TA Day 12: Whanganui to Apiti 140k of brutal uphill and down dale
Distance 140km, Elevation Gain 2175m
Difficult blog post this one...
Superb breakfast at Red Eye Cafe in Whanganui then off in high spirits only to find the elevator to the Durie Memorial Tower was closed, so we were faced with a stiff 80m climb to access the mandatory photo stop by road. En route, we were passed by ambo and then fire truck. At Durie Tower we saw that's where the emergency services had been headed. A fellow TA-er had collapsed in cardiac arrest after said climb. Fortunately, another rider was able to render effective CPR before ambo arrived, and after prolonged efforts the paramedics managed to restore the casualty's heartbeat and circulation, before whisking him off to the hospital.
This being a bloke I had shared breakfast with the morning before, at Pipiriki....
So forgive the brief report on the day's ride...it pales into insignificance after that...140km of punishing terrain and heat, yet hugely enjoyable riding amongst jaw dropping scenery - probably best to let the photos speak for themselves.
No further report on the ultimate outcome for our compadre, but all our best wishes are with him.
Martin (who rendered CPR) was known to us already, and is staying at same place tonight, so had good chat with him over beers and food.
Sobering experience, and good way to highlight importance of civilian training in CPR!
On the brighter side of today’s efforts we found hills, more hills, hidden hills, and many unwanted hills. Total elevation gain of 2,500m with little wind and soaring temperatures. Features of today included stunning scenery, glimpses of the central plateau and those massive mountains, the Ruahine ranges, farmers doing their thing and hawks cleaning up the roadkill.
All in all a wonderful days cycling but our thoughts go out to our fellow TA-er and his family and friends from the event on Durie Hill.
