Retro Blog

We’re posting yesterdays blog today as we were out of range of internet service last night.

Firstly, our apologies for the unenthusiastic last post – it was a funny kind of night, we were exhausted and no one could think of anything to say, and yet we had a quiet sense of satisfaction to be finally underway. Anyway, we are back on form and, in fact, feeling rather pleased with ourselves. You see, we kind of landed on our feet tonight.

The day started awkwardly enough when Sean (director, cameraman, sound operator, cook and DJ) left his tripod in exactly the right spot for Karen to run over it with the trailer. Nothing a panel-beater in Ngatea couldn’t fix.

John and Rob got another 66 kms under their belts but it was hard yakker the whole way. They were coming up with the most inventive excuses for the slow pace – spongy roads, heavier than usual tires, head winds (there wasn’t one) etc etc. In the end, it was pretty simple – they were stuffed from the hills the day before.

A special highlight was coming across the kids from Netherton School lined up to cheer us on – thanks guys!

Still, a hard days ride and we’re still on the road at 5 with no place arranged to sleep. Enter Ron from Karangahake River Lodge. Ron cancelled a planned day surfing in Raglan to open up just for us, and what a place...accessible with a country lodge atmosphere, we just love this place – especially the fireplace! Our warmest thanks Ron, for your hospitality and good humour (we even put him to work changing tires).