Knowing that it was an easier day total ks wise, it was a later start rolling out of the motel just before 9am and it was an overcast day with a reasonably strong westerly wind which was generally helpful, so it was quite an easy 30ks to Invercargill city.

There were a noticeable number of motorcycles on the road so it was not quite like Bormio, Italy, when on the 2 occasions we have been there, a motorcycle meet has been on with literally thousands of motorcycles..

It was nice to have a lesiurely breakfast (“the works” was I thought deserved) when I arrived and phoned Garry Smith of Ami but he was unfortunately in Christchurch, so cruised down to H & J Sport and there was David McCormick unloading a bike case from a van. I went into the shop with David which is all pretty flash and nice set up. Got out of there without buying a new “Mr Scott” and noted that David was looking very slim and fit following his Tour of Southland training..

It was a good ride out of Invercargill, until the Tiwai turn off, then the road direction changed and the full force of the wind was experienced. This would have been okay, but the trucks, particularly those passing when approaching, created quite a buffeting. The last 5 odd ks the road direction changed again and the wind was favourable for the final run in to Bluff. Found the Hotel without any difficulty and booking was confirmed, so that was all good. Owner is an American lady who previously had a B & B in Auckland and it is a very nice private hotel with a grand piano in the bar. The owner is a music teacher in a former life and was previously something to do with Catholic Church in Auckland, very personable lady.

The Hotel is in an art deco style and very elegantly renovated and furnished in a classic style.

Getting rid of excess items out of the backpack, it was then the mandatory ride to the signpost for the photos and then the climb up Bluff Hill to the lookout.. All the pine trees have been cut down so it was all open and the ramp that is visible as you approach Bluff was longer than I remembered and was regurlarly in the 18% range, but then the final corner the Garmin ticked to 24% and it was a grunt to get to the top, really insane that the Tour of Southland has a stage that finishes at the summit. Rode up the spiral to the lookout at the top and braced myself to take photos as although probably just a breeze for Southland, it was fair blowing.. and there was also the odd shower coming through. When I was riding down the spiral, past Dean Lonnegan who was there with someone from Stadium Southland so that was my celebrity spotting for the day!

Total ks for the day was a pultry 76, with a climbing elevation of 648m.

As I have reached the end of the road when heading south, I can now turn for the final time heading north for home via the Linda’s Pass.

I have got accommodation booked for tomorrow at Gore to be on the safe side in case there is overflow from the Burt Munro event, in fact a number of motels were already full and while it is a relatively short ride, there is nothing really further on and Alexander is a bit far, particularly when I understand the last section from Roxborugh is quite tough.

I guess I could have ridden to Gore today, but good to finish early and just chill out..

Unless I do an “all nighter”, all going well I plan to be home on Monday from Geraldine. On the TV weather this morning, it looks like I could well be wet for most of the trip home..