Day 22 Omapere to Kaitaia (93 km)

Day 22

Day 22

Almost there!



Morning Tea at Rawene



In this our penultimate stage, today was different.  After riding 25 km to Rawene, where we had to wait for the ferry to cross Hokianga harbour, we were all given a warm welcome at a morning tea presented by the area hospital board. A tour of their hospital followed, then over the ferry and back on the bikes. The ride into Kaitaia including the long climb at the end was very enjoyable. Although back on highway 1, the lower traffic volume and resealed road made riding less stressful. The scenery again especially up the   Mangamuka Gorge was magic. To watch all riders climb today on 23 day old legs was inspiring, in some respects more so than the rides around Queenstown.



Departing Hokianga Harbour



Tomorrow, we ride the last leg with mixed feelings. While glad the riding stops, there is a sense of loss as something special comes to an end.

Lilla, Duncan & Alison

This is also my last opportunity to acknowledge others. Alison Blyth was the inspiration behind and major organizer of this event. We all thank Alison for her efforts. Duncan is Alison’s Husband. His duties are many. As traveling parent to Lilla, he still managed to ride many stages or part stages as well as helping Jim in the bus. Duncan is a really nice guy.