February 2, 2025
Matamata to Mangakino
Into the jungle.
Sleep was more elusive last night. I was busy doing things in the evening (lube chain, physio stretches, regular stretches, planning today, journal). It was still hot at 9:30 when I crashed. I only managed to sleep until 5 so I got up early.
I was on my way back to Matamata by 6:40 and the temperature was so nice. I just rolled right through town. It’s so nice! Then through some beautiful country on mostly quiet roads. I had to ride one stretch of highway but at least it had a shoulder.
They drive fast here! And why not on a country road the speed limit is 100 km/hr. In Canada that’s an 80. I have also noticed that all the dotted lines are white so it feels like a one way back home but rest assured they go both ways.
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I got to Arapuni by 9:30 after riding 45 km with some nice hills. I’m stopped at the Rhubarb Cafe to get some power into my portable battery bank. This trip so far is different and I’m not finding power everywhere. Last night they had power for RV but it was high voltage and not compatible.
Back on the bike shortly after 10 after taking to a couple of roadies. I had to backtrack a small stretch as the trip to Arapuni was optional. The roads after that were brilliant quiet countryside roads with lots of hills. I was still feeling strong and it wasn’t that hot yet.
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I polished off that section of 15 km and headed onto the next section of 10 km of hilly gravel. I came upon a couple I waved to heading into Arapuni. They were heavily loaded and I was grateful for my load that felt manageable. I talked to Mark while riding and learned they were from the UK and riding the TA to Queenstown from Auckland. We talked about their experience in Vancouver where they looped into the PCT to California. I had my sights set on a big day so I said goodbye and headed back up the climb.
It wasn’t long and I was back on pavement that was super downhill. I was making amazing time and thinking I’d be in Mangakino early. After getting to the bottom of the giant descent I found the trailside path called the Waikato River Trail that ended up being a very challenging 24 km of singletrack through the jungle and clear cuts. This trail was spectacular! It curved up and down had a lot of switchbacks both up and down. I felt like I was on the North Shore of Vancouver at times looping my way down steep switchbacks.
My initial thoughts of getting to town early were starting to fade as the trail took a very long time and it was very hot by this point. I stopped and powered down a couple packs of noodles I made in the morning. A scoop of PB to fill up and I was moving again.
The trail had some significant hike-a-bike that really drained my energy reserves and then it would pop out in some clear cut areas that were so hot. I’m still not yet adjusted to this killer heat. I was thinking I’d be at 100 km by town and then I’d shop and carry on further. But, I had to remember what I learned on the Divide. It’s the trail that’s in control and I was exhausted by the time I rolled into town.
Mangakino is a modest small town with a small grocery store but a nice community feel. I struck up a conversation with a lady taking a break out front of a store beside the groceries. She was nice and told me a bit about the town. Then another lady was trying to sell me on staying at their cabins on tomorrow’s Timber trail. She even wanted to carry my groceries ahead. I was so exhausted I could think past groceries.
This is the biggest load of groceries on the trip as I have to last for a couple of days. I may have bought too much but I’d rather error on that side.
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2 months ago
Onto the Freedom (free NZ camping) at the Lakefront Reserve. This is a great spot with swimming, restrooms and picnic tables. I did some needed laundry and swam to get cleaned up.
Tonight I’ll get organized again for a big day of climbing. I’m still feeling strong on the bike but the heat is definitely hurting my zip. I was a bit disappointed with my distance today but the average for the 2 real days of riding is ahead of what I want to average for both elevation and distance. That’s how it goes on a bike tour. See where you get and stop.
Highlights:
-jungle trail near Mangakino
-coffee and treat in Arapuni
-country roads with great scenery
-friendly people all day
Distance: 108 km and 1590 elevation gain
Today's ride: 108 km (67 miles)
Total: 334 km (207 miles)
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