Friday, April 20, 2018

Pie Ride Stats

Pie Count: 35
Caramel Slices: 20
km ridden: 3809.4

Best Pies:
Lignite Cafe
Murchison Tea House
Food for Thought
Waitiki Visitor Centre

Best Caramel Slices:
Real Meat Pies
Eruption Cafe
Sweet Cakes

Best Sausage Roll:
Inangahua

Best Looking Campsite:
Slab Hut outside of Reefton

Best Sunset:
Lake Ianthe

Pie Ride: North Island Diary Entries

Sorry that this has taken almost a year to type up. I was recently talking to people about my trip and realized that I hadn't typed up the North Island events.

9-10/04/2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 1

It was a well earned rest period. I worked on the bike, my body, and did an interview of sorts. We hosted Constantine for an evening and managed to see the Batman movie as well.

11/04/2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 2
Flats: 1

Woke up early, but as I was home it was hard to leave. I ate, packed, loaded the bike, and headed out around 8:30. I took the Hutt River Trail to Upper Hutt and joined up with the Rimutaka Trail. There was a short section damaged with the recent flooding. I had to push my bike across that section. The trail wasn't very technical, but was very scenic. I would like to see what the coasat has to offer. You had a decent climb, but not as bad as the road as there are numerous tunnels you go through. Happy to have my light attached! There was a dicey section where they advise you to walk your bike. I originally scoffed at the idea. Glad I reconsidered as that was nuts. Maybe on my MTB, but fully loaded rigid bike no thanks. You then had to manage a stream with a very uneven riverbed. Then it was all downhill! I got to a junction and flatted. I was 2km from the road.

Oh well, it was bound to happen at some point. I fixed my flat and hit the road. It was a quick 10km to Featherston where I had a Salty Dog drink and a good burger at Everest. The burger would have been better if the bottom of the bun wasn't soggy. The town seemed to be happening. Lots of cars and people. Well then I rode off to Martinborough. This is where I originally planned on staying but swapped for Carterton based on price. I ran into 2 cyclists (1 from Australia and the other France). We chatted for a bit and I may see them tomorrow as we both plan on route 52 for the bulk of the day. From there I rode to Carteron via Stonehedge Aotearoa, they would have been closing as I rolled in so I snapped photos of Alpacas and called it a day. I got to Carterton and set up the tent. Had Turkish for dinner and read about the hot air balloon festival happening in town this week.

Tomorrow I'm riding to Ashhurst via Route 52 with a stop in Masterton. Beth booked a room as its supposed to be pissing out tomorrow starting at 3pm. Matter of fact it just started here. Wrapping up the journal, brush teeth, and scamper to the tent.

12/04/2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0

Woke up before 6 to be on the road as soon as possible to try to beat the rain in Ashhurst. I ran into a cycle commuter this morning and chatted a bit. This made me miss the recommended bakery. Oh well! I grabbed a pie in Masterton, which was decent. Not enough filling to fill the pie. Then grabbed a cookie and slice at 10 o'clock cookie break. Slice was good. Would eat again. I then found my way to Route 52 for back road fun. Lots of farms and some logging. Then stopped in Pahiatua for lunch at Wooden Spoon Cafe and to warm up from some of the rain that had fallen. The gorge was scary to ride. There was no shoulder and fast traffic. I'm glad there was construction to limit the vehicles behind me. With my arrival to Ashhurt the rain started. Glad my 130km is over with minimal cold rain. Tomorrow is a different story. Heading down Manawatu Scenic Route to Mangaweka 95km and 20 more to Taihape. Of course the weather could go to custard and I may have to re-evaluate. My pen has died.

13/04/2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourist: 0

The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse so I left Ashhurst early to make it to Taihape before it really hits. I had a quick breakfast of oats and tea. Then it was time to ride the Manawatu Scenic Drive. This comprised of 95km of very little phone coverage and no place to restock. I thought I read something about Apiti, but as I turned down the road I got a text from Beth saying no cafe until Mangaweka. So I turned back around.

The ride was pretty brutal as it was steep climbs followed by steep descents with maybe a gentle gradient climb in between. Repeat this for the duration of the ride. I recall saying seriously as the road turned the bend to reveal a steep gradient and a long climb. Well at least it didn't rain that much until I hit Mangaweka. I proceeded to smash a ginger beer, 3 glasses of water, a hot chocolate, a creamy mushroom soup with 2 pieces of toast, and a lamb burger. This is because I ate only 2 GUs, a handful of mangos, and a handful of trail mix for the entire ride. I managed to converse a couple swallows of my last water bottle before hitting town. With it being poor weather and a holiday weekend, I bought snacks for my bags and a couple other items for breakfast and dinner.

