Journal Entries

Virtually no traffic, smooth roads with a decent verge makes for ideal cycling. We were inland for almost all the day, but that didn’t detract from the scenery. We climbed almost 600m in the first 20 kms and rolled through valleys and over saddles until we got to Te Puia Springs. After a quick cups we flew downhill for 8ks to Tokamura Bay. Of course that means first thing tomorrow we have to climb 300metres out of this place.

Big day today. After an interesting dining experience in the Stalag 13 restaurant last night we headed off early as we had the best part of 100ks to cover and lots of climbing. Another exquisite day, 23 degrees still and sunny. We’ve been so lucky!

Beautiful cycling today. Only about 10 cars went past all day. We took it a bit easy and finished by lunchtime. Had a snooze this arvo, did some washing and generally vegged out. Sweet as!

More serenity. This was from last night in Waihua Bay.

Our motel in Hicks Bay sits well above the beach. It has a certain Eastern European feel about, a bit like being on the set of Hogan’s Heroes. But the view as the sun sets makes it the best lodgings ever!

Last night we stayed at Waihua Bay and had dinner in the local pub followed by an interesting version of a quiz night hosted by a very funny local. I think the whole town turned out for this weekly event followed by the rugby on TV. There must have been at least 20 people there.

Left the Bay of Plenty today and rode inland to our destination of Hicks Bay on the other side of the East Cape. But not before passing this Church set out on a remote headland.

Another glorious day, blue skies 19 degrees and little wind. We cycled from Whitianga to Waihau Bay. About 75 is but up and down over headlands amounted to about 800m of climbing. We’ve earns our beer!

Last night we stayed in a secluded B and B right under a mountain and just above the beach. Such a pretty spot helped along by corona and a Marlborough Pinot given to us by a generous host.

First sight of the ocean. We’ll be following the coastline all the way around the East cape for the next week. Slow start today with Chris having a flat in the first kilometre and then also managing to fall off his bike when coming to a stop. Our supposed 8am start ended up being closer to 11am with several coffees under our belt. Not sure how I’ll go over the next 3 or 4 days with updating the blog. Internet connection is already dodgy and apparently gets worse the further out we go.