We left our little caboose accomodation after demolishing the last of our food leaving behind the very unripened avocados I’d bought but had not been able to enjoy. I thought they were riper!!

The day was slightly overcast but conditions for riding were pleasant. Not too warm, not too cold and wind was not a factor.

The roads were fairly quiet, and we headed back past the turnoff for the springs we’d visited yesterday.

A very large and clear sign. As you can see in the photo above no verge for us to ride on for much of the day.

Some rolling hill climbs but none were too long. More distant views.

Part of Golden Bay juts in behind Collingwood, a town known to many in Australia as a suburb of Melbourne, famous for its AFL football team, and a Yaxley family favourite. However this Collingwood is much smaller and it does appear to boast a rugby team.

The view from the back of our accomodation looking back towards the first two photos.

We looked for a coffee and the only thing open on Boxing Day here was this MAD site. Certainly they sold coffee, certainly the owner is a super clever and talented artist BUT full of divisive signs and commentary, preaching his beliefs re the tyranny of government to all and sundry.

I had $20 in my hand and I asked him what I owed, $20 will be fine he responded. Quick mental add up and it didn’t add up….and I looked at him….in essence, he does not keep books, he does not pay any kind of taxes or rates as that is theft, he is wanted by both Australian and NZ government’s for a variety of reasons.

His sermon was getting more emotive and angry as I stood silently listening, wondering how to extract myself as he said what he would do to any government official who tried to arrest him…thankfully an English guy waiting behind me joined in to give his experiences in support and I edged out.

The coffee was good.

I later googled the guy and lots of hits. He’s from Australia, a sand groper ( WA) and known for everything I witnessed. He has changed his name to NgAngA ( capitals as typed), meaning Peacemaker.

I would really like to go and look at his art more . He has an ultraviolet light section with art too. Maybe I need to get braver!! I’ll let you know if I put my big girl pants on….

He does also preach love. A very curious character and person indeed.

Having plenty of time we headed off to visit the famous Langford store at Blainham. It was a superb 32 km return ride from Collingwood along a fairly quiet road.

We really enjoyed this section.

Langford store is an institution in this part of New Zealand. It was established in 1928 by the current owners great great grandfather. He ran it as a general store and post office.

His granddaughter Lorna took it over in 1947 who made it famous by never changing a thing as the world changed around her.

In 2008 the business was taken over by her granddaughter Sukhita Langford. Now a tourist hub featuring history, antiques, arts and craft and a cafe.

We got to meet Sukhita, a vibrant and happy lady. She has resilience and tenacity having survived breast cancer in 2023 with the local community rallying around raising $ to keep the store open during her treatment and recovery.

Sukhita hand makes a range of hats and aprons and I purchased one of each.

Back to Collingwood after a total ride day of 70 km. Super enjoyable.

We wandered to the beach. Nice distant views of where we would ride the next few days.

We liked this driftwood tree. There was a metal pole in the centre holding it together.

Dinner was at the local pub. This is where you leave your gumboots arriving at the pub on a fine, no rain day. Another curiosity in New Zealand. I guess they wandering around in bare feet now.

Another day comes to a close. A super interesting day meeting two characters of the area with totally different perspectives but both passionate about what they are doing.

The scenery was great, the weather perfect for riding.

Thanks for reading 😊❣️🚴💪