Day 14

85 kilometres and 1000 metres of climbing. Something of a non-day as we went off course to try and make up some lost time. Had to make my own entertainment, which did involve talking to sheep and cows.

Day 15

120 kilometres and 500 metres of climbing. A bit of a cheat day as we stayed off course to make up some lost time. Most of the day on State Highway 2, which was not too bad but a bit hairy with trucks getting a tad close at times. Had issues with the rear derailleur first thing — the chain dropping out of the top jockey wheel. Did a roadside repair and it seemed okay. Called into a bike shop in Masterton 80-odd kilometres later and found the chain needed replacing and the derailleur was about to fall apart. Tightened everything up and away, good as new. Wellington tomorrow and the North Island is done.

Day 16

North Island: done. 1,586 kilometres. Started with a solo 5am departure to get to Wellington early and spend more time with Kirstyn and Zane. Misty rain to the Remutaka Incline, which was an awesome climb in the dark — if a tad spooky. Smashed it into the Hutt Valley and made another pit stop at a bike shop to give Camp Mother some further tweaks. Great to have this leg completed and be on the ferry to start the next.