February 22, 2025
Omarama to Omakau
Up and Over Omarama Saddle.
I knew today was going to be challenging going up and over the Omarama saddle. I read that a lot of riders found this to be the toughest day. I set out a daylight and rode the 19 km of gravel to the start of the difficult section. On the way I passed 3 riders stopped on the side of road getting ready. They caught me fairly quickly and they looked serious on empty mountain bikes. I chatted with the one rider and he wanted to see this section because he’s doing the S2S brevet in March.
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The trail itself is a 4WD track and it’s rough with ruts and big a loose rocks. I was expecting to ride and then the Garmin showed me the climb. Wow! It was 650 m over 5.5 km which means very steep. I started climbing and I was barely moving and then I glanced at the screen and it was a 15 percent grade. That’s very steep. I made one good pitch and then it got more loose and even steeper so off the bike. I think I hiked for 3 km switching sides of the bike to give my legs a rest. Peter told me that a lot of the GDMBR riders get achilles tendon or knee injuries from hike-a-bike (HAB). I don’t need another repetitive strain injury so I’m doing what I can to avoid it.
The weather was nice so that helped. I took my sweater off and on a few times as I got chilled at times but the sun was nice. I managed to crest the climb by 10 AM and then I figured the hard work was done. But the descent was rough and slow and really bumpy. Once in the valley the trail continued to be rough and bumpy and it repeatedly intersects a stream. I lost count but maybe 20 stream crossings. There’s only one way to cross and that’s with your shoes on. The water was sort of below the bottom bracket but not great for a bike but you just need to get across.
Progress was slow and shortly after 11 I decided to take a coffee and lunch break. Feeling a bit refreshed I finished the 29 km of 4WD track. It was difficult.
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After that was a long gravel section and although it was much easier it was a slow day generally. By 2:30 I rolled into a small town called Oturehua and stopped at their historic general store. This place was wild with the majority of the store almost resembling a museum. The lady at the counter asked if she could help me and I said to be honest I’m a bit overwhelmed. This is such a surprise. I sat down with a cold ginger beer and relaxed for a few minutes.
Back on the route and next up was a brilliant rail trail into the teeth of the wind. It was tough going at times but turned very scenic with 2 bridges and 2 tunnels. In the first tunnel I flicked on my headlight but it was dead. All I could see was the light through the end so I just looked straight at it and rode towards it. Fortunately the surface was smooth so no mishaps. The next tunnel actually curved some and it was longer. That was even more challenging but with enough reflected light I made the end on my bike.
Looking at the time I decided that Omakau was my destination. I grabbed a few supplies in town and settled in at the local holiday park. It’s cheap at $20 and has most of the same things as the bigger places. I’ve eaten a big meal of vegetables trying to turn my stomach around.
Elsewhere Lachlan Morton, an Australian ultracyclist put all riders to shame by riding 648 km from Auckland to Wellington in less than 19 hours. He did take an understandable 1 minute break. What?!
If I’ve said it once I’ll say it again. Same rider. Same energy. The trail decides what you do. Progress today was very slow and the distance and elevation are not at all indicative of the effort.
Highlights:
-scenic rail trail with great views
-great weather and views from the saddle
-HAB wasn’t a lot of fun if I’m honest
Distance: 111 km and 1353 m elevation gain
Today's ride: 111 km (69 miles)
Total: 2,564 km (1,592 miles)
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Fun trails through to Bannockburn. Hope the good weather remains and the trip over Nevis is ok. The next challenge will be Duffers.
1 week ago
1 week ago