Northland Easter Epic 2014
Easter Friday 18th 7.0 am at McDonald's (only cafe open on Easter morn!) was the start. Kev,
Steve, Julie (Wellington) Hamish, Matt ( Christchurch) Mike (Cambridge) were all typically
Northland late while Neil arrived on time found no one and headed to Macca’s Kamo looking
for the team.
A feed and coffee and after Neil found us, already with 20 km on his clock, we headed
Pipwai forest way. A tail wind and cruisey 40 km saw us entering the forest for the first real
climbing of the day. Wet and wind fallen trees interrupted some great tracks.
Unfortunately these tracks will not last much longer as they are foresting close by. Lots of
fun and plenty of chat and did I mention lots of climbing! Neil had a small endo and gave his
shoulder a good wack which slowed him down a bit for a few hours. Kevin had us stopping at
RTC home marae where we were welcomed with food and drink. It was great chilling out in
the sun.
Off again refreshed for some real climbing, 2 km of up to 18% up had the sweat running
followed by some more ups and downs on forestry tracks had us at a well-deserved stop at a
strategically placed chilly bin of cold coke and water in the back of Opoteke.
Then off to climb Gibraltar Rd (yes the name gives it away) and then Opoteke Rd over
Tutamoe range and the 15km blast downhill to the camp.
But the drama didn't stop there as Julie had a nasty off and required rescuing. 1 ambulance, 1
fire truck, 1 4x 4 fire rescue and 1 Gator, had Julie in the care of experts (8pm with broken
hip and displaced ac joint plus some grazes). She handled this well and is one seriously tough
chic.
A few bevies and homemade burgers followed, and plenty more ride stories/lies. Brent and
Blue Eyes (his latest squeeze) meet us in the camp, Brent having ridden up to the top of
Tutamoe in 2.5 hrs and blasted down in 30 mins, he was happy, all on his fat bike.
Day 2 dawned fine as we headed back up Tutamoe way (different direction from yesterday)
for an assault on the Waoku Coach Rd.
This is a historic road built 1890-1910 has lots of cobbled fords and stone bridges and was
used only once by the then prime minister and is the highest public road in northland. An
hour climb later we were entering the track. The first 15km up to Honeymoon Farm (ex hippy
commune) was uneventful but wet in cloudy drizzle. After the farm thing got interesting mud
(poo) fallen trees, wet rocks, and lots a Suple Jack acting as arrestor wires on the peddles.
Matt attacked the track and rode a good portion of it with Kev and Neil running most of the
dangerous sections.
This northern section was a mission compared to last year when it was mostly ride able. Tail
winds to Kaikohe and a visit to Maccas Kaikohe for fuel. It's always an experience eating
here!
The tail winds followed us down the cycle way and road to Kawakawa. This was a great ride,
nil cars, warm autumn sun and lovely autumn green farms and forests, unfortunately all over
to quick. Missed the steam train at Kawakawa so rode to the start of the cycle way to Opua at
Tamaere.
After sneaking across the closed rail bridge a quick ride through to Opua and then on to
Haruru had us tucking into a great BBQ organized by our ride bitches (Rach and Kristen).
Neil headed home well satisfied with his ride and with sore legs and other parts, no doubt
somewhat wiser. A great sleep that night.
Not so panicked start for day 3 as the first ferry from Paihia to Russell was at 7.20am. We
had time to have a leisurely bfast, ride to Paihia and sit on the wharf while and enjoy the
rising sun.
A stop at the bakery at Russell and then we were away. Another nice crisp autumn morning,
and a great climb over the Old Russell Rd, with not a car in sight.
A quick water stop at Oakura at Kevs inlaws and off to Mimiwhangata. Only 2 cars in the car
park and the beach was pretty much deserted. Magic stuff.
Then across some private land and off down to Whananaki store for lunch of pies, ice creams
and fizzy. The road from Rockells over to Whananaki was the busiest so far with what
appeared to be lots of jaffas cruzing around, prob out looking for their lattes. Down the Sandy
Bay walk way where the day fast turned from clear blue to grey drizzly showers, but still a
tail wind! Then off to Matapouri and through the track into the back of Ngunguru, up to
Kaiatea Rd and then on to Waipoka track down to the Scows Landing. Mike's nose had a
close encounter with the ground due to some obscured tree roots, just grazes to add to his
natural beauty. Then a short road stint to Ngunguru forest and the river track, (which luckily
we had done quite a bit of clearing a month or so back) out to Pataua North Rd. Up Mangahui
Rd and down the coach track.
Unfortunately track was wet and had heaps of wind fall debris from the recent blow and we
were all a bit tied so lots of sliding and a number of offs by most. Then on to P Bay
establishment via Taranui Rd for food and drinks.
Overall 395km, 9000m climbing, 1 broken hip, one AC joint, 1 nose, some lost blood but we
were all smiling.(well by this stage Julie was in hospital and smiling as they had given her
some good stuff!)
Catch phrases "the track just opens up around the corner" which it never did, at the Waoku
coach road Waima end and "it’s not too far now” to anyone (mainly Mike) who asked on the
final day.
It was a great ride saw lots of northland and yes we are going again next Easter. Book it in
now.
For all who said it’s too far, Mike put it in great perspective, ride 40km and have morning
tee, ride 40km and have lunch and then ride another 40km after lunch. It’s not a race.
For those who think it will hurt, well they say it’s just your brain saying it’s hurting, in fact
it’s not hurting at all.
And finally your body can take way more punishment than you think and if fuelled and
watered will just carry on.
So there are no excuses then.
Thanks to Rach and Kristen for driving the van, Kauri Coast Top 10 for assisting in Julies
rescue, Rach and Hamish's dad for the BBQ and beds at the BOI.
Julie was discharged thurs and has flown home. Get well soon, your one tough chic.
A great effort by Neil on his first long distance adventure and Kev has said that this was
harder and better for you, than road riding (has he been converted!!).
Truly an EPIC.