Mosley campsite to Whanganui.

February 5, 2025

Today I got off to an early start after a really good sleep. I’m noticing that there’s a big difference in my energy levels to ride when I sleep well. And I sleep better when I have some wind down time from riding. No real surprises.

The temperature this morning was cool for the first time. I wore my puffy for breakfast but was able to get riding in my usual gear. I finished off the rest of the trail I’d started and then I got to the intersection where I was taking the alternate route and skipping the river boat tour.

I was hoping to get to Pipiriki around noon if possible (about 75 km or so). The riding was nice and mostly pavement all day but quiet. It was obviously very hilly as I hit another personal best for climbing. I’m starting to wonder if I did some miscalculations on the elevation for the route I created. I figured if I rode 120 km per day I’d gain 1000 m. The elevation I’ve gained each day is a lot more. Fortunately, I like climbing so as long as I hit the kilometre targets I’ll be happy.

I stopped in a small town called Raetihi for coffee, snack and some charge into my electronics. The people at the cafe were very friendly and it had a real small town feel. Nobody rushing around and everyone saying hi. I am finding people very friendly. On the roads a lot of people wave to me as they buzz by the other way. And when I pass farms I often wave hello to people working about.

I pulled my bike pump out today to give a little extra air into my rear tire. I basically jammed so that had me a bit concerned. If you don’t have a pump and you get a flat you are stranded. I’d planned a backup of CO2 cartridge but I have seen a bike shop yet. The tire was fine so I kept going and made a mental note to look at every opportunity. I tried a mountain bike and canoe place in Raetihi and they didn’t even have a floor pump which surprised me.

I kept plugging along and got to Pipiriki by 1 and I immediately found the river boat operator I spotted a couple of touring bikes so I asked them to borrow their pump. They were from the Netherlands and had really heavily loaded bikes. So far all the Europeans I’ve encountered have massive loads of gear. It pains me to think how hard they must work up the hills! I want to shed weight by downsizing my fuel and likely some extra personal care stuff I don’t need. I’m carrying exactly the clothes I used on the Divide but since it’s so warm I don’t need half of them; I know from experience that I’ll appreciate and need them at some point.

I worked on my pump while talking to the other riders. I always ask people what’s different about Nee Zealand from their country. They said nature and then they commented that cities in New Zealand aren’t really cities. They would probably say the same about Canada where we have minimal history and character by comparison. I told them I’m envious of their amazing bike culture and that someday I’ll be on a cruiser through Amsterdam.

I powered down a massive chocolate bar and muffin and set my goal to reach Whanganui if possible (another 75 km). It turned out to be really nice riding but again I was surprised by the climbing and it took all afternoon with a really quick stop in the shade to eat a few wraps.

As I was getting near Whanganui I climbed another massive hill. A camper rolled by near the top and then pulled into a scenic lookout. A guy jumped out with his camera so I said “you wanted a shot of the sweaty biker.” He laughed and took a few photos for me and we talked about what he was up to in Nee Zealand. He was from Germany and he was into fly fishing and said it was fantastic. Super friendly guy with great energy.

I rolled into Whanganui and checked my messages. Nice to hear from the kids so I had an impromptu call with my daughter. It was nice to connect because I was feeling a million miles away, especially being out of cellular.

I checked out a spot to camp in town but it was not doable so I had to grind back out to another spot. By this time it was pushing 7 and I was so hungry I stopped at a dairy and drank a litre of juice. The calories I’m going through are bonkers. According to Strava over 5500 calories just in the ride.

I settled into a Holiday Park. The camping for tents is just a field but the amenities are nice (showers, kitchen, pool, games room etc.).

Tomorrow I’ll get up fairly early, have breakfast in town, hit the grocery store and get rolling a bit later.

Highlights:

-River boat operator stop meeting the riders from Netherlands and the ladies inside

-Riding was nice countryside and good road conditions

-Whanganui is nice with a bike path by the river

Distance: 163 km with 2520 m elevation gain

Today's ride: 163 km (101 miles)
Total: 726 km (451 miles)

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