We rode SH1!
Date: 14 Feb 2024
Grade: 2
From Hunterville you have to sneak up the dreaded SH 1 for 6 km where, with a sigh of relief, you turn off to Vinegar Hill and then follow SH 54. The real TA route goes east to Apiti and down the apparently beautiful Manawatu Bike Trail, but I’ve always liked SH 54; the way it feels like you’re sliding down from the Rangitikei to the Manawatu, and at bike speed that feeling is enhanced. The roads are a bit narrow but the traffic is light, and polite; there are dramatic landscapes and an excellent cafe in Colyton.
We chose Ashhurst as our destination because it is not Palmerston North, and it’s closer to our route, and I’ve never stayed here before. It’s a oncer.
Accommodation: Beale B&B host Ruth told us their house was once a chapel and that they were married in our bedroom. Nice touch.
Supplies: The Four Square is right next door to our B&B, Beale Bed and Breakfast, which we like, a lot.
These videos are best viewed on a computer screen. Turning your phone sideways helps.
Max elevation: 427 m
Min elevation: 76 m
Total climbing: 953 m
Total descent: -1141 m
Total time: 05:40:25
Battery use: 70% | 495Wh Big hills for the first 20km, high traffic often had me leaving the power on higher than usual.