Riding a bike from Cape Reinga to Bluff
A big day on single trail. The climb up to the start of the Timber Trail was long and relentless
Once we were on the Timber Trail, there was a bit more climb and then huge amounts of descending. Fantastic trails, beautiful bush. Surely one of the best highlights of the trip so far.
Exhausted we arrived at Ongarue, where the locals had a (cold) shower, hot meal and a hall floor to sleep on for $20
After a shortish ride to Taumaranui and a Big Breakfast we started a long climb up to Whakahoro in showers and patchy rain.
At Whakahoro the Blue Duck Cafe provided cold drinks and a big Lasagne which we hoovered up. It was also the last bit of civilisation till Pipiriki
We had booked the 8am Jet boat so we had to push on even though it was already after 4pm. The next 4 hours were intense with difficult single track meaning a lot of pushing the bike, followed by 4wd tracks made of papa mud that encased the tires.
Taking a risk we kept going at the second to last campsite so we could be as close to the boat as possible. Under lights we arrived at our campsite in the dark.
We setup camp knowing that we had made our goal and I slept soundly. First actual night in the tent.
After a short ride to the bridge to nowhere and then to the landing the Jet boat arrived just as I did.
Great to see that bridge again… my 4th visit.
30min later we were in Pipiriki and enjoying a complementary hot breakfast, bike wash and new batteries for the spot tracker.
The river road is all sealed now and a pretty easy ride. Great to see Soren ride out to meet us and ride back to Whanganui!
Big Butter Chicken Curry for dinner and a night at the top10 campground
Weird to be heading home 10 days into a 30 day event. My home is on the course so I get 1 night at home (or maybe 2)!
Home roads through to Hunterville and on to Rangiwahia. This country is so dry
When we arrived in Apiti I decided to eat some food and then push on home. Hard to pass up that opportunity
Solo and under lights I completed a big day and made it home. Thanks to my neighbours who made food and drink for me.
Sleeping in my own bed… Bliss!
No riding today
I took the bike in to be serviced. No problem, just some adjustment and new brake pads.
I didn’t expect a rest day… But I got one
Cold rain and a strong southerly was a bit of a shock after the fantastic spell of weather we enjoyed so far.
After a fantastic breakfast thanks to our hosts Manni and Claire we made for Wellington. Cold southerly still operating
Coffee in Martinborough and next to the start of the Rimutaka incline track. Great riding. Steady gradient and good conditions
No chance of making the 4pm ferry, but we went hard down the Hutt Valley just in case.
We managed to sweet talk or way onto the 8:30pm ferry and arrived in Picton late. I think I slept the whole trip as I only remember the first and last 5 min of the sailing.