Training Log Archive: Yak

Did the Huka Steamer mtb event at Taupo as part of the 40th Lake Taupo cycle challenge. Most people love the 160km road lap..7000 riders....have had 11000 in it.

Organisation was outstanding. No queuss at rego or toilets.
Electronic timing and they start mtb riders in waves of 50. About 700 mtb ridrrs. Big bridge over main rd for us with roadies riding undrrneath.

Not too congested at all. I did the first 20km.at 17kph but then we got on the mtb park which was hillier and more techie
I had a fall off a 6" boardwalk but luckily fell onto gd shoulder
Track was actually fast and i rode very well Passing many towards end. Had some scary moments with Big Dippers & finalluģý

Did part of Moko trails frpm Opotiki.
The Dunes trail 11km along the coast then some dirt rd towards Toatoa farmstay and return.
Then drove to Taupo and registrred for Huka Steamer 62km mtb event.
Staying with orienteers Judy & Dave Browning sa is Marquita. About 5 mins ride downhill to race start.

5km out to Motu Falls and return on dirt.
Then to Matawai on bitumen for lunch at Harddrive cafe and return. Got stuck behind 2 lots of moving cattle on rd.
Then drove back to Opotiki via the W.... Gorge ...long way.

Went to a PechaKucha night at library. 10 speakers show 20 photos each and speak for just 20 seconds on each ...great variety of speakers. Adv racing, maori child welfare, family and fun, different wines, art, teaching english in spain, canadian on exchange here...

Bushwalk from Motu Falls into Whinray reserve.

Long hilly ride ...no flat at all.
Motu up on old rd complete with logging tracks to Pakihi mtb trail...down 11kms to major slip which i had known about.
I walked gingerly across it but had decided not to risk taking bike as - track closed sign i had ridden thru; fall would prob mean death; solo ...
This meant i couldnt do loop but so be it.
Back up the 11kms and then more up and finally a descent into Motu.

Up at 5.45am and drove from Rotorua to Whakatane to catch boat to White Island ...Nz's only volcanic island. 1.5 hrs each way on boat and also 1.5 hrs on.island.
Then long drive to Motu where im staying in Motu community house with 9 beds ...by myself. $25 per night for a whole house and resident pig and wekas.

Walk around White Island wearing helmet and gas mask.

Slow lap of Whaka park taking in Green & Blue lakes and Redwoods. Mixture single tk and dirt rds.

Time includes a paltry warm-up ride of 5 kins.
Third in long champs despite many brain fades.
Lovely area ...exclusive use of Cougar mt bike park...60kms from Rotorua near T...