TA day 17: Havelock to Brightwater south of Nelson
Distance 87km, Elevation Gain 1295m
Early start for this big mountain day with breakfast at Blue Kaff where bacon and eggs and great coffee set us up for the days ride.
First stop Perlorus Bridge for second breakfast just to make sure we had enough energy on board. A quick left hand turn and it was onto the gravel road lead in to the Maungatapu Track where a huge climb awaited. Others had commented that a ride of 4to 6 hours was the usual duration for up and down to reach Nelson. The TA guide book had an alternative route on highway 6 which we laughed at!
The climb was brutal with parts un-rideable so lots of hike a bike. Murderers Rock was the first stop for a break then onto the saddle, the top of our climb. Very cold and windy at the top so we did not linger other than to take the obligatory photos.
The descent was hair raising where parts could only be walked or should have been walked by the less experienced rider of the team aka Andy who took a tumble. Not much damage other than pride but that’s mountain biking.
With the descent over there was a nice roll into Nelson for lunch before the relatively flat GreatTaste Trail cycle path all the way to Brightwater for a catch up with family, a beer, dinner, chatting and bed.
A few wrong turns today getting out of Nelson and in following the cycle trail where Andy struggled to read the guide book at match the instructions with the trail signage, missing a bridge which was just in front of him. Oops
Lovely to have cookies and cake cooked by neighbours as a treat at the top of the climb.
Some stunning views in the photos.
