Free Board But With Conditions

Sure the ride went ok today - we covered a little less than 60 kms, riding through beautiful country from Te Aroha to Matangi, where we caught up with Wayne and Trevor Brocket from Matangi Motors and Vehicle Adaption Services. This is where they convert Kia Carnival vans into the Kia Independence - vans with automatically opening side doors and fold out ramps for use by people in wheelchairs. Rob has one of these, so has first hand knowledge of the freedom offered by these vehicles. Check out the link to their website for more information.

So the ride went well and then things were really looking up when we were offered food and accommodation by Phil Booth and Julia Hill in Hamilton. However, as incredible as it seems, Rob was forced to endure the humiliation of having his eyebrows plucked by Phil's mother Yvonne. Unsettled and embarrassed, Rob retired to the solitude of his room.

Tomorrow is our first rest day thankfully. Rob's hands are a little swollen and causing him a lot of pain. John's legs could do with a rest too. Karen has been going flat out since we left Auckland and has earned a day in the sun.

Looks like we will alter our route for safety reasons to avoid St Hwy 1 from Cambridge to Tirau. Instead we'll back track to come down Hwy 27 through Matamata.