A good night's rest at the Blue Moon Lodge for us three who shared a room — Erica, me and Lloyd. Could definitely feel the chill of autumn. Day started at 7:30 with breakfast at the local cafe, then the team pushed through to Pelorus Bridge. The group split here: three took the Maungatapu Track, which is a bit rough for gravel bikes without suspension. We applied ourselves to the slightly longer road route through the Rai Valley — a few trucks but all very considerate and giving us plenty of room.

We pedalled into Nelson at a good hour; refreshing cold drinks and coffee, then to our lovely accommodation at Blackmore Cottage, another beautifully restored historic building. Three of us slept in the attic in lovely old wrought-iron beds with beautiful coverlets and lace pillow slips — unbelievably charming. Meeting friends of the team for dinner made for a very social evening. Another day gone; it seems to be flying.

Rinse, reset, repeat.

Big day today. The left-or-right decision at Pelorus Bridge — Maungatapu Saddle or the highway — had been playing on my mind all the way. Maungatapu is one of the iconic TA climbs, so of course it had to be done. The group split, half up the climb and half along the highway. It did not disappoint — hard as always, with the last kilometre of the 12.5-kilometre climb needing to be walked; there is no other way to do it. The descent was harder still as I was unable to unlock my front suspension and rode the steep descent fully rigid. Sphincter-clenching. Camp Mother was in bad shape and required an amputation — the rear derailleur replaced after causing issues for nearly 500 kilometres since Woodville. All sorted as we head into the wilderness of the West Coast. Toodle pip.

Three chose the Maungatapu Track that had a reputation for horrendously steep, rutted and rocky conditions. The Ts of the TNT and Dion braved the track and I roaded it with the TA Twinklers. Wrists and shoulders are only just improving from the descent of the Timber Trail and when Gavin arrived he only reinforced our road decision. Another gorgeous New Zealand day — beautiful autumnal conditions and the leaves on the trees a rainbow of autumn colours. The Rai and Whangamoa Saddles were very rideable with a decent shoulder and 95 per cent of vehicles very considerate. Apparently the weather for the next week is going to be superb.

Loving life.