Day 12 of TA - Let’s Cook

Distance: 51 km

Elevation gain: 1,071 metres

From the town of Mangakino to the start of the Timber Trail at Pureora

About 4hrs riding time, and 5hrs elapsed from 7:00am to 12pm 

I was awake early (5 am) and still debating whether to ride today or to have a rest day.  There's a weather front coming which will mean probably two rest days here in Mangakino.  

I have contingency to spend two days here and still get to Wellington by 30th October, but I looked outside and it wasn't raining so I made the decision to try and get to the start of the timber Trail today and race the weather. 

I was on the bike at 7 am and cruising out of Mangakino when the rain started, quite heavily in fact. It was at this point that I regretted my decision to get out of bed. 

I pushed on and the rain eased up and eventually stopped.  I climbed into the mountains heading towards the next photo control point which was the centre of New Zealand's North Island. 

During dry spells, I munched down food and gels to give me energy to get up and over the mountains.  By 10:30 am I'd reached the centre of the North Island. Unfortunately I had to leave my bike about 200 m away because the walking track was blocked by fallen trees. The empath in me felt sorry for the bike missing out on getting to the centre.

Back on the bike and climbing continued for another half an hour or so and then it was downhill (mostly) to the start of the Timber Trail.  That foul weather is still coming so I'll probably spend a rest day here and continue my journey on Wednesday.

I'm staying in a cabin in Pureora. It's pretty basic but it will be warm and dry and give the body and legs some time to recuperate for the Timber Trail and days ahead.  There are no shops here so all the food I've been carrying for the previous 12 days will finally get put to good use.  And I may not restock with quite as much when next I visit the shops. Unless you count chocolate, which will always be restocked.  I'll also need to use my sleeping bag and pillow so it may be justified carrying them after all.

Today's theme song is by Mental as Anything - Let's Cook

I finally get to do some cooking with all the food I've been carrying.  And the upbeat feel of the song matches my mood today.  I feel lucky to be here in Pureora, ready for the next leg when the weather improves.  

Early departure this morning. 

The rain had stopped when I've crossed the swing bridge today. It was very tight getting my bike across  

Photo control point 8 - Centre of the North Island.