Day 14 Bulls to Manutahi ( 120 km)

Day 14

Day 14

Who said the North Island wasn't hilly!




$800 raised on this leg alone

Our 8 am start saw 11 riders set off from the Bulls police station. This included three originals, Alison’s husband Duncan, the three boys from yesterday and four new riders joining this stage.  The boys who rode yesterday on mountain bikes were pretty sore but game as they set off.  The ride was not easy. A stiff headwind all day coupled with highway riding and different abilities meant the group broke apart after 50 km. Hazel, who had been riding with the lead pack found herself alone for the next 50 km as the boys up front took off. Eventually, she was joined by Alison and Duncan for the ride to the finish. The Mountain bike boys finished about three hours later. The Manutahi district is much like Kin Kin – just a pub.  All the locals had gathered for the finish. They had placed a sponsorship chart on the wall. It raised over $800. Our total to date is over $16000.

The Symes family farm

Our main group are staying on the Symes farm in Manutahi (see pix ) but Hazel and I have been billeted by Shirley Horner in Hawaha. Shirley is a lovely, gracious lady who loves Rugby. Tonight, I’ve seen two games with her which combined with the Reds and Broncos wins last night makes me a happy chappy.

Outside the Manutahi Pub at days end.