Day 2 of TA - Local Knowledge
Distance: 69 km
Elevation gain: 913 metres
From the town of Ahipara to the town of Rawene
About 5hrs travel time, from 9:30am to 2:30pm
After yesterday's early start and long ride, I slept soundly—no surprise there—and was slow to get moving this morning. A light rain shower rolled through, quickly putting an end to any thoughts of an early departure. Today was the day to fully load the bike with all the TA gear. Yesterday's beach ride was a stripped-down version, carrying only the essentials since I was returning to my room in Ahipara where the rest of my gear was stored.
With my support crew duties wrapped up, Mark headed off around 8:30am to continue his Northland tour. I finally got on the road at 9:30am, after the usual fussing with gear and figuring out the best way to pack it. I left my travel duffle bag with the owners of the Ahipara Holiday Park—it had served its purpose of getting my gear to New Zealand, but it's bulky and not suited for bikepacking, so it's staying behind.
The route started off gently but soon turned into a climb. I had my first experience of walking and pushing the bike up the final stretch to the summit—not quite a mountain, but still a challenge. I'm hoping my body adjusts to this new reality soon.
I stopped in Broadwood for lunch, but the only option was a small general store with a petrol station out back. The hot food selection was limited to pies and sausage rolls, so I settled for a sausage roll and a Coke to refuel. Before leaving, I checked my notes and saw that the route would turn to gravel about 3km out of town and then climb steeply—not exactly enticing. Luckily, a local took interest in my journey and reviewed my route. He strongly advised against taking the mountain pass, describing it as steep, potholed, narrow, and generally unpleasant. He recommended an alternate tarmac route that also led to the Rawene ferry—excellent advice.
When I reached the junction 3km out of town and saw the gravel road with its caution and hazard signs, the decision was easy: trust the local knowledge. It turned out to be a great choice, and the official TA route notes also support the tarmac option when the gravel is in poor condition.
The road wound down to the Hokianga Harbour, where a car ferry crosses the short 2km stretch to Rawene—my stop for the night. Just $2 for a walk-on passenger with a bike.
Tonight's accommodation is at the Rawene Holiday Park. I had assumed it would be near the ferry terminal, but it's actually perched on a hill with stunning views of the water. One final push up the steep hill got me to check-in and begin the day's chores. I'll walk back down for dinner tonight, but I won't be riding back for breakfast—tomorrow's a big day.⸻
Today's theme song is by The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist
You're a nut! You're crazy in the coconut! / What does that mean? (That boy needs therapy)
The reality has set in for my journey south and it really is nuts!! I'll probably need therapy once this is all over. This photo from this morning probably backs that up. Trying to organise my gear. The black bag was left behind.
Elevation gain: 913 metres
From the town of Ahipara to the town of Rawene
About 5hrs travel time, from 9:30am to 2:30pm
After yesterday's early start and long ride, I slept soundly—no surprise there—and was slow to get moving this morning. A light rain shower rolled through, quickly putting an end to any thoughts of an early departure. Today was the day to fully load the bike with all the TA gear. Yesterday's beach ride was a stripped-down version, carrying only the essentials since I was returning to my room in Ahipara where the rest of my gear was stored.
With my support crew duties wrapped up, Mark headed off around 8:30am to continue his Northland tour. I finally got on the road at 9:30am, after the usual fussing with gear and figuring out the best way to pack it. I left my travel duffle bag with the owners of the Ahipara Holiday Park—it had served its purpose of getting my gear to New Zealand, but it's bulky and not suited for bikepacking, so it's staying behind.
The route started off gently but soon turned into a climb. I had my first experience of walking and pushing the bike up the final stretch to the summit—not quite a mountain, but still a challenge. I'm hoping my body adjusts to this new reality soon.
I stopped in Broadwood for lunch, but the only option was a small general store with a petrol station out back. The hot food selection was limited to pies and sausage rolls, so I settled for a sausage roll and a Coke to refuel. Before leaving, I checked my notes and saw that the route would turn to gravel about 3km out of town and then climb steeply—not exactly enticing. Luckily, a local took interest in my journey and reviewed my route. He strongly advised against taking the mountain pass, describing it as steep, potholed, narrow, and generally unpleasant. He recommended an alternate tarmac route that also led to the Rawene ferry—excellent advice.
When I reached the junction 3km out of town and saw the gravel road with its caution and hazard signs, the decision was easy: trust the local knowledge. It turned out to be a great choice, and the official TA route notes also support the tarmac option when the gravel is in poor condition.
The road wound down to the Hokianga Harbour, where a car ferry crosses the short 2km stretch to Rawene—my stop for the night. Just $2 for a walk-on passenger with a bike.
Tonight's accommodation is at the Rawene Holiday Park. I had assumed it would be near the ferry terminal, but it's actually perched on a hill with stunning views of the water. One final push up the steep hill got me to check-in and begin the day's chores. I'll walk back down for dinner tonight, but I won't be riding back for breakfast—tomorrow's a big day.⸻
Today's theme song is by The Avalanches - Frontier Psychiatrist
You're a nut! You're crazy in the coconut! / What does that mean? (That boy needs therapy)
The reality has set in for my journey south and it really is nuts!! I'll probably need therapy once this is all over. This photo from this morning probably backs that up. Trying to organise my gear. The black bag was left behind.
And getting it all sorted eventually. Sleeping back on one of the front forks, Tent on the other side. Rear panniers - one side with food / cooking and the other side with clothes. The yellow back on top is kind of 'float' and takes what doesn't fit in elsewhere. It also has my bulky running shoes.
The turn off to the Mountain Pass. Logging Trucks and my bike don't mix. I took the alternate route to Rawene on the tarmac.
Ferry to cross the harbour to Rawene
My room for tonight. It was an effort to get the bike up the stairs onto the deck and out of the weather.
A slight correction...the trip *is* the therapy.
ReplyDeleteDouble the elevation from day 1, don't compund that too often!
ReplyDeleteI think you should have a tshirt with Frontier Psychiatrist on it as you cycle through the forests and strike up conversations
Just like life, one rotation at a time gets u there
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Look forward to following from the couch
ReplyDeleteGreat work Anthony. I’m loving that you went with the sausage roll and coke - lunch of champions. In a week’s time hopefully you’ll be all into your routine and everything just feels “normal”. Loving the song themes each day too. Stay safe!
ReplyDelete