The stretch from Mangaweka to Taihape is crazy. Up the big hill there is a passing lane, but most people just buzzed me on the narrow shoulder. I yelled a few times 'Are you serious? There is a passing lane.' The 20km seemed longer because of this and the rain. Is there any other route I could have taken? I want to minimize my time on SH1. Beth booked me at Rusty Nail Backpackers. Go figure its on a big hill. At least I get a descent when I leave.

I'm in an 8 person dorm with 1 other guy who I've not met yet. I walked into town to get some groceries. It was about a 10 minute walk along side SH1. I stopped by Brown Sugar Cafe and there was a peanut butter slice. The storm finally started hitting around 4. Then there was a Hope Walk for suicide going on around town. Tomorrow I think I'm heading to Ohakune, but the Timber Trail is probably going to be crap with all the rain we've been getting. So I may flag that and just go around the West side of the Lake. Beth and I may do a walk if timing is an issue. Jake won't be in until Wed and can't get the bike until Thursday.

14-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

I rode from Taihape to Ohakune via the OTT Trail, it says grade 4 but onlyt because its remote. I saw 16 cars, an atv, and 1 horse rider all day on the back roads. It was a fair amount of climbing, all day up and down with a lot of up. Oh yes one of the hostel guys made me self-conscious as he said 'you got some pretty big legs on you, don't you?' My quads definitely seem to be perma-pumped on the trip. I had a dad's pie at Ohakune after the ride as I was hungry. It was an Angus Beef Chili and Cheese. Surprisingly very good. My last dad's pie was just ok. Beth booked us a room at the quiet end of town. Which really meant more climbing. We had a nice meal at Osteria and she managed to retrieve my jacket I left at the Rusty Nail backpackers earlier. Managed to sit in a hot tub for a good spell and relax the muscles.

15-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0
Flats: 1

Short ride from Ohakune to National Park. Luckily as I had a flat, my pump broke, and early morning rain which lasted into early afternoon. Beth and I had a couple meals then she went to National Park, but we also went to Ruapehu and did a waterfall track and my phone's camera lens got condensation in it. I rode the Old Coach Road up to Horopito. The track is a combination of grass, mud, gravel, single track, and cobblestones. Lots of fun, but had to watch out for the people going downhill. I ended up getting very muddy and wet as the rain started up again. I caught up to a another drop bar brother on the track. It was the same guy who earlier been riding down Ruapehu. He was on a cross bike and was from Kapiti Coast. Chatted with him for a bit and spun throuth Horopito junk yard before he headed back to Ohakune and me to National Park. This hostel also had a hot tub. I made use of it right away as I was soaked from the ride. Beth and I cooked dinner and then went to bed. Both of us exhausted from the previous day, me riding and her driving.

16-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Beth went to do a track while I was riding. I googled bike directions from National Park to Tihoi to Kinloch to Taupo, it was 140km. I had 30km between National Park to Tihoi on back roads. Little did I know that last 13km was going to be on private land. I did call the numbers provided to get access, but no answer on Easter Sunday. So I hopped the fence as I thought it was going to be a few km until the next road. Nope, 13km of private roads. I ran into a group walking and got asked where I was going and that I was on private land. I apologized several times, and explained the situation. Finally, I got back onto the highway. I started up to Tihoi and Beth came up behind me. We went to a lookout and talked about our morning adventures. She then went up to Tihoi Tavern where we planned to eat a late lunch. After a short amount time, Beth came back and told me the tavern is for sale and closed. So I had her go to Kinloch for the next meet up. Shortly befor Orakau Track the skies opened and I managed to get my rain gear on shortly after all ready getting a bit wet. I texted Beth saying the weather turned shit. It was super windy, thundering, down pouring, and what felt like hail. I made it to the shelter at the track start and I couldn't stop shivering.

Beth came to pick me up. I ended up riding to Otake Road as Jake and I will ride from Taupo to there on our journey north. We are parting ways tomorrow with Beth going home to Wellington and I to Sam's place for a couple nights. So I'll not be tour riding in the next couple days but mtb might be happening.

