TA day 11: Keep those wheels turning, all the way into the Wairarapa

TA day 11 - Through Palmy over to the Wairarapa from Robert and Marianne on Vimeo.

It was a classic Autumn morning on the first day of Autumn. Clear, crisp and cool, with a heavy dew. The Totara Reserve camping area where I camped last night was the 12th photo checkpoint of the tour. I claimed my photo this morning as it was too dark when I arrived last night!

I was feeling pretty hopeful of riding a big distance today, as I felt so good yesterday and today's terrain profile looked to be one of the easiest yet. But it was not to be an easy day. From very early on I was finding it hard to get the bike speed that I wanted. I guess I was thwarted by a headwind, but I also must have been feeling a bit lethargic. I spent a lot of the day focusing my mind on just keeping the pedals turning. The headwind and lethargy both finally passed in the early afternoon and I finished the day stronger (but tired).

The Ruahine mountains were out in glory today after hiding under blankets yesterday. I followed in their foothills south towards Palmerston North, passing under the Te Apiti wind farm. The final short section of riding into "Palmy"was on the Manawatu River Trail, and brought me to the Victoria Esplanade. This is a lovely park area of the city that I've visited with Marianne's parents many times. I even had an early lunch at one of their favourite cafes, kicking myself for not inviting them up from Levin to join me! 

Then it was the major climb of the day, getting over to the Wairarapa Valley on the Pahiatua "Track". Far from a track, this is now quite a busy road since the Manawatu Gorge highway was closed permanently from land slips. But a takeaway lemon slice from the cafe helped me get over the top. 

On my way down the upper Wairarapa, I passed Pahiatua with its large milk factory and Eketahuna with its large kiwi statue. I stopped for little else apart from a herd of cattle being shifted into another paddock via the road. My eyes were set on reaching Masterton well before dark, with the prize being an icecream that I promised myself!

Wow, time (and distance!) is flying! I can't believe that my cycling journey down the North Island of Aotearoa is almost over. All going well, I'll be home in my own comfortable bed at this time tomorrow!