Today was my favourite ride so far. Me and Josh did the full length of the timber trail – 80km to Ongarue, nearly all single track. I felt very glad to have a solid, stable front-suspension bike with relatively wide tyres!
After a slow start given last nights 11pm lights out, we started the gentle climb up. The first 10km took a while as we climbed to the trail’s high point, with a couple of mechanical adjustment stops along the way. Josh is a mechanic so I’m learning some useful stuff!
There was mobile coverage briefly at the top – nice to check into the world again and make sure dinner would await us.
The rest of the day was lots and lots of mountain biking downhill. I was pretty pleased with how I did, given where my skill level was six months ago. It was exhilarating to confidently zoom down, picking a line and avoiding obstacles. As the day wore on, back, shoulders and hands got increasingly sore. It was a physical day even if not draining in terms of climbing/cardio. And amazingly beautiful weather, though nice to be in the trees where it wasn’t too hot.
We made it to Ongarue at 630pm – this tiny town has embraced TA, with special meals at the bowling club, where we’re also camping, and solar showers.
Looks like the weather might be on the turn so tomorrow it’s to Taumarunui then as far as we can get along the river trail…
Great progress, well done. Will you catch the Valley Girls?
You must be near half way to Wellington.
Ha they are staying nearby tonight, had a chat with them. They are not camping so usually get started around 7! We passed the centre of the north island day before yest, though the next section of trail is apparently slow. Probably no mobile coverage/no blog tonight!