km)
\nThe weather forecast was not at all promising, although it did suggest that\nthe morning should be better. As we woke up to torrential rain, we didn't feel\ntoo optimistic!! We had a slow start but there was no real improvement, so we\nset off in a bid to avoid the strong winds that were heading our way later.
\nAs it happened, it rained for an hour or so and then pretty much cleared up.\nIt was a lovely ride too - we took the long route around the far side of Lake\nWairarapa, which actually covers part of the Rimutaka trail. We'd certainly\nrecommend it, and the whole of this mini-tour. Here's today's route for anyone\nwho's interested:
\nhttps://www.strava.com/activities/1598540162
I was worried about Ed getting cold (in his shorts and no waterproof trousers\nas he'd given them to me!) so set a relatively fierce pace.....meaning we were\nin Featherston about 3 hours early. We actually managed to waste this time\nadmiralty by spending some time browsing books and drinking hot drinks at the\nlovely 'Loco' cafe, tasting surprisingly good cheese (for New Zealand) at\n'C'est Cheese', eating some excellent chips at the local chippy, and buying\nprovisions for at the small supermarket. We missed the museum which was a\nshame as it's supposed to be really good. There were at least two other cafes\nwe could have visited too, if it had come to it. Alas the library is closed on\nSundays.
\nThe train back to Welly was straightforward once again. The weather did indeed\nclose in, but we managed not to get blown into the sea on our way back to the\ngood old YHA.
\nSo that is that for cycle touring for a little while.....back in a few months\nwhen we reach Italy and head for home!
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