Martin and Pete planned to go to a bike shop in Palmy and I thought about doing the same to get a cycle computer, but was keen to keep making progress towards Wellington and home where I planned to have a rest day.
On leaving Ashhurst I passed the side of the domain I hadn't seen and there was a campground. I was pleased to have stayed at the hotel though.
I stopped briefly at a service station cafe for second breakfast and relief from the steady rain before tackling the Pahiatua Track. The Track is a normal road; its name must date from an earlier time. It was horrible to cycle over. There was a really strong gusty headwind and it was quite steep. I was going so slowly I struggled to keep my balance in the wind. There was also no verge and lots of traffic. I had regular breaks to rest and give myself pep talks. It was the worst equal section of the TA along with the Firth of Thames. Not a bike ride I want to repeat.
To make up for it was followed by a lovely stretch of gravel road and before too long I was in Pahiatua. As I got into town I could see about half a dozen TAers leaving at the other end of town. I thought about catching up to them but needed to get something to eat and was looking forward to getting out of the rain for a little bit. It also gave me a chance to check Map Progress where I could see the group that just left included Steve and Marion. When I did get on the road to Eketahuna I set myself a brisk pace to see if I could catch up with them. I did eventually in Eketahuna where they had stopped for lunch. They were with John C and Grimmy as well as Sue and John O. It was good to see everyone again after two days of solo riding. I was planning on taking a photo at the checkpoint of the giant kiwi, but of course everyone else had already done so and I didn't want to hold them up or try and chase back up to them so missed it. I wasn't motivated by getting any recognition by sending the checkpoint photos at the end and wasn't even sure there was any recognition to be had anyway.
Steve and John C set a quick pace. It was fun riding in a group again on some nice gravel roads even though it continued to rain. Eventually I recognised familiar roads as we approached Masterton. It was about 4pm when we got into town and I was done for the day and texted my uncle to see if I could stay for the night. The others were on a timetable to meet family members or the Cook Strait ferry, so I said goodbye and they continued to Featherston.
My uncle and aunt were very welcoming and I was very grateful for their hospitality at such short notice.
John, Steve, Marian and Grimmy in Masterton.