26th March - Old Farts Tour Stage 6

This was the last stage for me and Grant who had to get back to work. Gary had arranged a ride for us with Gail who was visitng relatives and who would pick us up on Blenheim.  We were also joined in the leg by Rudie who had come to do the last 2 days.  The forecast was for fine weather but with the prospect of head winds.  We lapped out with a small number of us doing the work until we got to Kekerengu store.  After some refreshments we carried on.  It was now a pretty strong head wind and so Grant and I spent time riding on the front to provide some shelter.  When others had a turn I created a 2nd group for shelter - it was hard work but as it was our last day it was a good opportunity for one last push.  We stopped briefly at the Seddon store for lunch and then continued on to Blenheim in much the same format.  A small fire had started on hills coming in to Blenehim and a number of cars had stopped to render assistance.  The fire truck was on its way and as we biked along the road we could feel the heat from the flames.  Ritchie suggested that we stop and help but exactly what 11 lycra clad loons in slippery bike shoes was going to achieve was beyond me.  As we got to Blenheim Gail appeared in the car.  It was our time to leave the tour - it had been an interesting ride and a great opportunity to see some of the country that I hadn't ridden in before but more pressing matters were looming.