Mike Harman's Journal

Up early ready to hit the road for the first run of the rally. There was no set start times so as to not interfer with morning traffic this applied every day except competition day. We decided for a 8.30am start as we had to be at the lunch spot by 11.30am at the latest, the lunch breaks were held on football (Rugby) grounds to accomodate the 547 cars and keep us away from the public so as to protect us from covid. This was because all the entrants had to be vaccinated and have a covid pass no pass no entry and this proved to be the right move by the organisers. In the morning run we chose the short run so as to go accross a old swing bridge that had been especially opened for us.
after lunch we did the long run which again took us over the bridge and through a tunnel. The morning run was 31 miles and the afternoon run27 miles this may not sound very far but in NZ the roads are full of twist and turns also quite hilly.anyway after following the route book instructions we finished up back at rally headquartes to collect any updates for the next day, Then to gas up and back to the motel for a couple of beers before dinner. a very enjoyable day without any problems.