today was our final push forward to complete the South Island. We started with the usual rise at 6.30am intending to get on the road by 7.30am....it was noted Big Al was first to be kitted up before brekky but heard muttering where's X$5#@ the pump just as we were all about to ride out.
It was Geoff and Al's last day today as Picton would be their last stop...back to work on Friday....The weather gods have been incredibly kind to us turning on another stunner. A little cool early on but brilliant blue skies took over as we cranked it out averaging 36kph cutting out the first 90km in 2 1/2 hrs.
On the way we stopped in at Howard & Julie Simmonds Vineyard in Renwick. We had a much welcomed cuppa and a biscuit and a brief tour of the vineyard.
The team were keen to get to Picton so with only 40 km to go we hit the road again. By now the wind had picked up and we were nudging into a head wind. We all arrived in good spirits having just completed a total of 1130km since last Tuesday. No mechanicals and only 2 punctures.
Thanks to the Linane and Vette Families for their extra kind donation....see Al's picture confirming his arrival. So it was a quick shower and into town for a much needed feed. Special thanks to Al, Geoff and Brian (aka Dave)for their great company. Next stop Wellington, then its off to Levin.
We are Booked in to catch the ferry on Thursday night so tomorrow will be a much deserved day off. Page's stats for the day, 9 road kills and 5 one lane bridges.
As the organiser of this mob I have decided to do away with the "Richard" award., Mainly as I left it on a restaurant table at lunch today.
Thanks for reading,
See you in the North Island.
Steve

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