Date: Thursday 14 March 2013
Route: Nelson to Linkwater
Distance: 97km
Weather: overcast in morning, sunny in afternoon
Accommodation: Linkwater Motel – recommended

We had some long uphills this morning between Hira and the Rai Valley. The road had too many trucks to be comfortable for cycling. The Rai River is incredibly clear, you can see the pebbles at the bottom as you ride alongside it.

We had a break for coffee and fudge at Havelock and shopped for our dinner. We were relieved to turn off the busy Blenheim road onto Queen Charlotte Drive after Havelock.

There is another long uphill straight after Havelock with great views over the sound. This part of the ride was a lot quieter and more pleasant, with no trucks.

There is not much at Linkwater – no mobile phone reception either. However the hotel is very comfortable and quiet.