Day 12 - Masterton to home

I'm on the Interislander heading across to Picton. From there the course takes me along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, around to Pelorous Bridge and up and over the Mangatapu Saddle to Nelson. The saddle is known for being a bit if a gut buster on the way up with bike pushing, and a bit dubious on the way down to the Matai Valley - will likely be making use of my full suspension. I'm not sure yet whether I'll stop in Pelorous for the night or push on over the saddle tonight.

Yesterday was a fairly straight forward 150km ride from Masterton to Martinborough, over the Remutaka Rail Trail to home. Unfortunately Wellington turned on a southerly head wind rather than the preferred northerly tail wind. However it was nice to be in familiar territory.

Just the one climb of note up the Remutaka incline yesterday,.
It was good to have a night at home and to see everyone. Also a good opportunity to charge all the devices, bring washing up to date etc. 

I was curious to check my weight given the trade off of all the extra food I'm consuming vs the extra energy expended. My weight is down 2 to 3 kgs although still well within my normal range.

Looking at my gear list, I'm carrying about the same as many others but also more than many.
I didn't use anything thermal in the North Island so could have left this all at home. eg arm warmers, polyprops as it was definitely warmer up north both day and night. Otherwise I've used most of the gear I'm carrying, or is other vital gear such as repair kit stuff. The one item I added along the way was lip balm. Those who carry less gear  typically don't carry any camping gear.     





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