17-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

It was Easter Monday so Beth dropped me off at my mate Sam's place, where I'll be for the next few nights. I'm waiting for my brother to arrive and rest up. Well not really rest as we went mtb riding yesterday; Graeme, Sam, and I. We ran into JB on the tracks. So it was pretty funny when he pulled up next to me. No expecting to see me on the tracks. Nice ride even though it was wet and muddy. Tomorrow I plan on getting a massage and getting my bike cleaned up a bit. Clothes are already clean so maybe a blog post as well. Night.

18-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Got a massage and caught up with Dee. Played with the kids and wandered around town. Tomorrow Jake arrives.

19-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Jake has arrived. Another rest day. Just caught up with MTB crew. Played and raced the kids. We worked on cart wheels, planks, and flexibility. We also spent a long time with legos.

20-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 2
Flats: 1
Wrecked tires: 1

Woke up early at Sam's. Played with kids and packed up. Went to Top Gear to get Jake's bike. Talked to Mark a bit. Jake struggled with panniers on the rack. We messed with it for a good while then just switched panniers to the bikes. So we're partially carrying each others gear. We go on the road about noon. We cycled out to Kinloch and around the old neighborhood. Then down to the beach for a brief moment to call the US. Then back on to Whangamata Stream Track then out to Mangakino to a campsite next to the lake. On the way, I ended up slicing my tire open. Ugh. Luke was just talking about carrying an extra tire because of damage. Ended up on the side of the road outside of Whakamaru with some duct tape. Little paranoid as we are going on the Waikato River Trail tomorrow and won't be around towns for a bit. Beth called Pack and Pedal. Nigel had a 700x42 cross king in stock. Graeme said he could bring it out to me in Mangakino. Deserves a medal, or at least some extra $, when we pay him for the tire and tube. So I'll be installing a new tire/tube in the morning. The campsite is nice with a good view across the lake. Another camper warned us about locking our bikes as someone tried to steal theirs off their camper the previous night. So ours are locked up and bags removed.

Its a bit chilly with the breeze coming off the lake though. Tomorrow will be a challenge on the waikato river trail to around June's Landing or Arapuni. The caramel slice from Eruption Cafe was pretty good. Chocolate fudge topping, a brownie bottom, and a weak caramel filling. It was the only lacking bit. Jake rode well but the initial climb was a bit of a struggle.

21-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0
Broken Chain: 1
BCS Calls: 1

Woke up to a brisk morning on Lake Maraetai. Tore down camp after fitting new tire and tube from the legend Graeme, the previous night's delivery service. Then into town for a bit of breakfast. Then we rode to Waipapa Dam, as I missed the turn to Maraetai Dam, on the road. We then proceeded to ride an interesting track of stairs, steep climbs, loose descents, and flowing track while looking at bush and lake/river. Was definitely a hike a bike. Doing it loaded was a mission. I flatted again at lunch time. Just a pinch flat as its hard to manually pump up to good inflation levels, but we were also off road so a little give is nice. We had some pb on tortillas for lunch. We then proceeded up a big hill, 250m climb or so. I ended up breaking  a chain link. Glad I have a few master links. Fixed it and got a hold of Beth. She booked us at Arapuni Backpackers. Well notified them that we may come. Good thing to as the campsite I found was on the otherside of the river South of town. Didn't appear that way on the map originally. It would have been 19km more to get there. Tomorrow the plan is to finish Waikato River Trail after breakfast at Rhubarb Cafe in town then onto Matamata, drop bags at holiday park then up to Wairere Falls. Then decide on Hobbiton the following day before heading up to Te Aroha.

22-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 1

We woke in our dorm and assembled our gear. We had planned on hitting the Arapuni Swing Bridge before breakfast at Rhubarb Cafe. Had a tasty Eggs Bennie, melting moment, citrius bar, and half of a caramel oaty slice. It was like oat crumble on top of a slice. Very tasty! Had an interesting conversation with the cook. He asked which direction we came from. I said South. He asked if we saw an American yesterday. I replied 'yeah, two. Us!' He replied 'That was better than expected. He must have taken my advice. He was on a road bike with those skinny tires.' I chuckled and said that wouldn't have made it. We spent a portion of yesterday pushing our bikes. After breakfast, it was time to get to Matamata. We had a bit of a hill after the Waikato River Trail that is where we saw the other tourist, who barely waved. The section on SH29 had a wide shoulder but the side road had little. We ended up on the side road to avoid traffic but it still found us. We got into town and had turkish, where some dude was giving the girls a hard time. I only want meat and BBQ sauce. I want the salad on the side now. Any way wankers. We then went to the holiday park and set up the tent and came back into town to schedule a Hobbiton trip. They were all booked for today. So we booked for tomorrow morning. Instead we wandered town and got a reservation for Osteria this evening. We went back to campsite and jumped in the hot pools. We ended up talking to a woman from Samoa. Said it was being developed by the Chinese and that their PM was being controlled by them. We then cycled back into town for dinner and back at night. I got to test out Beth's new lights. Very bright! Tomorrow is another night here with Hobbiton and Wairere Falls on the agenda. Monday night is Te Aroha at a holidy park for $33.

