Raglan to Kawhia – 32 miles

The good news is that the scenery all started to look more sumptuous but the cycling remained brutal. At single figure speeds I ground up the countless hills that were between me and the next campsite.

I haven’t seen any other cycle tourers so far, whether on the road or at a campsite. I think this may reflect my pioneering spirit. After the tiring ride into Raglan I woke up the next day feeling Jesus had visited me overnight and instructed me to pick up my bed (inside the tent) and walk. I felt leggy but able to embark on the next mountaineering stage. Maybe I was getting my touring legs.

Overnight it had hammered down and after a dry start first thing to the day I was soon reaching for the waterproofs. Cycling along I listened to Coventry City vs Middlesbrough on TalkSPORT radio. I’m still slightly in awe that I can also WhatsApp Anna in a video call as I cycle along. This digital technology is a thing of great wonder. However, it’s a fact that when I finish my call with her the heavens open (every time).

Eventually the beast that named itself gravel arrived. It was variable in coverage, adverse cambers were common, mud in places and often the side of the road had given way. Being a hero I battled on: I had no option.

I emerged a wiser man on to a main road with a run into Kawhia.

The campsite had a mixture of tourists, in their camper vans, and then some contractors. They were there for the duration and whilst nice lads they left the kitchen a mess and one smoked pot! As they were up from Rotorua for the logging I imagine they were using heavy equipment. Let’s hope the chap with the wacky backy wasn’t working heavy dangerous equipment.

I opted out of catering and a concession van opened up and I bought some fish & chips. I think it was snapper, whatever that is.

I was sooner in my hutch looking at the inside of my eyelids wondering what the next day would bring and would the scenery continue to be delightful.