TA day 17: Over Maruia saddle

TA day 17 - Lake Rotoroa over Maruia Saddle from Robert and Marianne on Vimeo.

I had a 2 minute stop at "mosquito lake" to take my obligatory photo for the TA checkpoint.

Photo Checkpoint #17: Lake Rotorua

Then off to Murchison.. which had a nasty little hill on gravel to start! Murchison had a great cafe where I had second breakfasts before heading to the Maruia saddle. The road to the saddle was quite long, but had some awesome views.

 

With much foreboding I started the 580m climb. I was pleasantly surprised as the gravel road wasn't too steep and the scenery was amazing - in Beech forest throughout and in the shade. It was really beautiful.

Photo Checkpoint #18: Maruia Saddle Rd

After descending and riding into Maruia I decided to carry on to Springs Junction, where I met up with two TA riders that had met Robert in the North Island. Accommodation options at Springs Junction were very limited, so they agreed to share their cabin with me. Such nice accom! The owner even offered to do our laundry for us and dry it, as the washing machine failed to work.

TA day 16: the Great Taste Trail

A funny thing happened to me whilst at my accommodation in Richmond...I asked two people if they knew where the bin was in the camp kitchen, and when they turned around I recognised them immediately! It was Chris (aka Colin) and Jenny - relatives I haven't seen for ages!!

After leaving the campground I followed the Great Taste Trail. Oh my, there is a reason it's called the Great Taste Trail... SO many cafes, too many choices! My dad would be in heaven!! I would have been too, if I didn't need to push on through. 

A pic here for mum and dad...

The afternoon was tough and long, but I managed to get to a backpackers, just 700m from Mosquito Lake (aka Lake Rotorua)!

Enjoy my wee vid of the day...


TA day 16 - the Great Taste Trail from Robert and Marianne on Vimeo.

Gear geek #1 - Show us your rig!

Here's the first of a few videos showing off how we have equipped ourselves for the Tour Aotearoa. This one is on how we have set up our bikes to carry all our stuff for this bikepacking adventure.


Gear geek - Show us your rig from Robert and Marianne on Vimeo.