23-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Tourist Count: 0

Another pseudo rest day. I woke up a bit before sunrise, but not Jake. We could have a late start as the Hobbiton tour didn't leave until 9:30. We ate in town and I had a good slice. The layers were proportionate and flavors worked well. The tour was different then the last time. Not so much detail of the history of the town or how things were constructed and how the property is now maintained. We were given ample time to take photos though. I want to compare thsi tour to my previous via the pictures I have. Afterwards, we cycled back to the holiday park and then out to Wairere Falls. We did both lookouts and a bit of the track along the top. Bit different from last time, no smokers on top only 4 runners who couldn't stop laughing. Tomorrow is another short ride, but looking at the Te Aroha summit track for 6 hour return. So it will be a long day. Then back to a good cycle after leaving the Te Aroha Holiday Park. We are doing Te Aroha to Paeroa and Paeroa to Waikino and back before doing Paeroa to Matatoki to stay with Kat and Garth. We'll have a decide if we are staying in Thames with Jason or at a holiday park futher up the coast. Even if we want the Thur 15:00 ferry, we should be able to cycle the 50+ km in the morning.

24-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

We left Matamata fairly early in order to get to Te Aroha to do the summit without light issues. We arrived at the holiday park just before 10. We set up the tent and ditched the bags then over to town. Had a really good pie at Kevin's bakery then proceeded up to the summit. The last time I was there was before Lake Waikaremoana with the troop. The track up was pretty and it was slick. The views up top were good. We took a couple breaks on the way up, but we were sweaty and thirsty. Only one was huffing and puffing. We have booked tickets for the ferry on Thursday. So we need to be to Coromandel a little before then. We are going out to eat with Maria tonight and staying with Jason in Thames or up the coast. We'll decide that tonight as well. As far as Auckland is concerned it may be a combination of places. Once Jake leaves it will be time to kick the tires and light the fires on this ride. It should be a quick trip up Northland and back down to either Auckland or Wellington. No real plans after Cape Reinga other then O-Rock at the end of May. We are talking about a trip back to the States in June. If that is the case, I need to get on getting my bike powder coated. Then assembled.

25-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0
Flat count: 1 each

We went from Te Aroha to Matatoki via the Hauraki Rail Trail with a trip out to Waikino to see the battery and gorge. I got a flat just outside of the return trip to Paeroa. Jake flatted outside of Matatoki. We talked to a guy, Karl, from Te Aroha, who has done the TA in 2016 and plans on 2018. He is shooting for 10 days as last time was 13.5 with a couple day mechanical. We stayed with Kat and Garth, where we had a big meal and we chatted about the Pie Ride and their adventures. They are off to Germany with Duffy and Shane for Challenge Roth and an ultra. Then next year is a swim race in Vermont.

26-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 1

Garth loaned us his ute, so we drove around the East Side of the Coromandel. We stopped in Tiarua in the morning. I had a pie and a slice. Meh. Then up to Cathederal Cove. Prety cool. It was my first time there. Then over to Whitianga. Then back to Matatoki for our long ride to Thames. We stayed with Jason. We talked about his lack of riding, hunting, and future plans. Looking at Old Ghost Road, 42nd Traverse, and other rides. We saw a lady on a folding bike loaded up at dusk heading South out of Thames. Where to? I don't know.

27-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 2

We rode up the coast from Thames to Coromandel Town. We had a 3pm ferry. We saw a crashed ute on one of the sharp banks. We passed Die Hard Stream. I had a lamb curry pie from Food for Thought (an old council stomping ground) on the recommendation of Garth. Super good. There were several slips still being cleaned up, so it made it easier to cycle up the coast as we only had wavers of cars sporadically passing us. We ran into a bike packer on the top of the 1st hill out of Thames. He had an interesting setup to say the least. 2 dry sacks draped over the stem, a seat bag that went super high on his back, and bull horn bars. It was the bike's maiden voyage. He was already talking about changes. Go figure. He couldn't stand up on climbs and had to ride with hands next to stem for his brakes. No room for lights on the bar. Looked like a city bike without the touring gear.

