Sunday, February 5th - Lake Moereke to Makarora

Rode 4600 feet, 111 km, 69 miles

 

The entire day was basked in sunshine and blue skies. There was hardly any wind - a great day to ride! But it promised to be a very BIG riding day!

We rode most of the day with our friends Joe, Andrea, Henry and Uta. Hilary, Christopher, James and Toby also joined us for some miles as well. The day started right from our lodge with a few challenging climbs.  This took us to King's landing overlooking the Tasman sea (aka the "Pacific Ocean, aka the "big ditch" between NZ and Australia.) 

 

 

This lookout commemorates the completion of this highway in 1965. I can't even begin to imagine the bush whacking it took clearing the land for the road.

Heading inland took us alongside the Haast river and through the lush rain forest. A multitude of birds and cicadas serenaded us all day along our route. We were treated views of snow capped mountains, numerous waterfalls and of course the Haast river. 

 

The group stopped for a few photo opportunities along the way. 

 

This route had us crossing many one-way bridges. The cars actually take turns crossing and most of the bridges are fairly short. However today we crossed the Haast river on the longest one lane bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. It had a few cut outs that allow for vehicles to pass. Magnificent!. At 737 metres (2,418 ft) it is the longest one-lane road bridge in New Zealand, and the 7th longest New Zealand bridge overall.

 

 

 

After the big crossing our first stop was at the very small village of Haast where sandwiches were selected and popped into the cooler in the van for transport to our picnic area. And of course there was time for a rest and coffee.

 

We rode on another 20k with the same group to Roaring Billy Falls for our lunch. After a quick bite we took the short trek through the forest to the river and the falls.

We found Hilary in this tree trunk on our walk. Was she visiting family down there and is she perhaps really a hobbit?

 

The river and falls were on full display due of recent rains. We were all thrilled to be basking in the sunshine!

 

LEFT TO RIGHT - Christopher, Gail, Hilary, Uta, Henry, Jochen, Andrea, Margaret 

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It was now time charge up the mountain for our the BIG ascent up Mt. Aspiring and Haast Pass. This first segment included 1,000 feet of climbing in approximately nine miles. We all agreed to go at our own pace and meet at the top. 

It was a VERY steep climb, especially the first five to six miles. It just seemed to go and on and up and up with no end in sight. I could see elevation gains being reported on my Garmin of 11% to about 16%. However, I quit looking after a few miles as I was too busy staying focused. The road had lots of curves and and traffic ranging from motorcycles to tour buses, and was quite narrow.  To be certain. It was tough and steep. I stopped twice to catch my breath but made it to the summit and celebrated with all the others who completed the climb. 

 

Overall this was the most challenging but successful day. We were so lucky to be blessed with good weather and supportive and fun riding companions. 

By the time we reached our cabin/hut at the Makaroa Tourist Centre we were ready for a cold beer while we were doing our laundry. Both our bodies and especially our legs were pretty well toasted. Dinner and bedtime were calling!