Tour progress

The first day was mostly dry, but hard and unforgiving, for drivers and cyclists alike...up and down zig zagging along to Russell. A quick ferry ride in the roll-on roll-off ferry then on to the campsite at Waitangi. A site definitely to be recommended.
We investigated the house where the Waitangi treaty was signed..or rather tried to..it's now inside a museum and we were a little late.
The rising moon was beautiful..and in the morning the reflection of the setting moon was breathtaking, just as the rain rolled in.
Luckily as the race at off the rain had finished  and I saw them past.
A leisurely shop and hopefully I was far enough being the tail enders I thought....I managed to pass several groups cleanly without causing bother to the riders, and had a stop at Kaikohe.
It looks like a lively town, like many the shops are struggling, but it looks like the community pulls together.
It was good coffee there!!
An hour's break and 50 km to go out of 90 to Opononi..
I caught pirate's group and stopped to cheer them on.
It's interesting how groups develop with riders supporting and encouraging others...it's about finishing not just doing a good time.
Tonight we are in the Opononi Hotel...good food, good music, good company!!