Spectacular with a side order of Day 1
Date: 18 Feb 2024
Grade: 2,3
Our original plan to bike all the way around the coast to Eastbourne via Pencarrow was scuppered due to fire restrictions, and given the very stiff norwester that built up, it may have been just as well.
We were ready for “some pushing through soft stuff”, but not for the full extent of it, which gave us flashbacks to Day 1, nor for a sandblasting from the freshening breeze that stuck to our sunscreen like crumbed chicken. That aside, this 20 km of spectacular wild coast is untouched and untouchable and we paused frequently to absorb it. The rough track gradually became more rideable and we made better time, weaving around mysterious, humongous piles of horse poo that were eventually explained when we passed a group of wild horses. A short walk to see distant seals at the Turakirae Head colony became a much longer one into the wind on the way back, and the 20 km ride north up the valley to Wainuiomata was character-building.
Revived by a cuppa at a Wild Bean cafe, we headed up the Wainui Hill (of Fred Dagg fame) to a great view of Wellington, and such a blast of wind we almost had to pedal down the other side. We were blown back south to Eastbourne, where we will regroup and plan our South Island assault while staying with our friends, Kris and James.
Supplies: None
These videos are best viewed on a computer screen. Turning your phone sideways helps.
Max elevation: 204 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 1349 m
Total descent: -1352 m
Total time: 07:24:25
Battery use: 88% | 550Wh. A bit embarrassing for so few kms, but thats what a 40km/hr head wind costs