Was very surprised to find that dawn presented with misty light rain , making me very thankful I wasn’t in my tent trying to prepare for my big days ride. Thankfully my minor injuries didn’t get worse overnight and I cooked up a huge pork chop for breakfast , setting the engine up for a long 148 km day .

The day did eventually clear , and the sun warmed me down to 2 layers only , and by days end I was in a singlet .

Eventually rolled out just after 8 am , had the stop after a km or 2 to find my puffer jacket to ward off the chill air . Colder than any Kerikeri winters morning already in this iconic spot .

After about an hour or so of fast riding I was able to get off the main road and enjoy the pleasure of riding the Otago Rail section all the way into Alex. The surface is pretty smooth for a rail trail and mostly it descends with only a few small bumps up , and all railway grade ( ie gradual )

First coffee stop was at the fascinating old general store at Oturehua , opposite the very old Railway Hotel . From there it was a very quick ride down to Alexandra .

Early lunch at Omakau then pushed on to Alex arriving at about 12:30 , so Nasby to Alex was a mere 4 hour ride . The trail still busy with lots of old rugged up geriatrics doing their very best , but no one going in my direction .

Was able to have a good break in Alex and visit the first decent supermarket I’d had a chance to visit since Geraldine . I closer look at this pic tells the story of what my nutritional priorities are I think you can make the argument that it’s pretty simple and an easy way to feed the body with what it actually really requires . Not much in the way of processed crap food that makes up your typical western diet , and nary a vege in sight ! YES the zero beer is my indulgence.

The last part of my ride was on down to Millars Flat , south of Roxburgh . First bit was a little unpleasant , despite stunning scenery ,with heavy vehicles and a narrow road , but after Roxburgh you can cross the bridge and cruise down the east side road which was a total blast . Beautiful scenery all the way .

It occurred to me that I haven’t had a single rest day in my South Island ride since rolling off the roll on roll off ferry in Picton , and have elected to stop here for 2 days off .. 3 nights . Forecast tomorrow is rain and I’m very much a “ fair weather “ cyclist . Love the campsite here as it is well equipped , comfortable lounge area and a huge kitchen area that I seem to have to myself . Has many self contained cabins and motorhomers but no one else in a little tent

Only 2 more riding days and I will be in Invercargill , there I again turn northwards , like the South Island Pied Oystercatcher it’s time to take wing north for warmer climes . Will include a last gravel ride up Mavora lake road to Walter Peak before an Earnslaw boat ride to Queenstown.

Trip will finish in Cromwell then fly home .