Stormy night and cycling in pouring rain after buller river

April 29
I’ve woken up several times during the night from rain pouring down and stormy wind. The tent has rocked a lot and it was lucky that I tightened up almots all the guy lines. Even the the thunder has thundered loudly.

I wake up by the neighboring farms dog has found his way back to my place , probably reacts to something inside the tent because he’s barks dully.

It’s just after six o’clock and I hear the rain falling on the tent, not much, just drizzle. It’s no fun taking down the tent in pouring rain so I decide to hurry up and take it down.

I’m lucky that it’s only drizzle and a few minutes after half past seven I’m on my bike and cycling north.

After five, six km I stopped to change into rain clothes, the drizzle has turned into pouring rain. The road is narrow and winding, some parts, around curves, bridges they need to paint “one-lane road” on the road.

There are also a few houses and the ones that are there seem to be empty, as some signs that they are for sale testify to.

The river of noise flows calmly next to me and after almost 30 km a sign informs me of a café further ahead. A few km later a white, low house with red gables appears with the text Berlins Café and bar up top.

For now the rain has stopped and I can imagine a glimpse of sunshine. I step into an empty café and bar, only the staff are vacuuming.
A wide range of coffees above and below the counter to choose from….
I ask the young women behind the counter about coffee…

– What kind would you like?
– Black and Americano, no sugar, just black and strong!!
– I would also like a bacon and egg toast
– Sunny side up
– White or brown?
– Brown, please.

I sat by the window for an hour, enjoying my coffee, eggs, and bacon toast while watching the Buller River drift lazily by. The weather seems to be improving—the rain has stopped, and a few pale blue breaks in the clouds give me hope.

When I decide to move on, the drizzle starts again so I continue cycling in my rain gear.

The road winds through the countryside and also the Bullerfloden. I notice a few houses and they are so beautifully situated that it makes you jealous.

After an hour of cycling the clouds break and the rain stops. I took off my rain jacket but my trousers stayed on. Now the slopes have become more frequent, some of them quite tough, 11% the steepest of them.

A sign for a picnic area catches my attention, naturally perched atop a hill. It’s a lovely spot with several tables and benches. I grab my bag filled with food and a camping stove, preparing bread with cheese, jam, sausage, and a small cup of yogurt.

The rainbow has made itself known, it’s always fascinates and gives some hope for the future referring to the weather.

While checking Maps.me, I noticed a place called Swing Bridge located 12 km ahead. It’s a must-see.