This weekend involved a circuit of Maungatautari on the Saturday and a sampling
Maurice rather liked what he saw in the garden
Photo:
Maurice
Photo: Maurice
So did Ron who, at one stage, saw 7 tui in this kowhai outside his room.
Breakfast time.
The welcoming fireplace at Out in the Styx.
This was a favourite dish - there were many photos of it - as it diminished.
Is Athol about to say, "Don't take my photo?"
Just about ready to leave on the Saturday morning.
Then it was time to stop at the gate for another departure shot.
Ron assured me that some riding actually took place. This was on
the 35 km, mainly
downhill to flat, leg to Leamington.
On the road.
Wasn't long until the bikes were abandoned at the coffee stop.
Coffee stop in Leamington. (I wonder if anybody had one.)
A first for a weekend away - it was supported. The van was the sag wagon.
Karapiro Dam.
This was dam #1.
Marilyn - who supplied many of the weekend photos - crossing Karapiro Dam.
She was followed by the rest of the team.
A classic ACTA activity : eating.
Lunchtime at Lake Karapiro.
Heading back towards Arapuni and the climb back up to Pukeatua.
Then it was time to rest up before DINNER.
The Menu at Out in the Styx.
(I understand that everyone Took It!)
Dinner comprised:-
Cream of carrot & ginger soup.
Lamb shank pie, morroccan tangine, salads, chilly pumpkin, mixed breads.
Desert homemade passionfruit icecream, lemon cake.
Cheese, crackers and fruit.
Just like at home.....
Athol delivering his "After Dinner" speech.
On the Sunday it was time to experience part of the Waikato River Trail.
The trail sign at Little Waipa Reserve - probably a better place to
start riding the trail
from the northern end.
Photo: Maurice
River Trail.
The path down to the Arapuni Suspension Bridge.
Arapuni Suspension Bridge.
Looking downstream from the Arapuni Suspension Bridge
Arapuni Power Station seen from the Suspension Bridge.
Some walked it.
But it does not say, "No Riding!" So David rode it.
Arapuni Dam.
Dam #2
Time for coffee at the Rhubarb Café. (The bikes are probably hidden around the back.)
It was either late morning tea - or early lunch.
Considering what happens next.
Most of the group went home at this stage.
Ron says, "After enjoying more fine food, fine weather and some fine country
roads, tracks and great views.... I think all were pleased with their weekend."
However, 5 decided to ride the second section of the Trail from Arapuni
to Waipapa.
This took them past Jones' Landing.
They had a late lunch at Jim Barnett's Reserve where there was a great
stand of bush
with native pigeons and......
....... Lamb's Loo!! It was complete with running water,
soap and loo paper!!
Not many riders use this part of the trail.
The end of South Waotu Road, and the climb up to the high point of this section.
Great views from the top of the hill......
.... or from the bottom looking back up after zig - zagging - many times.
On the track.
David shortly after meeting a treee in front of his bike!!??
Are we there yet?? How much further?
Steps near the end.
These - and the zig-zag at the northern end - made everyone pleased they were heading
south.
Beth descending ....... carefully.
The End.
Waipapa Dam.
Dam #3.
You could say this had been a Dam Ride.
The riders were VERY happy to find Susan and Annette (with vehicles)
waiting for them here.
It was 4:30 and this had been a very challenging leg.
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