Monday, October 01, 2007

Day 3 Mangere to Piha


Distance: 26 miles
Time: 3 hours 23 minutes
Avg Speed: 7.6 mph
Terrain: Hilly

We awoke today with much anticipation for our first day on bikes in New Zealand. Our panniers were packed before we went to bed. Scott, the host of the Skyway Lodge, came to see us off and capture a picture for his website. We were his first cycle tourist-guest of the year. He gave us a few tips and we rattled off going north towards the Mangere Bridge. I couldn't help but laugh to myself as we rode off. We had almost the same identical outfits on - something we strictly avoid at home. The orange safety vests were the best part. Not so fashionable, but very functional.
The goal for the day was to make it to the rugged west coast at Piha Beach. The first 30 minutes were the fastest and most flat. Soon after, we found ourselves in a choppy rhythm for the rest of the ride. It was a lot of climbing with a little bit of descending. By the time we reached Piha we were definitely cooked. We expect the first week or two to be an adjustment period. In Colorado we rode a couple of practice rides but not longer than 20 miles or two hours. We figured we'd have plenty of time to get into shape in the first month or so.
Piha Beach and its surrounding are part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional park. This park system is a unique preserve in close proximity to Auckland. Picture this: lush rain forests and rugged surf beaches against an awesome coastal backdrop. Not a bad place to see on your first day.

2 comments:

Carrie said...

Did you get the guy's website address so we can see your matching outfits?

Carrie

JennSean said...

I would LOVE to see the matching outfits!!