Day 24 - the big finale Mossburn to Bluff

The last day! Today's objective was to get to the finish line at Bluff, which I did relatively easily by about 3.00pm.

I started early at 6.45am while it was well and truly dark. I was mindful that I had 140km to ride and the forecast was a tad average, although this was to be the first and only day with no climbs.

After 15km my back tyre was a tad soft. I had a go at pumping it up, but that only lasted 2km so I replaced the tube. I've not had a lot of fun fixing punctures with this bike. I've done a quite a few over the years but I've struggled to get these tyres both off and back on and today was no exception - and it did take quite a while today to fix.

I was really grateful for the tail wind today as it would have been a long hard day otherwise. However, the large number of Sounds 2 Sounds riders I stayed with last night and also passed in the early morning going in the opposite direction were less enthusiastic about what was a head wind for them.

Today's ride was generally down Southland back roads through farm land, really just a transition through to the finish.

I stopped for coffee in Winton after about 70km  with another rider I had been catching. I then pretty much rode non-stop the remaining 70km to Bluff encouraged by seeing the finish line and the rain that had set in (making any stop less comfortable).

As I watched Bluff Hill slowly work it's way around to in front of me, it was like wow, I'm almost here. I've seen a lot of the country in the last three and half weeks and met a lot of wonderful people.

I arrived soon after 3pm to a welcome from Mary-Ann and dad.

A big thanks to everyone who has followed me and supported me over the last few weeks. Thanks for all the messages, for the help and assistance, for searching me down to  visit me, and to ride with me.

A special thanks to my family whose support has enabled me to participate in this event. Also to my work colleagues who have covered for me

Thanks to all the providers on tour, including all the bike shops.

Thanks to those I met on tour and a special thanks to all those I rode with.

Apologies to anyone I have missed for now

A super big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser. Over $7,000 has been raised for this very worthy cause.

I'll do some stats and publish some more reflections in due course.

Mapprogress has me finishing in 23 days 8 hours 5 mins and 47 seconds. I'll just call it 24 days.