Bent On New Zealand: Day 50 Wed 04/01/17 - Wellington Rowena's Backpackers to Featherston Motel Backpackers

Today Distance : 72.0 km Total: 3036.7km

Today weather : 12 - 19C Morning sunny afternoon heavy rain

Time on Bike : 5 hr 22 min

Ave speed : 13.4 kmh Max : 60.4 kmh

Ave Climb : 6% Max :27%

Trip Altitude : 773 m Max : 550 m

Today spend : 35 nzd Total : 1116.8 nzd

After staying 2 nights in Rowena's Backpackers in Wellington,i am ready to continue my journey north,weather looks fine and I roll off at 9.30am,just follow the coast line with the sea on my right and the big hill on my left. Feeling very relax and energetic after a good rest day, passing notable busy towns like Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt before started the climb at Te Marua and all the way up to Rimutaka Crossing at altitude of 550m.A 20 minutes stopover to enjoy the views of the winding road that I rode up and also the 10km downhill to Featherston. Putting on my windbreaker and head scuff to keep myself warm. when I was halfway down,the weather took a sudden change and started to rain like cats and dogs coupled with very strong cross wind,quickly I stop and put on my raincoat, going down very slowly for safety reason, at times I had to press 4 brakes to slow down the bike on a very slippery road, I was shivering cold until I arrived in Featherston town and decided to check in the only Backpackers in town,which I did not plan for,the rate was 35nzd for a small room, i am soaking wet,what choice do I have,tho expensive but money well spent for a good hot shower and warm bed.