We rode into Coromandel just before 2 and ordered some pizza. We had to dash as I found out the ferry was 10km back down the road. We made it with 15 minutes to spare. There was a French touring guy on it as well. The ferry was pretty smooth, but some annoying kids. We then rode to the hotel in Auckland CBD. It was pretty flash. We wandered CBD and ate some food from a street vendor and Acho's up in an arcade that drops out to Myers Park.

28-04-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

We rode to the ferry and to Banu's place. We then bussed back into CBD to go sailing with Peter.

29/30-04-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Played tour guide. Rode to Devonport and Takapuna. Then walked to Milford Park.

01-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0

Did the Coast to Coast walk and Rachel's Birthday dinner. No riding!

02-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Jake left today. I fixed all my punctured tubes. Did some laundry. Wandered the North Shore. BCS is contracting me to do some training tomorrow. Then back on the road Thursday. I've started my route planning from here to Pararoa. Pararoa to Renewa. Renewa to 90 Mile Beach Holiday Park. These will be bigger days and then riding back to Wellington. Have to decide my route back.

03-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Contracted back to BCS to give the new BI dev something I never got, a conversation with the predessesor as to where things are and how things are done. Waste of time really as they could have looked at the documentation and asked questions to Koos and Jimmy where most files are. Things not covered like cubes aren't really being used.

04-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0

Left Banu's a little later as I wanted the rain to clear up. I picked Paparoa as my ending point a few days ago. However, I started to feel like shit lsat night. I rode out on Albany Highway to Dairy Flat and then over to SH16 before joining SH1 in Wellsford. I know 130km would be long but I felt drained. Hard up hills, my head throbbed, and I was constantly blowing out snot. Ugh. The hills and snot were unrelenting today. The fever and chills came as well. I was looking for a place to crash before Paparoa, but they looked sketchy. So I resolved myself to a long, painful day in the saddle. I asked if there was a cabin, but I was out of luck. So I camped last night. It was warm out, but my fever/chills really caused me grief. Wrapped in my bag then off then back on. Sleep lasted until almost 8am. Food at Paparoa Hotel was ok. Supposed to be Southern American. It wasn't.

05-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Rode 6km and it hurt. The little hill made my head hurt. My snot hasn't stopped. It is a short day as I need rest. I ate at the Cafe in Matakohe before heading to the holiday park. I scored a sweet cabin for $50 and promptly passed out until 14:00. I read a bit, but should have struggled up the hill earlier as the cafes were closed by 16:00. So I'm having couscous, peas, and tuna tonight. Then back to bed. I aslo suspected I had a slow leak in my rear tire. Suspicions confirmed. Small whole only leaked under a lot of pressure. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel better and can do some riding. Bad weather is on the horizon for next week. 3rd cyclone of the season. So if I feel good Dargaville or beyond. Otherwise, may stick around or limp to the next town some 15km away. Being sick sucks.

06-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Still very sick. No riding. No energy. Fever/Chills/Body aches.

Nice ladies at holiday park gave me veggie soup, bread, eggs, and a 'witches brew', lemon & honey. Spent the day sleeping and reading. The room smells awful. Like sickness. Have windows open to air it out. Going to ride to Dargaville tomorrow. More options for food and more throat meds.

07-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Felt like crap. Better than yesterday, but body didn't want to move like I wanted it to. Spent a good portion of the morning at Kauri Museum. It was pretty big. Lots of massive wood chunks and machines to harvest and cut the mighty trees.

The road to Dargaville had no shoulder per se and the white line was a rumble  strip. So I took the lane. I passed Tokatoka that looked like a cool place to visit. In Dargaville I got some meds and saw 'Going In Style' which is a fn little heist movie. Planning for tomorrow Waipoua Visitor Centre & Campground. Have to get more water as there is none there. Then up to Rawene for the ferry.

08-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Good sleep last night. Woke up before 7. Started to get all my gear sorted. Then off to find an open cafe. No such luck. Bought some groceries and back to hostel. Whipped up PB & toast, yogurt, apple, and OJ. I used the hostel's bike pump to get my tires back up to 80 psi. Front was 60 and rear was 50. It made a huge difference today in how it handled and speed. Riding lower definitely feels better but the speed was welcomed. The road out of Dargaville was pretty foggy so I didn't leave right away. As I only planned a few hour ride I could afford to wait around. There were a couple long climbs and a flowly descent into Waipoua Forest that I took easy. The campsite is right by the river, but the cafe at the visitor centre is closed. The sole worker had to go to Auckland. Should be back this afternoon. I need some change for the campsite fee.

