Distance: 55.24 km
Ride time: 4:30:16
Average: 12.25 km/h
Total: 23015 km
While the road works yesterday had been bad, today it was absolutely horrible. It had rained all night and continued all day with mud everywhere as a result. I only needed 32 km to reach Santa Lucia and they went by very slow.
As soon as I reached Santa Lucia I headed for the first house that said “Eatery”, took off my wet clothes, put on something more dry and went inside. It was an interesting place with an overworked cook running the place. It took maybe an hour to get some food. It didn’t matter though. I was just happy to be inside. Outside I could see the raindrops continue to fall.
After the meal I thought that I might as well continue. The idea was based on the fact that I was hoping the rain would somehow ease. It did not; in fact it got only stronger and stronger. I was now completely wet through all my layers of clothes.
When I saw a shelter I decided to stop and set up camp. It was just a few meters from the road, but I didn’t care about hiding my tent as I usually do. My tent had been wet all day from the night before, but even under the shelter there was no chance of it to dry in the 100% humidity.
Otherwise I could do nothing but going to bed in my damp sleeping bag, hoping to see the sun tomorrow.
Excellent “selfie” Thomas and great to see the 23000km too. Good luck for your 200km day! I am off on a short 4 day tour tomorrow myself – first one with the new bike and the first time since 1983! We will be riding and tenting at the sametime!I will be going over the Rimutakas, Masterton, Pahiatua, etc towards Palmerston North, and I know you will know all these places from one year ago!
Very nice Tony! Looking forward to hear how your cycling trip is coming along. I know that ride very well, hihi 🙂