We're in the middle of summer and I'm on leave to next week, so I got a big day of riding in yesterday. With a near perfect/hot forecast, I departed at 0520 from my Auckland home and pointed south down the quickest route to Matamata, Tauranga, Whakatane and then stopped in Opotiki. First refuel of the day, then headed off around the East Cape following our local version of the Pacific Coast Highway (I've tried both, ours is better). Outstanding sea and bush views and a meandering road that is anything but dull with regular switchbacks and one-lane bridges to keep you on your toes and brakes.
A one-lane section heading down to cross the Motu River.
Heading for Waihau Bay, that is Cape Runaway in the far distance, the northern tip of the cape. If you're a film buff, the movie "Boy" by Taika Waititi was filmed in this area.
For you snow-bound types, you'll be pleased to know that as the temperature passed 26C I had to stop and switch to my mesh jacket at Tokomaru Bay. It later got up to 30C which was getting uncomfortably warm for me.
Further to the south and this is the surf coast just north of the city of Gisborne. I finished my coastal run there and headed inland through the Waioeka Gorge, which has enough twists and turns that you start to yearn for a sweeper or straight for a little rest. First world problems I guess...
The Waioeka Gorge had one more surprise for me as somehow I had just missed a decent downpour, the roads were wet and steaming but I remained bone dry.
After that I headed back toward Auckland with a nice scenic detour past the lakes towards Rotorua and then back home at 1920 on the boring roads.
All up I covered a little under 1200km and did that in right on 14 hours door-to-door. I was pretty tired after that, the heat was getting to me, and my wrists, knees and butt were feeling the full effects. The 1300 however was ready for more (after a new back tyre anyway...)
Another T31GT bites the dust...
for some great Pizza with st1300doug today.
