Snow, sun and pies

Sponner's Tunnel portal south end

It was a very cold morning and our hosts told us that there was a sprinkling snow on the top of the ranges behind us. It was definitely cold when we got onto our bikes.

We had a pleasant breakfast talking with some fellow cyclists who were from the Sunshine Coast. They were headed in the same direction as us. As usual we left a bit later than them.

Crossing a river between Wakefield and Belmont

Rob had suggested we meet at the Wakefield Bakery as it was renowned for its baking products including pies. It certainly had a lot of tempting food. They had a huge range of pies which were being purchased in large quantities by local workers. We had a coffee and as we were leaving had a quick chat to a group of local cyclists who were using the cycle trail. Apparently they rode part of it almost each day depending on the weather. Like us they were enjoying retirement.

Shortly after we left the bakery I remembered that I had left my rain cover at our accommodation. It was not far to go back so I told the others continue on and that I would use my electric assist to catch up with them. It was slightly downhill and there was a tailwind so I didn't need to use any electric assist. Our hosts had found the cover and would have sent it on with our luggage to the next stop. However, while it did not look like rain it was better to have it as precaution. On the way back I used electric assist and what a difference it made to reach rather good speeds.

About to leave Snowball Manor

The trail is well formed and except for a couple of sections by the road it mostly goes away from it. The road sections are mostly protected from the traffic. It was a slow but gentle climb toward Spooner's Tunnel. At Belmont the climb proper to the tunnel starts. There is an initial steep climb and then the trail goes along the old rail line which is still a bit of a grunt that goes on for about 4.5 kilometres. Our legs felt it a bit tired by the time we reached the tunnel portal.

I had purchased a better light for the tunnel this time as on a previous occasion, I had had trouble seeing my way. This time, we also had Rob leading the way which it made it easier. It is extremely dark in the tunnel with only little reflectors on the side to give a sense of where one is. I noticed that we tended to wobble as we rode along. It was also rather cold and I read that it is a constant 10 degrees most of the year.

Yet another relic of a bygone age - a modern version was nearby

The run down to Kohatu was exhilarating and fast. The trail followed, for the most part, the old Nelson to Glenhope railway although there were a few more bumps in it than there would have been when it was a functional rail line. We stopped for a late lunch at Kohatu where Rob was staying for the night. It was rather nice sitting in the sun there. The place was full of cyclists who were presumably heading for Wakefield. Despite the sun, the air itself was quite cool due to a dying southerly.

Late lunch at Kohatu

We inspected Rob's room with him. Later he told us he had been treated like royalty partly because he was the only person staying there that night. The room as very nice and the owner was very proud of it. The owner had found some beautiful wooden floorboards under the carpet and was taking it up and exposing it. The hotel itself was well over a century old, especially the road facing part of it.

We left for Tapawera, calling into the Sculpture Garden for half an hour. It was a rather quirky place with lots of paths to wander around. The last time we were on the trail I didn't want to stop as I saw the steep drive at the entry. Bev at the time expressed her disappointment very strongly as other riders had seemed to enjoy it. All was forgiven this time. Would I choose to do it again. No!

Sculpture in the Sculpture Garden

Finally we arrived at Tapawera. We were told we were staying at the Tapawera Hotel but we could not see a pub with that name. It turns out the name has been changed to the Hop Tavern and Accommodation. Compared to the previous nights accommodation this was not so luxurious. The bed in particular needed a new mattress.

The kitchen was open just for the riders and there were about eight of us eating there. The meal was large and filling. Typical pub food. We ate with the Aussies who were good company. He was a former cop and she a veterinary nurse.