TA Day 14 - Rangiwahia to North Palmerston

 61.2 miles, 3202’ climbing

Lodging: Fitzherbet Motor Lodge

Rain

The Rangiwahia Community Center turned out to be a great place to camp, but the night and morning were cold. One other pair of bikepackers was up before us while the others slept. We packed up as quietly as possible, appreciating the electric kettle that let us make a morning coffee without breaking out our stove. We were a little late getting started for another day of rolling thru hills filled with cattle and sheep holdings. It started raining before long, and smooth asphalt changed to gravel. Traffic was minimal. Rain started and stopped. 

After 46 miles, we rolled into Ashhurst in the rain, pulling under the awning of a closed business to check our phones for a cafe to take a break. A woman approached us, introduced herself as Mary, said she was in town to buy coffee and had treats for us. She presented us with cookies and muffins, told us about the two cafes we could visit, and presented Sarah with a frosted red velvet cupcake for International Women’s Day, something she was doing for every woman riding past on the TA today. It was such a nice gesture!

We proceeded to a cafe where we saw a few other cyclists and had delicious, fresh baked cranberry and chicken pies. 

The last several miles into North Palmerston were on a River path, then we turned into town on pretty, tree lined neighborhoods including a ride past some upscale houses with back yards on a canal (river?) with docks. Very nice! From our comfortable room we did our usual evening chores: charge electronics, showers, grocery shopping, and we had a nice dinner out. We are still a few days away from Wellington and the ferry to the South Island which we are looking forward to.