11 Mar
I had intended to stay 2 nights in Hawera as the forecast was pretty awful. The one last was not so bad so I decided to do an early morning dash and try and make New Plymouth before the weather turned bad. The mild cold I was developing was another reason for moving on. I had arranged with the bar staff at the hotel to move my bike out of the secure area after closing time so I could make an early get-away. It was a huge relief to find it in the lobby when I awoke at 5.30. By the time I got everything loaded up and crept out the main door it was 6.30 and still dark. It took a little while to orient myself and begin heading north. I brought lightls for the bike and helmet for exactly this kind of situation and was pleased with how they worked.
The ride up to Stratford was really hard work. A combination of uphill terrain, a slight northerly headwind, the early start and fatigue from the long ride the previous day all played a part. It was pretty gruelling going.
I talked with a real cyclist outside a cafe in Stratford who told me the downhill bit started just after Midhurst. It wasn't just psycholgical, or the caffein affect. The light misty rain started at Stratford, the terrain was mostly downhill, and maybe the caffein kicked in as well. I started making good time. It certainly wasn't the custard square which was truly awful.
The rain continued until Inglewood and then went away.
I also saw the first signpost for Hamilton - that brought a lift in spirits. I arrived at the Garretts tired but satisfied
. As always they welcomed me generously and it is good to see them again. My cold hasn't got any worse and it will be good to wait another day for better weather and health. Mt Messenger awaits.
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