Leader: Sue Woolnough
Cyclist Friday 10th: Lyn J, Neale S, Richard, Ellen, Maria J, Helen W, Dave W, Carol G, Bruce R, Nancy R, John B (Sloop), Sue W
Cyclist Saturday 11th: Maria J, Helen W, Dave W, Carol G, Bruce R, Nancy R, John B (Sloop), Sue W
Author: Carol G
Friday 10th – Kai Iwi Lakes Loop – 14km
A pleasant 14km afternoon ride around three lakes of Taharoa, Waikare and Kai Iwi. The ride was mostly flat as the track followed the lake shores. The last section of Kai Iwi was more challenging with small slippery drop offs and exposed tree roots. A couple of falls occurred.
A lovely swim in the lake for most of us in the warm afternoon sun. 6pm gathering at Pine Beach Campground where the motor homes were parked. There were drinks, shared BBQ and more drinks by some. Maria, Helen, and Sue drove the 4.5km from the Kai Iwi Lakes Resort where they were staying to join the others. Richard and Ellen who were staying at Bayley’s Beach therefore did not come back for the BBQ.
Saturday – 11th – Loop to Bayley’s Beach and back – 68km to the Resort. + 4.5km to/from the Campground
We rode 4.km to The Resort to meet the others to cycle to the main North Road crossing over onto the gravel roads that the Tour Aotearoa cyclists travel. Gravel and rolling hills on Anakiwi, Maropiu Settlement, Waihue, Opanake, Parore West, Scottys Camp Roads. Couple of steeper hills and flats to complete the 38km to Sharkey’s Café at Bayley’s Beach. Some of us waited at Parore cross roads for Nancy, Helen and Maria to catch up, to find that they had a visit from the Water Angels. I gather this couple of Angles often provide iced cold water to the Tour Aotearoa cyclists as they pass their place.
After an excellent feed at the café of hot chips, fish, toasted sandwiches etc we were off to the anticipated hard portion of the ride. 25km of gravel and steep long hills via Bayley’s Basin and Babylon Coast Roads. The wind had started up as Cyclone Gabrielle was on its way to NZ. There were a couple of places of head winds and more tail winds which were very welcomed. The gravel was varied with the pot holes and corrugation together with smooth sections. The hills not so good and many of them.
Had a small detour to check the beach out at Omamari and thought next time we should bike the beach which is doable and flat [yeah]. A tail wind would be handy. We had discussed this at the café with a couple of locals although they said the tide was not good for the day as it was incoming.
After an exhausting couple of hours we stopped and had a lie down, drink and fed a horse [debating about maybe changing our mode of transport] before continuing onto The Resort for another drink and rest. 4.5km hilly ride back to the Campground for Dave, Bruce and Nancy. Carol had a shower and waited for a pickup.
Dave and Carol decided to take heed of the warnings for the forecast and departed for Auckland to get ahead of the high winds and rain due to the approach of Cyclone Gabrielle. Lyn and Neale had already left. Bruce and Nancy departed later.
A comment was made that the last half of the days ride was the hardest ACTA ride that they had ever been on. 1,280m gain.
