Right… time for an early start. If today is going to be like the last two then I need to get away early.
The day was grey and cooler than previous days, “looks like rain” I said to no sheep in particular. I packed, ate, left a donation and got moving.
I took a look up that climb that defeated me yesterday, the devil looking down, chalking up his cue. I had to pay a bribe, a toll, something that showed I was righteous enough to make passage and I had it.
Fumbling I put on a playlist from the only band to have sold their souls to the devil… it was time for some Led Zeppelin.
So with ‘Mothership’ blasting in my headphones I made peace with the devil and he was pleased. Beyond that initial climb the land fell away into ever broadening valleys and shallowing peaks. I made it to Alfedton in a little over an hour, then continued south for Masterton. The devils billard table behind me.
It began to rain about an hour out, but that didn’t stop me. I was drinking strong hot coffee by 11am.
The rain picked up as I hit the road again and I was soaked by the time Greytown appeared through the milky haze.
I may have been wet, but that was the best 100km I had ridden in days. Thank you Jimmy Page.
The last night
This should be my last night on the road and it was going to be a wet one. It didn’t matter, I was more fixated on tomorrow and the Rimutaka.
I kept thinking about the last good climb to come as I prepared my last dehydrated meal. “I should be good for this” I said aloud, but I was filled with trepidation. I’ve not ridden this way before, “I sure hope I make it”.
As I drifted off I was reminiscing how far I’d come. Maybe 1,600 km in the big wiggle. It had been a cathartic journey with reality on the other side of those mountains. Maybe I should keep going… Maybe the road is my reality… I drifted off…
Today’s top track: Led Zeppelin – Ramble on