Glad I brought plenty of provisions. I'll have to do lunch, dinner, and breakfast for sure. Should be a quite night as the place looks empty with only a single camper in the parking lot so far. Looking at the visitor centre most of the short walks are closed. I can only imagine the slips they must have gotten with all the rain. Tomorrow its back out to the road, it was gravel back to campsite, and up a big hill to see Tane Mahuta, about 10 kms away. Then riding to Rawene to either hunker down for the night or to catch the ferry across so it will be easier to ride to Ahipara/90 Mile Beach holiday park the following day. I'm almost 2/3 the way complete of the adventure. Then its all downhill back home to Lower Hutt.

09-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Woke up early this morning to leave Waipoua Forest in order to make it all the way to Ahipara with daylight. Ran into a British couple last night that commented on my campsite. I was right off the river. We got to talking about which direction I was heading. I replied North. The lady warned me of the bad road ahead of me. No shoulder, long hills. I said I've ridden from Bluff so I know about NZ roads. He commented that it shouldn't be a problem if you've done that. Anyway I was on the road just after 7. It was a long hill, but not steep so manageable. I stopped off to see the Four Sisters and Tane Mahuta before pulling over at a scenic outlook. Low and behold who shows up? That's right the British couple. They guessed I started at 6 in order to ride the hill and see the kauri (I was told it was pronounced like cody). Nope just after 7. They wished me a safe ride. I then ate in Waimamaku where I ordered an eggs bennie, hot chocolate, tea, and carrot cake. The woman asked where I was riding to. I said I want to make Rawene before noon and then onto Ahipara. She responded 'What the...shit that's far.' Had a good chuckle about that response. I then was able to turn over the legs and sustain over 30 kph. There was plenty of vert today and it was warm. Went through 4 bottles and several refill stops. Jersey was crusty with salt tonight.

Pulled into Ahipara Holiday Park just after 15:00. Set up tent and started communicating with Beth about tomorrow's plan. Low tide around 14:30, so riding around 10:30. Up the beach to Cape Reinga then back tracking down SH1 to backpackers. Looking at doing Eastern Side of the N. Island to Auckland. Then up in the air on what way home. West Coast, East Coast, or even the train. Options.

10-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0
Replaced Brake Pads: 1

Woke up like normal, around 6am, and had some pb on a tortilla. The fellow camper came over and talked to me. He was a 70 yr old dairy farmer from Ruawei, who plans on section walking the TA over the next 10 years. He did the section over 90 Mile Beach over 7 days and his pack weighed 16kg, 9kg being food and water. He said I should have no problem with high tide and stick to the car tracks.

Nope, I started about 20 minutes over high tide. It was brutal hike a bike through occasional surge of surf. Chubby is going to need a thorough clean when this is over. The decision was to wait closer to low tide to move on as I've only gone a few kms in over an hour. I could ride a couple hundred meters at a time. I'll probably never ride the beach again going North. It was a strong wind out of the NE all day with a slight rain but for 5 minutes.

I saw a few cars, buses, a single ATV, and a group of Asians looking for a lake today. I pulled up my map and there was a lake to the NE of where they parked but they were heading to the West to the Ocean. This happened while I was hike a biking up the stream. I made the decision to flag the final stop at Cape Reinga this evening. The rear brake was making a noise that indicated brake pad needed to be replaced. I wanted some real food. Trail mix, mango slices, and oat & fruit biscuits didn't cut it today. I also had only about 500ml of water left. So I went to Waitiki for accommodation and food at the take away. I had wedges, steak & egg burger, 2 sausages, donuts, 2 scoops of ice cream, and a ginger beer. I then took a shower prior to starting bike maintenance. I poured fresh water over the bike to get rid of the sand and replaced the rear brake pad. The cassette and chain rings are showing a lot of wear. The chain as well isn't looking too flash. So tomorrow I'm doing the 20ish km to Cape Reinga then come back here to pick up my gear and ride South until I get reception and find a place to stay after about 100km. So 90 Mile Beach is monotonous and very exposed stretch. It could workout if the wind and tide are favorable. Fighting tide and wind all day isn't fun.

