Well, its raining out here on the West Coast, and Saturday holds the forecast of 30mm of rain in the morning with up to 80 km/h winds at 1000m elevation (about that of Goat Pass), so a decision will be made early on race morning as to whether we can safely ford the rivers and take on the wind on the run up over goat pass or take the shorter, safer, but steeper Road #73 through Arthur’s Pass — and by steeper I mean that we noticed a sign on the way that read 16% grade next 2 km…

I would prefer Goat Pass, but we will take what we get!

They dont think that this west coast rainfall will affect the paddling course significantly — though they have a plan b for that which involves a LOT of extra cycling.