Waipu Cove to Kaikohe

133 km's with 1545 meters of climbing represents the second biggest day of my ridech(Whakatane to Matawai was130 km's with about 2100 meters of climb with a lot more gravel road). We were away by 7:00 AM which was the plan (not a problem for the team when there's myself and Scott and Jeremy who has been an airline Captain). Our challenge was aiming NOT to arrive in Waipu town before 7:30 AM when the bakery (breakfast) opens. We timed it perfectly and a curry lamb pie for breakfast was a first for me, As we didn't think our chances of another bakery were great we stocked up on food for lunch as well,

The country was new to us all and made for great riding and scenery. So far we have not had any trouble with other road users and just about all those that pass us slow down, pull in behind and then pass when it is safe to do so. Having a rear facing radar that lets me know a vehicle is approaching that also triggers my bright rear light to change its strobe effect is a big help as is my rear  vision mirror that lets me confirm what's happening behind. A friendly wave of the arm and a thumbs up never goes amiss and most of the truckies I do that to will always toot or flash their lights in recognition once safely past.

We had a 42 km stretch on the road in to Kaikohe that was not too busy at all.

The day got hotter and our all water supplies began running low. As we were travelling through a rather impoverished area at the time we were dubious about approaching some locals for "fresh" water (long drop tolets were obvious and the rain water supplies were probably questionable. However I did see a farmer along the road about to enter a paddock so I asked him if he could help us. He was more than obliging and told us to up the drive past the shed to the woolshed and use the tap inside (not outside). We deviated off our course to do so however could only get a dribble out of the tap! Good intentions all the same.

We were all relieved when with 18 km still to go and now no water we came across a "Dairy". Well that's what the sign said, Fortunately they had drink available and for me it was a cold one litre of apple juice that lasted me in to our old bank building backpakers in Kaikohe.

With the semi tropical lush vegetation, the impoverished community at times the area has me feeling I could well be in the Islands and the "Dairy" would not be out of place in Rarotonga or Fiji.

The last 7 km of our ride was on an old railway with a gentle uphill virtually all the way in to Kaikohe.

A good feeling to have this ride out of the way.