11-05-2017
Pie Count: 2
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0
Flats: 1

Woke up just after 6 and got my stinky kit together. Actually it was the first time wearing the jersey and rain jacket. The bibs have a couple long days of use. The socks even more. The wet shoes stank a lot. The gloves a bit. I think I permeate a cloud of funk right now. Well not now as I've done all my laundry. The shoes can't be helped other then trying to dry them out with the heater tonight. The ride to Cape Reinga was a hilly one. I'm glad I didn't attempt with only my front brake with the return to Waitiki being after dark. My legs feel fried today and I kept cursing the hills as they were unrelenting this morning. Must have been clost to 800m of climb in 40km. Got back to Waitiki and gorged on 2 very good chicken & vege pies. They are up there for best pie of the trip for sure. The backpackers not so much. I think I impressed them with my appetite as I got 2 pies, 2 peach teas, a ginger beer, and a cadbury caramel chocolate bar. Everything other than the cadbury was consumed quickly. I typically keep a bar in my food bag as a reward for climbing hills, 2 squares at a time. I chatted to the ladies for a bit to get some feel for the road south of where I was. A couple hills and a gentle incline. Wasn't that bad other than the wind. Once again a day of driving wind to make it difficult. I finally got reception and a flurry of texts. I was looking to crash at Pukenui but things were full or closed, but Beth managed to book a cabin at Wagner Holiday Park. I just had to ride another 30km to get there.

Along the way, I got flat #7 and changed it on the side of the road. Then got into Pukenui and demolished a "big" pizza. The shop girl said we have boxes to put any you don't finish in as they are 30cm pizzas. I left there still feeling hungry. The trail hunger is real. Instead I cycled out to the Holiday Park another 6km and took a shower and did laundry. Now route planning for tomorrow. Either Manganui or Kerikeri but it depends on this rain. One is 60+ km the other 120+ km. I've run out of land to the North so I'm turning around and coming back on the East Side of the North Island to Auckland.

12-05-2017
Pie Count: 1
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0
Flats: 1

Woke up from the crazy rain last night to a clear morning. The weather wasn't supposed to be flash so opted for a shorter day. Beth booked me at Kahoe Farmstay. I helped an older couple from Palmy to load their chest freezer of snapper into their car. They gave me a couple frozen bags to compensate me. I then also helped them with a stuck knob and hoisting the motor off their boat. Glad I look strong I guess. I then rolled out from the Holiday Park heading South into the wind. This would be a grind most of the day. I stopped at a butcher/dairy and got a few things and ate 2 cans of chicken on tortillas for breakfast on top of the fruit I ate earlier. I kept riding and avoiding the buses, live stock trucks, tourists, and animals. I ate again at Awanui in a cool Kauri shop/cafe. The pie sucked. The slice wasn't good. The cheese stick was greasy and nasty. I instantly felt ill consuming a fraction of it. I ended up being a vomit machine for several intervals. I also flatted between vomit sessions. I stopped by Doubtless Bay on the recommendation of the farmstay. Great view up there even with the not great weather. Rolled into Kahoe Farmstay and had a good conversation with Lyndsey. Asked if I needed/wanted to workout. Asked if a I play football (yes soccer) as Stefano is playing tomorrow in Whangarei. I had to explain that I used to play, but no more. Even more torture they have a small field in front of the house. They host a New Year's Eve tournament for a long ass time as well. Once again she remarked that I must have played rugby. Nope. Cycling, soccer, martial arts, etc. Found out their garage is decked out for working out as their daughter (who is living abroad) is a PT. Stefano is a football nut and continues to play even driving a good distance for a 7's game.

13-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0
Flats: 1

Stefano made a big brekkie for me. It was super tasty. Rosemary in the sauted mushrooms. As I was gearing up, Stefano said that he is short a center defender for today's game. I asked if he kenw which position I played? No, just that I used to play. I said center defender. I was tempted to go play for the first time in a long time, almost 7.5 years. But I said I appreciate being able to walk and do other things with low risk of injury. Had a short ride to Kerikeri, where I flatted again. I need a bigger pump! Got to Kerikeri before noon. Had a quick shower, ate some Japanese and Mexican. Talked to Skog for a bit. Then tried to find a bike store. Oh its not really at 70 Kerikeri Road. Its on that block, but behind Repco and accessed from a side street. Wasn't open. So ended up at the Falls, a historic site, and trying to find out about the Circus Tents.

I'd never stay at this hostel again. The first room in the place is the smoking lounge. Yuck. My room wasn't attached to the main facility which gets locked at 21:00. Place was pretty dirtbagish. I probably smell like them, but would rather tent it.

