Working 9 to 5

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Bugger that was hard.  Today was 95 miles (the longest of the trip) but that doesn't convey the true misery that a 20mph headwind can bring to the party.  We have been cycling down the Wairau Valley, probably very lovely if you aren't cowering over your handlebars trying to present the smallest cross section possible.  About 7 years ago I rode this valley in the other direction......and also had a 20mph headwind.

I am getting ahead of myself.  Last night we had a great time with Phil and Ali, owners of the Lazy Cow.  Phil treated us to some of his cache of special beer, Ali fed us in style and it was great to spend a night with friends.  This morning we set off full of an optimism that faded as quickly as the wind picked up.

Anyway, we made it to Renwick, on the outskirts of Blenheim.  We have ridden about 350 miles and this is the first community we have passed through with more than 1000 inhabitants.  South Island is about the same size as England but only has about a dozen places with more than 10,000 inhabitants!!!  At any given time there are more people in aeroplanes than South Island.

We are staying in the 'Cork and Keg', a British themed pub.  The 'theming' appears to involve taking a standard kiwi pub, selling beer in full pints and charging stupid money for them.  When it is time to pay they have absolutely nailed it.  At least they do serve genuine pints......I really don't approve of Johnnie Foreigner calling anything bigger than a 330ml bottle a 'pint'.

Tomorrow we have to start cycling at 4am.  Its complicated, I'll explain later but......bugger!

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