Black swans along the Waikato River Trail
Comfortable cycling...
...with attractive wooded paths...
...and very fine river outlooks.
Broad boardwalks
The famous Rhubarb Café at Arapuni
Novel door handle
The rest of the trail was closed and we were diverted into the hills on quality tarmac roads...
...with climbing
...and climbing
...to this Farm garden with its ‘noxious weed’ according to a fellow cyclist from Wellington.
If Agapanthus is a noxious weed, lay me down in that sweet paradise!
At times, TA signage was invaluable.
Trails had barriers to prevent the odd motor cross joy rider.
My fellow cyclists had been through Mangakino several hours before and were pressing on to the start of the Timber Trail.
I rejoined the Waikato River Trail at the bottom of Mangakino, cycling alone in the early evening, foolishly thinking I might catch up...
...crossing numerous gorges...
...up deserted back country farmland roads
In the midst of nowhere, I came across a family of trail angels!
Providing hamburgers, beer and sweets. I couldn’t believe it! They new my name from MAProgress and saw I was the last cyclist coming through.
They also advised me how to cross this very tight wire bridge! “Upend the bike on the rear wheel and alternate knee nudging and rear break control”
I met Graham in dense bush as dusk ensued. He’d heard that a deserted YMCA building was open for those caught in the dark.
Poor Graham had gashed his shin badly. I went to work, cleaning, Elastoplast ‘second skin’ spray (really sore for your average Brit; nothing for a Kiwi!), non-absorbent dressings, Micropore....
...and a Tea-towel!