14-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 1
Flats: 2
Broken Spoke: 1
Side Wall Damage: 1

Woke up early and planned to hit farmers market at 8:30 and get on the road. Nope. I had a flat right away. Looks like the patch rolled back upon inflation and just leaked slowly. So off the wheel comes, what is this? A broken spoke as well! Great way to spend your morning. I put my last good (non-patched) tube in and tape the spoke to the next spoke. Head to farmers market, a guy from Chicago (Wingless Angel BBQ) selling BBQ. Had the pulled pork with slaw, decent, but mine is better. Cornbread with butter, very tasty, and a beef cheek, egg breakfast sandwich. This thing was awesome. Also had a savoury crepe with ham, cheese, and spinach from another stall. Lots of produce but no real way to carry it. Looked at bike store, but not open.

So I limped out of town. Man do I hate SH1! Procession of cars, no shoulders, the white line is on an angle. I felt my rear tire roll down one of these embankments. Then the tire got squishy. Yup another flat. Also damage to the sidewall. Put a boot patch and electrical tape in tire and a large patch on tire as the tube had several abrasion holes. Back on the road, but looking for a way off of SH1. Stopped in Kawakawa to use the fancy art bathroom and tried to find a bike pump. More convinced that fixit stations need to be in every town with a trail to get people back into the thick of it.

Listened to Google Maps, a bit after turning off into Kauri up Vinegar Hill and ended back on SH1. Added a few extra km to my ride today but oh well! Going to stop first thing in the morning: tire, brake pads, pump, patch kit, socks, and spoke replacement installed. Depending on when that wraps up heading to Mangawhai Heads or to Wellsford for Monday Evening. Putting me in Auckland with friends on Tuesday. Hostel in CBD on Wed and then train home on Thursday. Its been an adventure.

15-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 1
Cycle Tourists: 0

Had a mission in Whangarei of hitting the bike store: replace tire, replace spoke, get patch kit, & tire levers. Rolled into the Avanti store right at open and was sorted out quick. This gave me time to ride to Wellsford instead of just Mangawhai Heads. SH1 was not fun. The large shoulder would disappear and the bridges were narrow. I had to be cautious when crossing them as I didn't want to be pancaked. Once I turned off to Waipu the traffic died down. The hills appeared and I was treated to some cool views and a few good looking beaches. I ran into a grandpa pushing his grandchild in a pram while I was eating a slice snack. He asked where I was headed and that he understands my pain with cars as he rides a mtb in Auckland. Told him sections are bad, but the backroads are typically fine. Got to Wellsford after about 20 minutes of rain. The dinner at the restaurant was crazy. 3 massive pieces of pork belly. The hotel was good with a cool stone pebble floor shower. Tomorrow will be at Mike's and then a hostel by the train.

16-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Woke up early to go grab a bite to eat and some biltong, as I found a really good South African place in Wellsford. They even courier. I had a really good lamb samosa but wanted a pie. They had none though. So an omlete it was. The ride out of Wellsford on SH16 was hilly and windy, but less traffic than SH1 and more kms. I stopped for a while at Omeru Scenic Reserve and walked around for a bit and had a snack of biltong. I stopped on Kaukapakapa for lunch. There was a KKK burger on the menu. Say what? A bogan, dad/son, combo commented on the epic chops. Hey those are pretty unique? Something you don't see everyday. Hey how are the dickheads on the road? You partied all across the country? You cycle how far each day? How long did it take you?

Dropped my stuff off at Mike's and headed into Whangaparoa for a massage. Worked the neck and shoulders well and the lower back ok. Totally spent himself and didn't do much to the legs. Another massage will be had back in Wellington. Tomorrow is a short ride across Auckland to CBD.

17-05-2017
Pie Count: 0
Caramel Slice: 0
Cycle Tourists: 0

Woke up to pissing rain. Since I didn't need to be anywhere I waited until it was done raining then I left after noon. I mainly took East Coast Road back into town. Man that is hilly and I don't recall that from my previous rides on it. Must be the extra weight I'm carrying that makes it difficult. Got to the ferry point and had to wait 30 minutes for it to appear. Then I had to flag it down as I was at North Cote Point and not Birkenhead. Went next to the hostel. Not very nice, lift was broken and I was on the top floor, but it was close to the train station. I went and had some ramen and later yakitori. Got my gear sorted for tomorrow's train ride. I'll be home for the first time in a while. My clothes smell funky, chubby needs work, and my gear needs to be thoroughly cleaned. When and where will be the next adventure?