With over 80k to cover today we set off (relatively) early- 8am ish.

We hugged the coast all the way down. For the first 40k the wind was behind us and riding was easy. First stop was at a shipping container transformed into a coffee spot- full of both locals and tourists- and we soon saw why- best coffee we’ve had so far.

Reached our halfway point at 11.30 which as fortune would have it was the Iron House Brewery. Fabulous views and a great place to rest our bones for an hour- mind you, had we known what was to come we might not have lingered quite so long.

The east coast is certainly spectacular- gorgeous pristine beaches one after the other- but the winds were punishing. By mid afternoon they had reached the threatened 45-55km/hr, which was great when they were behind us, hard work when they hit us front on, and downright scary when they hit us from the side. A few times we had to get off and walk as the wind blew us into the gravel shoulder.

With 10km to go we gave in to exhaustion for a while- rode down to the beach, devoured our bread rolls and hedgehog slice and let the sun and food work its magic before setting off again.

We arrived in Bicheno round 5 very windswept but nothing a shower, pizza and beer couldn’t fix.

Off to Coles Bay tomorrow- a much shorter ride thank goodness.