This was the first day where I felt like I was getting used to riding. The Hauraki Cycle Trail runs through farmland to Te Aroha where it ends. There was a strong side wind and to make sure things weren’t too pleasant we passed an effluent sprayer, which of course was doing its thing upwind of the cycle trail. Surely with all the cows in this part of the world there’s enough crap going on the land without needing to apply more.
Kaimai Range
Me, Trudy and Steve
Our first stop was in Te Aroha where we once again ran into Brendhan and Quin. There was a really good cafe which had a huge selection of unhealthy food which is just what I felt like.
From here it was on the road to Matamata. The wind was a tail to side wind and the roads quiet. At Matamata Trudy and I had roast meals for lunch which hit the spot. We then took our bikes to Matamata cycles to get their drivetrains cleaned. I was using Biomaxa oil which is made from sheep’s lanolin. It’s a good oil and environmentally friendly, but is quite thick so makes cleaning the chain difficult with just a rag.
My bike getting a service at Matamata Cycles
Marion and Steve decided to push on ahead of Trudy and me, as they had rendezvous planned with their respective partners which required them to make up some ground.
The afternoon's ride to Arapuni was mostly wet on sealed road and the Waikato River trail. Near Arapuni I met Russell, a trail angel who had a van stocked with tools and food. My seat had been slowly slipping down so he helped me adjust it and gave me some gels; which turned out to be very useful in the days to come.
I stayed the night at the Arapuni Backpackers. It was very comfortable and also staying there was Trudy, Steph and Rob. The owner took us down to the bowling club where they were making burgers for TA riders. The food and people were really friendly with a nice community vibe.
Steph and Trudy ordering burgers at the bowling club
