Dates are now only about 5 days off so getting better. Rumours of a massive storm were circulating last night after a few pints in the bar. The last big storm took out a bridge on the coast for 10 days and as much rain is expected now. With half a dozen cyclists gather two plans emerge; light rain or no rain in the morning then ride on, or any rain means stay put. Six riders each to choose his/her own way. Early morning rain quickly turned torrential, no on...

Uneventful riding under blue skies from Wanaka through the lakes to Makarora. Swam in a few waterfalls and in the last kilometres met up with Theys and Alexandra a Dutch couple I heard about the night before. Incredibly they are 3 months in to a 1 year cycling tour that started in India. With them they have their 2 year old son and 8 month old daughter. With out a doubt both of them carry double my load. Camping at Makarora there are now 6 cyclists from 5 diffe...