Saturday, February 22, 2020

Day 1 Cape Reinga to Ahipara - 67 miles, 332m ascent (beach ride)

An initial drive to Cape Reinga with an early morning coffee stop (container café!).
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1AlGp7TCsnB07nwO-jRa7cUnJ2D25vB5T
Very exciting departure.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cM6OlnC24Qb8y-ixwfmOjY-WzGQmcD9j

With an initial walk to the lighthouse. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1C_-Z6TZ5ImE7YoOK_M32ac899YelNOOv

Fine views with... 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1M0O05BjWH6XNnjRbTwVu8wRUML50RnIr
....the Tasmin Sea to the left and Pacific to the right. 

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1BxjgDDYIgWU9f0mED1xBtlEqnXG--eq_
The weather-beaten pohutukawa that clings to the rocks at the tip of Te Rerenga Wairua, or Cape Reinga, is regarded as the gateway to the underworld, Te Hinenui o te Po. 

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tQ2Lf-ea5cHIzxt3egn5vz7DQyhBjw2Z
From there the spirits of the dead are said to begin their long journey back to Hawaiki. 


https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1orw8l0eTDO3eAaxcaZMil_DWuJIBdcTk
Bluff’s a long way. Might as well go to the South Pole.
 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Y7SKTqwUaN7s5VWbMKaFoDhxK5nW3Fgg

Need a photo at key points on the Tour as ‘proof’
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1vvWCYF8D2XE7eeJWqpxWWrr7CBdOr116

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1qZySUxs1gskEe6x6PQU2TtWUduxziDeF
Giant Sand Dunes at Te Paki
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=16VIgPbGRoRwVsOCzuZmQQBFxKNrit8ee
Riding in and of water to get to 90 mile beach

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1liPfX77W4ffRe8RktwfQStbQ190HkCsm
Sometimes too soft to cycle. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ONnnvLHhcnlVLTfejp_txmuvuk2lZJ0l
The beach was spectacular. 

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XHUBMhwDq18be3ndy0Wo6TJ8Ij4CU3V2
Final adjustments before relentless exposure to sun and wind. One cyclist consumed over 4L for road 12 mile section plus the punishing 53 mile beach section. The email description from the organisers was “can be like the Sahara”.

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1f0O6en_jNZg1_0ScY-Jc2JFpYaoVGegF

Initially stunning...
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1opO7Z0lV9gJCDEJOeDKgmqMfnqpY_G9T
...then relentless.
 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QJCXWQJVAanxuoDnFH6Nrd9_heNwC6bn

Stretching on and on...
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NpmyVeM7kmTuh6gB6x6lVrO5m8Ewnjq_
...and on. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1R1Ptx9GXYig5tUsLdjVarOXIvn5Gj9vE
Despite Factor 50 (and probably under application!) I arrived singed and dehydrated. My last 10km were very tough, slowing down massively towards the end. Having consumed my four bottles of water and cycling alone I felt somewhat faint and had to stop! Hope tomorrow is easier!

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