TA Day 7: Arapuni to Pureora
Distance 112km, Elevation Gain 2139m
Big day of mountain climbing today so up and on the road 7:30. Waved goodbye to Graeme and Joeleen (they were still asleep!). Back onto Waikato River Trail starting at Arapuni suspension bridge the alongside river on mainly formed track with some steep climbs and technical descents. Both team members managed to stay in the saddle although there was some walking involved. Left trail for stunning back country roads, no wind and the sun shining. First stop Mangakino for second breakfast and lunch. No time to muck around as we were barely halfway and lots of climbing to do. Picked up river trail then back on seal before that turned to gravel road then to dirt four wheel tracks. Massive uphill climbing, of 600m then really steep descents into Pureora camp for a quick shower, dinner and a good night’s sleep, I hope.
