We woke up in our tents, peeked out and walked to the lake to view the beginning of a beautiful day. Thanks God!
After our four P’s, (pack-up, push-ups, planks and prayers) we were underway, but first we had a HUGE grind to get up the steep dirt road to get OUT of the campground.
Our plan was to ride 50 miles to Pureora before tackling the much talked about Timber Trail.
As it was, we had only enough gas in the tank to get to Mangakino as today there was a 12 mile single track technical section and some of us (me especially) ended up hiking with the bike rather than riding it.
The trail was gorgeous, but it wore both of us out with its steep, short climbs, tight turns riding loaded bikes, being uber careful to avoid sudden drop offs. It’s as tough to push bikes up these grades as it is to ride them sometimes.
Good news is there is always something pretty to look at and since New Zealand doesn’t have anything in the woods that will kill you, (like grizzlies) that takes the stress out of the whole ordeal.
We met up down by the lake and then climbed back up and headed to Mangakino where we made the decision to break the 50 miles into two shorter days as do a lot of TA riders along this stretch.
Tomorrow we reach the centerpoint of the island where I hope to be riding not hiking with my bike. 🤷🏼♀️
Click on the image below to view today’s video.
Keep Calm and Pedal On 
Smart move, breaking the trip in two! You have such a wonderful way with words. I just arrived in Singapore last night. Most beautiful airport ever!
LikeLike
wow! It is beautiful but scary steep! Good thing you are so accomplished at riding and hiking!
LikeLike