March 12, 2025
Kaiteriteri to Nelson
The Great Taste Trail (Day 2)
I wanted to get a good start this morning so I set an alarm and managed to be on the bike by 7:30 which now is about the right time for the daylight as well. It was cool with a bit of wind pushing against me as I climbed up the road climb out of Kaiteriteri. For this stretch I was retracing my steps in the opposite direction. I was soon onto new tracks and enjoyed new riding most of the way to Tapawera.
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I played leapfrog with a couple guys on e-bikes. They passed me as I was peeling layers and soaking on the sunscreen, a routine that usually happens close to 9 but a bit earlier today. I then passed them about 10 minutes later and then we met up again at a coffee wagon where I enjoyed a coffee and banana bread.
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From there I finished off a short stretch near the paved road and then I was onto a nice gravel section with some good climbs and descents for 20 km. I knew I’d soon be in Tapawera for a resupply of snacks and soon afterwards at the same cafe at Kōhatu. Sadly I arrived 5 minutes too late for breakfast so I’ll have another burger and then make my way towards Nelson enjoying the same track that I followed on the way in to Nelson on the TA.
The rest of the ride was nice. I really enjoyed riding through Spooner’s Tunnel again and read that it’s 1.3 km long. I relied on my headlight and didn’t have any issues.
My legs felt a bit different today after hiking yesterday. They were a bit heavy and after lunch I had some mild cramping. I fought it off by consuming a giant chocolate bar and that seemed to mostly do the trick; never mind electrolytes just eat chocolate!
I’m back at the same campground in Nelson that I enjoyed the other nights. It’s nice knowing that I can rely on there being one stray pot in the kitchen so I can cook some real food. At this point in the trip I’m starting to miss some of the creature comforts from home. Mainly my bed and things that make life easier.
Tomorrow I start out on fresh tracks that I created. They may be amazing or they might be a complete bust. It’s unlikely I’ll have cell service to post tomorrow but I could be surprised. I plan to ride to Okiwi Bay and then up to French Pass. There’s camping at both places so if it’s great at Okiwi then I may just stay there and go to French Pass the following day.
Highlights:
-the gravel section this morning was good
-overall I enjoyed the Great Taste Trail; of the Great Trails I’ve ridden it was the least great but still worth doing
Distance: 135 km and 1196 m elevation
Today's ride: 135 km (84 miles)
Total: 4,517 km (2,805 miles)
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