geoffstouraotearoa

They must have left early because at 10.18am I got a message saying “At Ongarue having snack before heading to Taumaranui.”  Well when we did the Timber trail, I took a day to do those 40kms!

Jill’s mum and dad who live in Taumaranui met them in Ongarue and said ” the guys are looking great, spirits are high, we wish them a safe journey”

They were in Taumaranui for lunch then at 1.13pm they were leaving for Whakahoro.  What a huge day – I think they got into Whakahoro at about 8pm.

No reception there, so no contact.  Mike is about a day ahead and said that “the climb out of Whakahoro was a mission”.  I’ve just looked on the tracker and Geoff’s going 4.23 kms/hour.  He’s at 279 metres and the hill is 618.6 metres.  Then it’s predominately down hill to the bridge to nowhere and the jet boat.

But he has gone 978kms so far.  Nearly a third of the way!!!!!

Here are some shots from Jeremy.

Riding out for Mangakino, Queue at Arataki swing bridge, Smoko on the Arataki Track, Jeremy at the centre of the North Island, the timber trail from Jeremy’s bike.

The last shot is just before piropiro flats lodge where we’re staying tonight, a slice of luxury in the middle of the forest. All had a great ride today and so glad we don’t have to take the side track to the blackfern lodge. Keep well and best wishes cheers j

I believe they were leaving at 6am this morning.  And plan to get to Piroporo which is half way through the Timber trail.

Here’s Jim resting by his bike, Paul and Miles and ?? riding along, and we think this is Jeremy riding towards the camera.

TA widows get together in Matakana for a catch up.  Sadly Jill Telford and I couldn’t make it.

The team is back together – a message from Miles

It has been some thing of a wrestle staying put but for us, keeping to the “plan” is by far the lesser choice than riding with your cobbers.
We have been having a ball together and still engaging with heaps of other riders and folk.
We are staying at a fantastic house over looking the lake and the day is bliss.
Some days have been challenging but the best of fun.
The rassa do huge and cheap meals which Paul and Jim will greatly enjoy.
Really looking forward to the next few days of trails.
All the best to all.
Miles.

And from Jeremy

The team have now regrouped at mangakino and looking forward to heading onward tomorow

Started with a huge binder for breakfast at the Rhubarb cafe

Then onto what they said was the hardest 57 ks they have ever ridden.

Here a comment from Mike

The trail was just brutal.  Hardest 40kns I’ve ever done but some fantastic views.

Now some shots from Jeremy

Jeremy, Miles and Geoff are in Mangakino and going to have a rest day there.  Looks like great accommodation on the lake front.  Paul and Jim are in Arapuni and will ride to Mangakino tomorrow.

Poor Paul has gut issues and decided to stay in Thames to relax and go to the doc.  So Miles, Jeremy and Geoff set off at 7.30 and made it to Arapuni at 5.50pm.  Long day again.  Geoff said his legs are quite sore – probably after yesterday’s big effort.  They stopped in Te Aroha for lunch.  He said the Hauraki trail was quite boring, but the Waikato river trail was really lovely.   Not really big hills today, just a long ride.

Thursday in Arapuni at the bowling club is burger night, so they had great burgers for dinner.  Staying at the back packers, which just has 2 rooms (a room of 2 bunks and a room with a double bed).  Plan tomorrow is to ride 56ks to Mangakino – apparently really hilly and places that have to be walked.  Then they are thinking of having a day off so Paul and Jim (who’s in Paeroa) will catch up.

The boys came across Mr T from Mangere giving out coffee and muffins.

Here is a comment from Jeremy

Some of you might know Mr T from mangere bridge who has done lots of good work in the community getting kids onto bikes. He was really interested in the TA and we’ve accepted his invitation to give a presentation after the ride.

Here is a message from Miles:

Team – after being fed and watered like kings at Paul’s sister’s place we are born again and rearing for a 6am departure tomorrow.
Don’t know where we will all end up but Malc is so right – you just get in the zone and your bubble and rhythm – and pedal on.
Apart from last night, it’s been an amazing adventure.
We have met some of the best people.
Thanks every one for your support.
Miles.

Here is a shot up Mt Eden

And heres a comment from Jeremy

Hi everyone many thanks for the continued support , had a great day today after an early start from kingsland. Yes well spotted Malcolm, the track was locked off due to storm damage so the road it was. Everyone rode well today and nice to have no rain.

They pedalled from Mt Eden to Thames today – about 156 kms so they are nearly back to where they wanted to be.  Tomorrow they aim to get to Arapuni.

Well they slept in, the lovely lady at the motel drove them in to Hellensville to find some breakfast and she also dried all their clothes out.

Then they headed off and rode into Mt Eden.  Quite a few hills and they kept a good pace so they could get to Mt Eden cycles before it closed.  A few bike repairs then they rode up Mt Eden for the photo shot they needed to take.  They have gone to Paul’s sister’s place for the night.  Geoff’s new phone has made it to him now so we are back in communication.  I must say he looks tired!!