Day 13 - Pipiriki to Whanganui

We had a bit of a sleep in this morning and we were awake at 7.00 am!

Breakfast was in the camp dining room and was light as we were planning on getting something more substantial on the road at about 20 kms.

The weather again was overcast initially but as the clouds burned off it became quite hot at 32 degrees.

The route today was basically beside the Whanganui River and includes 3 climbs.

The road surface was bitumen fortunately which really suited me especially for the 3 climbs!

At 23 kms we stopped at a lovely cafe at Matahiwi and had coffee and 2 muffins which were delicious and the right food for the day ahead.

Charged up, it was onwards to or destination with very little to report other than the scenery along the valley was very good.

We had one stop for a recovery drink and I was designated to go to the farm house to fill water bottles. I had a delightful chat to the 2 older folks in the house who were cleaning their son’s house. The views from the house were stunning and I had a great chat to them…. Much to the chagrin of Steve and Chris who were on the grass verge on the road!

We stopped about 10 kms from the end of the ride to have a milk shake which was great!

The last 10 kms in to Whanganui was on a bike path which was delightful and we arrived at the youth hostel at about 3.30 pm.

Given the heat, Steve and I had a cool drink ahead of a shower. Feel great today after the challenges of yesterday.

We did about 80 kms today and climbed about 970 metres .

The pictures today are as follows:

Today’s route

Several shots of the valley where we travelled

A photo of the new bridge at the start of the bike trail into town

Our home for the night at the Youth Hostel