42nd Traverse

Nice view

Crossing the Waione Stream

This a great and very popular ride. It is easy to see why as there are several local companies who, for a small fee, will drop you off at the start and pick you up some 46km and 500m lower at the finish. However they are less keen to do this if you are on your own and the weather is terrible. Not to be deterred I decided to press on with the ride but cycle the road sections myself. This made the total trip 83.2km.

From National Park 1 hour of pedalling up the road achieved the double goal of getting me to the start of the 42 track and getting me soaked. After a fast grvael road descent the rough stuff proper started. Eventually after 20km of downhill I was at the Waione Stream. Stream was maybe an understatement as I waded across up to my thighs in freezing snow melt. It was a shame that the visibility was so poor as this deep gorge looked great.

Two climbs and couple more river crossings and a final mud splattered downhill saw me arrive at Owhango Bridge the official end of the 42, but of course this was not the end of my ride.

At Owhango I entertained cutomers and the very friendly waitresses at the great bistro by dripping muddy ditch water everywhere. A huge plate of french toast, banana, kiwi friut and syrup was perfect preparation for the 22km road climb back to natioal park in the now heavy rain. There was only one major hill although I was attacked by a magpie.

Back at the hostel I made a big fuss of how I had completed the whole loop in less time than they allow for the offroad section and then had a hot shower.

Posted: 19/11/06