I was on the road shortly after 6.30am and while it was clear and going to be sunny, it was quite cool and I was under dressed with arm warmers on. Heading away from Paihia on SH10 it goes into a shaded valley and was even cooler.. There were a number of accommodation places on this road which is a bit surprising given the lack of sun and any view!

Looking across at Russell I could see that most of the fleet from the Coastal Classic was now in.

The road was a bit lumpy to Keri Keri where there was a stop for breakfast. I had been tossing around at one stage whether to have a rest day in Keri Keri and am pleased that I didn’t as while the town was tidy enough, there was nothing that I found particularly of interest although appreciate that there is the Stone Store and some of the bays away from the town I understand are nice but would be an out and back ride.

I was disappointed though that I could not stop at some of the road stores, as oranges, avacados and mandarins were in abundance. I laughed at a store selling fudge and their sign which said “Get Fudged”, which certainly caught your attention and just amused me..

After riding through the town, the road then reconnected with SH10 and continued north with the road being lumpy, but not as bad as what I thought it might be with some good decents.

There was certainly more traffic on the road today, including towed boats, no doubt as a result of the long weekend.

I rode into Manganui which reminded me a bit like round the foreshore at Akaroa and then it was on to Coopers Beach and was surprised as to how large a residential area there was there although no doubt a number are holiday homes. There were beautiful views over Doubtless Bay and by now it was warm enough to take off the arm warmers. The day has probably been the best on tour so far in being sunny and cloudless but it took sometime for it to warm up!

The last 25 odd k to Kaitaia was done in reasonably quick time as the wind was generally favourable and the speed was generally over 35k.

Today was the first day that I have seen other cyclists, all going the other way and with both front and rear panniers on, yuk, but good on them.

I noticed a lot of “do upper” houses and also a number where the owners could have some assistance to “de clutter” their front yards..!

Found the booked accommodation with no trouble, the Orana Motorinn and while it is one of the most modern in town, it is a bit tired.

The Duty Manager put me into a studio that is actually 2 studios with an interconnecting door, so Mr Scott has his own room!! The reason that he did this was because I had a bike. The Duty Manager was also very helpful in contacting 3 tour companies who take trips to the Cape, but none of them were able to take a bike (unless it folded up!) although one has apparently recognised the need and their new bus to arrive in 3 weeks time can do, but too late for me.

I find this surprising as would have thought that it could be a common request. The Duty Manager offered to take me 30ks or so up the road tomorrow, but I politely turned him down.

It is basically 110k from Kaitaia to the Cape, so up and back is a 220k day.. I thought about staying somewhere between on the way back, but due to the long weekend, all accommodation has been taken, but would free up again on Monday, but that would mean spending a day in Kaitaia and I think I would go nuts, or further nuts if I had to do this.

On checking the NZ Met service site, while the forecast for tomorrow, Sunday, is fine and cloudy, Monday and Tuesday shows rain, so there is really no choice but to go tomorrow. I can make up for it by having an easy day on Monday..

I walked down town and it was all rather depressing really with the type of shops and closures etc, although there is a bakery that opens at 5am 7 days a week, so at least I can stock up on food for tomorrow early.

Luckily the Motorinn has an in house resturant as there was basically nothing in town, apart from take aways.. I am writing this blog after having my dinner which was all good and the dining room looks out over the pool so very pleasant and also noting what time is sunset as might be important for tomorrow!

As I had seen a Countdown when riding in, I rode back and purchased fruit for breakfast and for the ride tomorrow. This is a new Countdown and something that I have noticed on this trip is that especially in deemed lower socio economic areas, Countdown and Pak and Save supermarkets are very prominent. I know that everyone needs food, but these guys seem to have a huge market share.

I needed to use the heavy duty lock while at the supermarket and thankfully Mr Scott was still there when I returned!

While having my dinner I have been noting the time of the sunset as it could be a long day tomorrow.. In a way I am not disappointed that I cannot get a tour ride to the Cape, as this way I will be doing it all under my own steam, but will be interesting to see what I say tomorrow if mission is accomplished.. I should be at the Cape before midday so it is certainly doable. The tours do not leave Kaitaia until 9m and not back until around 5pm.

It will be a backpack day tomorrow, but I can cut out all unnecessary items, although there is not much and this will be replaced by food so basically will be same weight, if not even heavier.. I don’t want to risk it by not taking food as I don’t want to get stuck in the middle of no where needing food..

Today ended up as 125k and an elevation gain of 1,466m.