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JUNKET 2002 |
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| DAY 2 Wakamarina
Trail
The morning kicks off at the Trout Hotel followed by a quick stop in Havelock for coffee and goodies and then on to the trail head.
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An early morning start had us loading our gear into two vans and one trailer for the start of a big day. Chris from Nelson joined us for the ride today. |
The Wakamarina involves a steep and
grueling ride to the top of the pass (1066m), a wickedly fast descent
with - too many to count switchbacks - with a final blast along the road back to
the Trout.
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Whakamarina (total
35 kms)
From the carpark climb north, riding at first then walking, to Fosters Clearing. Then descend and sidle about 2 km before climbing to the highest point on the crossing (1066m). This is rugged country and you will have earned every metre of elevation. Now fine-tune your brakes and clear your mind in preparation for switchbacks. You're about to descend over 800 m in 2.5 km of twisting, turning single track. At the huts winkle down the Wakamarina river valley, cross Doom Creek, and another 2 km till you reach the road. From there it's an easy (if you have anything left) 15 kms by road back to Canvastown. |
A slow start |
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Getting our gear together.... |
.....and we're off |
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The first part of the trail has had major work done and is very rideable although still bloody steep in places. |
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Flat number ? |
After a few grunty climbs the boys wait for the tail end to catch up. |
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Lunch didn't come any too soon. And we're not at the top yet. Foster served us tea. |
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Darryl's starting a bikers' hair trend. Helmet dreadlocks. |
Barney gives the group the eye. "Come on, lunch is over, lets get going." |
We enjoy a bit of downhill before the final climb to the top. |
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Rex on the final approach to the summit. |
Jane scores a comfy chair while waiting for everyone to reach the summit |
This black Robin is watching the gang arrive |
Roy joins the bird's eye view of the gang groaning their way to the top. |
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Excitement mounts as we prepare for the 800m of twisting, turning single track. |
There were a few people pulling themselves outta the weeds after overshooting a corner. |
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As always, we were just too busy riding and having fun to stop and take
many pictures. The boys at the front seemed to nail all the switchbacks
no matter how tight, steep and knarly. After about 20 or 30 switchbacks
those at the back were gaining experience and starting to love
it.
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keep counting |
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It was a brilliant ride. Could have done without the road at the end though. END OF DAY 2. |
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