Epic camp mini NZ Day 1- Nelson to Takaka via Kaitereiteri with aquathon in the middle

Stats - ride ~ 121km, 1383m asc swim ~ 850m run- 4.2 km, trails + steps The grupetto ( mostly girls plus Paul ) set off at bang on 8.30, weather was dull, mild and little wind which is perfect riding weather. Finally made it through the rush hour traffic ( my god Nelson is busy, traffic, trucks everywhere. We turned off on to the road / climb to Moutere saddle which is very pleasant; full of fruit orchards and wineries. Quick aid station stop at 50km then on to Kaiteriteri which was a stop for a swim run. Ugh - after last night's uphill battle with the tide, I wasn't looking forward to it but it was awesome !! A bit fresher but the water is so clear. My Garmin said 225m ?? for 16 min ish of swimming. Piss off!!! Average readings on everyone elses was around 850 m so I'll take it, an improvement n last night! Quick T1 then a run up over the track to Little Kaiterteri ( read: multiple steps, sand, hilly trails ) return the same way then head up to a point at the other end of Kaiterteri. It was only 4km but a little gut busting!! An icy cold shower, change back into cycle kit and we were off, regrouping at the base of Takaka Hill to be chaperoned by Ian, the man in charge of traffic management for the whole site. The roadworks stretch 3.5km and the traffic is down to one lane; when you see the massive craters and work they are doing its an mammoth task! The rain had started as we left Kaiterteri and wa sgetting heavier and heavier as we climbed Takaka hill ( its 16 km from this side). Zero visibility, and was getting quite chilly.....not as bad as the Col d' Ordinho though eh!! A great climb, and I rode better than I expected. Added an extra layer or two at the top and then started the 10 km descent which was as fucking miserable as anticipated. Next bike is def going to have disc brakes, also thought that i would be challenging the mountain snail for his title of..... well, mountain snail!! The rain eased a bit at the base and I knew it was only 21 km to the motel so I just put the hammer down, listened to some stomping beats and hoofed it to Takaka where it wasnt raining. We are here for 2 nights which is great, once showered and snacked, John took us to Pupu Springs - google it, its amazing and serenely peaceful but I cant be bothered explaining right now( too tired :-) Dinner was at the Mussel Inn ( somewhere out of Takaka on the way to Collingwood), yummy. Self composting toilets too !! Heavy rain warnings are in place for tomorrow; so looking like a swim and trail run. I;d like to go have a look around Takaka as its 18 years since I was last here. People are still walking around without shoes on so seems like not much has changed !! Right - better get to bed, more exciting installments tomorrow ..... promise.