The End of the Adventure

The last two days of riding more than made up for all the rain and mud!  The sun came out, the clouds went away (the hills didn't) and the views kept on coming.  We stayed near Cathedral Cove the second last night and since we got in early enough and the tide was low, we made a quick little road trip to check it out.  It seems the tide was actually on its way back in though, and since I'd had enough of being wet the day before, I decided not to wade in through the rising water to have a look at the second of the two openings.  But I was quite happy hanging out on the enormous, empty beach.

Our last morning of riding started out quite chilly and there was a rumour about frost on the windshield of the truck but I think it was just thick dew!  Off we went, excited to finish but a little sad, too.  We took our time riding, savouring it all, stopping at two cafes and enjoying one last lunch truck picnic.  Our first stop in Bluff was the big rusted metal sign with the ground around it covered in decorative crushed oyster shells - a good idea with the endless supply of oysters available.  Then we pedalled on to the hotel to wait for everyone to arrive so we could ride together to the very end of the road.  No police escort, but a fun finish and Lindsay even had a couple of containers of Bluff oysters to share around.  No better way to celebrate!  

The bar has been set very high for any of us thinking about hosting a ride to show off our home turf.  Our two Kiwi friends planned an exceptional trip that took us through their beautiful country on an interesting, varied and safe route.  We made new friends, met new challenges, enjoyed the local food and wine, and loved meeting friendly, helpful and hospitable New Zealanders.  Before we left, we had never talked to anyone who had visited New Zealand who didn't like it - now we know why!