Day Eight - Rikaia Gorge to Geraldine

Good camp at the gorge, woke and breakfasted looking out over the river. It was a fine sunny morning. Packed up the tents loaded up the bikes and headed off up the first only only real hill.of the day.

We turned off for Methven so I could get my spoke fixed. 16km detour to Bigs All's bike and ski shop.

While we waited we went for 2nd breakfast. Best breakfast yet..scrambled eggs and black pudding.on toast.. just the job.

Spoke fixed, New break cable, wheel realigned and it felt so good..

Back to the trail and onto photo spot at alford forest. 

Mt Somers was next stop for a little lunch at the general.store..what a great little store it is, with lots of old shop stuff around the walls and a good stock of Faraday pies which was very good (not as good as Amberley pie though). GF was alright too.

We pressed on through more long, straight, flat road with a mix of seal and gravel. Good riding but little points of interest other than sheep, cows, grass and and some tree. The weather was good, but distant cloud blurred the view of the hills.

We stopped for a nap at Ruapuna, but the town hall and cute church.

Amanda had a we play on the organ.

Then did a reading from Mathew.

We all had a wee nap, Amanda.more that others, with an adorable soft snore (check out youtube channel for that one).

Off again foe the final push to geraldine, unfortunately not going to make it in time for gin tasting, bit should be ok for dinner and drinks.

Arrived at 6pm, setup tents, showered and off to The Village Inn for a round of local Humdingers Gins and curry lamb shanks. Amanda and I also had the apple crumble which was outstanding.