Day 2 - January 12, 2023

 Day 2:  Pukenui - Cape Reinga - Pukenui

We rise early for a 1 hour vehicle transfer to Cape Reinga to begin our cycle tour.  90 Mile Beach leaves strong memories in the minds of all Tour Aotearoa riders - a crazy way to start.... but there you have it.  I hope we get a north-easterly!


We started the day off in hurry up and wait mode.  Breakfast at 7 and then we didn't depart the motel until 11:30.  The drive up to the Cape took about an hour.  Not much civilization along the way.  We were certainly not alone once we got up there, though.  We walked out to the lighthouse and played tourist for a bit.  Beautiful place, and a place of indigenous significance.  The Maori belief is that the cape is the point where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld.  It is also considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.  From the lighthouse it is apparently possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast.  











We're obviously not taking the direct route to Bluff; our journey will travel twice the distance on the sign!  We met an interesting family at the lighthouse - mom, dad, and four kids probably between the ages of 7 and 12.  They will be cycling 700 km on the true bikepacking route; amazing!  

Finally - time to head back to the carpark and get on the bikes.  We were on a paved road for about 16 km.  Then we headed for the coast - via sand dunes and a creek bed.  We splashed through the creek for about 2 km.  It was actually very pleasant - warm water and a very pleasant firm mud bottom to walk on in our bare feet.  














And finally - to the beach.  It was just magical to ride 50 km on the beach with the crashing surf our constant companion.  No hills, but it was rather slow-going.  No complaints though.  Looks like we'll be back at it tomorrow for a good chunk of time.  I don't think I've ever either ridden a bike that dirty, or been that dirty myself.  Great experience, though.....





And now to bed so that we can do an even bigger day tomorrow; yikes!

Stats for the day:

Distance:  84.1 km

Elevation (Garmin):  1496' up, 2148' down

Elevation (RWGPS):  2942' up, 3579' down  -  I think I would more agree with Garmin

Weather:  Beautiful.  Well, except for the headwind.  We did NOT get a north-easterly!  We started mid-20sC, got up as high as 30C and then cooled off to the high teens by the time I pulled in at 8:15. 












Comments

  1. SheilaJanuary 12, 2023 at 10:56 AM

    Beautiful photos Sue. Too bad my body won't let me ride like that anymore! Enjoy your trip......as I am living it through you!

    ReplyDelete

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