Day 2

Now that woke the legs up — with over 1000 metres of climbing today. Safe to say the gravel descent was not my favourite. We had three parts to the day, stopping at Broadwood and Rawene before settling into Opononi for the night. It was an awesome day with great conditions and a gentle precipitation ten minutes from the end. Lisa had a wee spill, taking off some bark on arm and shin, but was still smiling after the ordeal — absolute champ. The local pub has hundreds of dollars stuck on the ceiling with some real dad jokes written on for entertainment.

Day 3

Legs got a right wake-up call up a steep wee climb maxing out at 14 per cent — that sorted them out. A lovely day of climbing and descending, taking in the beauty of Tane Mahuta, a 2000-year-old kauri. The most welcome coffee van yet made an appearance (sadly I missed the Wisteria Cafe). Stunning rides through native forest before stopping in Dargaville at an amazing homestead that takes your breath away. Indian dinner being delivered and life is great. Our host Doug here has a life rule: only do things in life you enjoy.

Day 2

One aggressive dog at a gate — no one hurt; it responded to a firm shout. Fifteen items of road kill spotted, mostly possum. Gorgeous weather for the most part; rolling hills with some good climbs and road to start. Snacks and a new favourite ice cream — watermelon sorbet — at Broadwood. Missed a turn-off but it was only a small u-turn and a couple of extra kilometres. A decent chunk of gravel and a couple of hike-and-bike sections for me. Had a spill on the last corner of gravel before Rawene — Doc Lloyd patched me up, a bit of blood but it could have been worse — and we managed to catch the team on the 3pm ferry across the harbour. Some climbs out of Rawene, slow but we got there. Feeling very blessed to be doing this; it is a beautiful country we live in. Staying at the Lighthouse Motel, room share with fellow insomniac Erica. Dinner at the pub — a steak was needed.

Day 3

87 kilometres and 1300 metres of climbing. Long, constant hills, a visit to the majestic Tane Mahuta, and lots of gravel — a little nervous but no spills today. Lots of wonderful people met on the tour, including a couple from Calgary who are not doing the TA but have spent seven weeks touring on their tandem. Everybody smiling despite the odd aches and pains. Staying tonight at Kauri House Lodge — an amazing restored 1908 grand home, just stunning.

Day 2

83 kilometres and 1300 metres of climbing. Really hot but finding my climbing legs.

Day 3

90-odd kilometres and 1300 metres of climbing. Big day in the saddle. I was a little on edge this morning with a big climb 1.5 kilometres out from Opononi, which is a bit hard on cold legs. Got into a rhythm and got stuck in. Had too much to eat at Tane Mahuta, which caused me issues on the last big climb of the day — thought it was all coming back up at the top. Staying at the Kauri Lodge in Dargaville, which is an old-school house run by Doug from North London — a real hard case. Easier day tomorrow to the ferry; might even have a sleep-in.