Day 4

Not a long day in the saddle but it was a toughie with brutal side-wind gusts. When I say brutal — I did get thrown off at the top of one of the gravel climbs, which was most unwelcome. The boat trip from Pouto Point to Parakai was looking dodgy (boat limit officially 60 but closer to 80 with all the bikes on the top deck) and sea conditions were a tad choppy. Late into Parakai with a quick spin to the motel and porridge for dinner at 22:30 — sheer luxury.

Day 5

Today was indeed a cruisy day into Auckland with less wind to contend with — thank goodness. We all had a chance to spin at leisure and chat (which we all know I am very good at). The Auckland Sky Tower in the distance beckoned and we rolled down to the cycle path in good time for a third coffee stop at our lunch break, just around the corner from the Thompsons' welcome home. Some bike maintenance, food snack shopping, front bike bag purchasing and washing were the order of the afternoon.

Day 4

We had all the weather today — sun, wind, rain. The wind was tough, gusty at times and constant. Made it to Pouto Point after 10 kilometres of gravel, which is hard on the arms; hands a bit numb. Ice blocks, snacks, and a rest in the grass until the boat arrived at 5pm. Wild sea conditions had the boat crew uncertain they would sail. About an hour to load 80 bikes, with two people on the lower deck lifting and five up top stacking — a mission to say the least. The wind dropped slightly and we set off; initially a bit rough but we made it, thankful for Helena's seasickness tablets. A long three hours, finally in port at Parakai at 9:30pm. Nowhere open for dinner, but a cup of tea, a banana, a shower and bed — and finally a great sleep.

Day 5

50.5 kilometres. Finally a great sleep last night; a smaller day today. Started with a huge breakfast of creamy mushrooms, a poached egg and coffee. Twenty kilometres in, more cups of tea and pastries. A couple of good climbs again — seems my Tour always starts with a hill, which is not ideal after a big breakfast. A meander through Auckland with great local knowledge keeping us off most of the busy roads. The afternoon spent cleaning bikes and kit. Ready for tomorrow — rinse, reset, repeat.

Day 4

70 kilometres and 1100 metres of climbing. Brutal day into a very stiff headwind all day, with a downpour in the morning to kick things off. When you normally look down at your front wheel, you see the top of your tyre. Today there were times I was looking at the side of the wheel — the wind gusts were either blowing me off the road or stopping the bike dead. Hot dog on the Kaipara Ferry for dinner. It was yum. Another great day on the Tour.