BLUFF TO CAPE REINGA: Day 17 Omapere to Kaitaia ..99km

Hi All
Today was the penultimate ride. After another great night at the usual house in Omapare we headed in to see the start of the third stage of the twin coast cycle tour. Tod had been up since 4 am having breakfast and getting ready. We were a couple of seconds late to watch the elite riders head off but saw all the others take off. Chillie was there, he looked set to charge up hills and along the flats. It was a change to have so many other riders around us and their support was much appreciated.
The day started with the kind of weather we have come to expect, clear sky, no wind and warm. We now have three support vehicles. We have the trusty Mitsubishi driven by Ange, Ruth Libby in the Hyundai and Eric, Steve’s father in his camper van. We headed off for about 22 ks to Rawene to catch the ferry across the Hokianga harbour. There was only just time for Ange and Ruth to purchase us all takeout coffees before the 9.30 ferry arrived.
On the ferry Tod “worked” the small crowd as he does so well, hitting up one of the locals for the safest route to Kaitaia. The suggested road was 9 ks longer but with better scenery and less traffic.
Off the ferry the road was rolling alongside the harbour. We travelled for about 5 ks before we saw other traffic. We passed through the sleepy township of Broadwood. We struck a couple of decent hills but the views of the country side were some of the best we have seen in the North Island.
Today had one of the highest counts for one lane bridges being eight. Road kill was average with seven. Road works were two with one being a 1 kilometre stretch of freshly sealed down-hill road. This did not allow Kim’s to unleash his downhill skills. I think he only reached about 60 ks.
Today’s ride was only 99 kilometres in length which we now consider to be a short day on the saddle. The talk in the bunch was interesting with Tod coming up with a number of suggestions to spice up the ride. One was to ride along 90 mile beach for a period. That was quickly discussed with a strong “no” and a wag of the finger by Kim.
During the ride we were advised by Ange, wife of Steve, that their son Mike, and grandson of Eric now travelling with us, had taken the yellow jersey on that third stage of the twin coast tour. With his chest out Steve took on the next hill with a proud grin. Well done Mike and the team.
We are now resting in the Loredo Motel at Kaitaia watching the cricket, 31/3 might change channels soon. Shortly after we pulled in Eric had the kettle on in the camper. He made us all a coffee with a ginger nut biscuit. There was an extra coffee made but no sign of Al to blame for this. We sat on the grass talking and just enjoying another days riding completed.
Looking forward to tomorrows ride and meeting up with family at Paihia.
For me there are too many people to thank personally for making this challenge possible. I would like to thank Sarah, thanks Babe.
I have enjoyed the company of all involved, a variety of personalities which have complimented each other and got on. Well done to Steve for his organisation and watchful eyes on the bikes. As result there have been no hiccups to date. Ange, what can I say, a lesser person would not have survived 19 days with us all. Many thanks Ange for all the dinners and the passing of the drink bottles just at the right times.
Special thanks to the BeachComber restaurant for a terrific meal and a very generous donation of $50 to the Nth Shore Hospice.
Cheers
Shane