As we left the harbor-side cafe this morning just outside the historic coastal village of Ōmāpere, a friendly gentleman said “Whatddya up to today mate?” Tom explained the ride and destination. The man smiled and replied, “They’re some good grinders up ahead.”
Great, I’m thinking! I could use a good sammich for lunch! Maybe even second breakfast. I’m thinking lots of shredded lettuce, provolone, a variety of salty meats, tomato, salt, pepper and some oil and vinegar. Oh I could taste it.
Nope! Not what he meant. Grinders. Big hills that will chew and grind your muscles right up. 😂
We did ok on those hills tho, and Tom made them look easy. The key is to ride your own ride. And getting to ride through the Waipoua Forest and meet Tane Manuto was worth more than any sammich.
And look who showed up at the top of one of those hills and passed us while I stopped to make some strap adjustments. Perrine! Her bike is holding up well and she’s still smiling big.
More about that tree we set out to meet today, Tane Mahuta, or “Lord of the Forest”, is the world’s largest living kauri tree is believed to be between 1,200-1,500 years old. With a girth of about 46 feet and 160 feet tall, he is massive.
The kauri trees are second in size only to the giant sequoias in California. Sadly, due to extensive harvesting and clearing land for farms by early Europeans, their numbers are declining. Only in areas that are difficult to access do kauri groves remain. Good news is they are still much loved AND now protected. In fact there is a shoe scrubbing and washing station before the walk to the site.
More excellent gravel riding today (scenic, friendly gravel and no chasing doggos like in Louisiana). Apparently though, dogs and kiwi birds aren’t compatible.
Thanks for following along!
Check on the image below to view today’s vid:
Keep Calm and Pedal On 