February 6, 2025
Whanganui to Rangiwahia.
I got up today with the plan to eat breakfast in town, hit the grocery store and then find a bike shop to replace my pump. The first two parts went well but while talking to a lady outside the grocery store I learned it was a holiday. Hmm. I still rode to the store to find it closed. And then I googled the rest to find the same.
I decided I’d just risk it and ride the next 200 km to the next bike shop. Not ideal at all. The pump seal is not ideal so it’s blowing a little puff of wind and unlikely be capable of blowing up a full tire to pressure.
On the route you can take an elevator to the top of Durie hill viewpoint or just ride up the road. I opted for the hill climb and after a grind to the top I found the tower. I climbed up and enjoyed the view and spotted The Warehouse. I had a thought they might have a pump so I got on an online chat and they confirmed they had one.
The pump description was terrible and this is a department store so I knew it might not work. Back down Durie hill and into the store to find a really junky pump that only works on a schrader valve. Back to the original plan and back up the Durie hill and on my way much later than normal.
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The riding has been really nice paved road but lots of climbing. My legs feel fine but my energy and zip level is way down. Yesterday I felt like an athlete. Today I feel like a slug. I’m stopped right now at a cafe in Hunterville trying to recharge my physical battery. I’ve ridden over 70 km and 1000 m. We’ll see how far I can get.
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After the stop the heat and the hill made riding difficult. It started on quiet pavement and then there was a short section of busy highway and then back onto pavement with loads of climbing. Then there was 15 km of hilly and somewhat loose gravel.
I got back onto pavement and by 5 pm I pulled off in the shade and ate dinner. I really wasn’t sure yet where I’d camp because I was sort of stuck in farm country. I kept plodding along but was getting really tired and ready to stop. I pulled out the Rankers camping app and it said there was camping in Rangiwahia. I wasn’t sure if that would pan out because sometimes it’s only for self contained campers. Fortunately it’s a community hall and ideal! I had a cold shower and even did laundry while everything is charging. What a bonus!
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Tomorrow I am hoping to get to Palmerston North where there are bike shops so I can grab another pump, chain and bottle cage.
Overall, this was another good day of riding. It was challenging and I wasn’t a my best energy levels. The 35 degree heat wore me down.
Oh! I almost forgot the craziest thing that happened to me. I was riding past a logging area. Nothing special and all of a sudden I heard a bird whizz right past my head and I mean close. I looked up after ducking and saw it. One of those black and white birds that are big. She came again just like a bomber. And then a third time. I know she wasn’t going to smash into me she’s probably got a nest close by but it got my heart racing…that and the massive hill.
Highlights:
-Durie hill outlook and climbs
-Community of Rangiwahia and camping
-Scenic countryside
-No mechanical issues
-carrot cake
Distance: 108 km and about 1900 m (Garmin missed a section after I stopped at the cafe)
Today's ride: 108 km (67 miles)
Total: 834 km (518 miles)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 8 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 7 |
3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
Mine was a Lyzene HV and it was great until it wasn’t. Now it’s in a bin. At home I’d fix it but I have thousands of kilometres.
3 weeks ago
It is the male that attacks anything that invades his territory.
2 weeks ago
3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
I always shutter when someone says you are inspiring. I just hope to inspire others (including my children) to be active for life.
3 weeks ago