MD
27th May 2018, 20:05
Just back home from three days riding the Lower North island with four other Optimists (read= idiots). So a month ago when summer just wouldn't let go this idea of a 3 or 4 days ride seemed feasible. Two weeks ago I drove back from Hamilton and it was blue skies all the way, 20 bloody degrees still by Hunterville at 4pm! Fudge I said to the Missus, this ride soon might be a clever idea. Nope.
Friday 25/05/18. Wgtn to Napier. Wet then cold. Cold then wetter. Wetter and colder at the same time. Pretty much that inter-changing mix described the whole ride up. So our aim to push to Gissy Friday was dumped as we enjoyed the warm fire at the Gin Trap. Next day Gissy was forecast rain, rain and more rain, so reluctantly we went to Taupo. We didn't want to go up on the plateau at any time knowing how cold it is in winter. Forecast didn't show any rain along Gentle Annie or Taupo - wrong it was. 3 degrees was registered at one point over the Napier-Taihape Road. Last time I rode this I had a blast, laying black lines out of ever bend. This time all my rear tyre was doing was showering a water spray up my back. Waiouru to Taupo was freezing but actually pleasantly dry half of the time - look at that lovely snow on the mountain radiating warmth.
This morning we woke to more of Friday's joys of wet & freezing cold. We pulled the pin and rode home in a balmy 6 degrees along the Desert Road. Fortunately the heavens dropped torrential rain on us at times to take our minds off the chill.
Actually the others suffered the cold but I have to say being now fully kitted out in 1tonne gear was an eye opener compared to my buddies frozen hands at each stop and their misery. I was never miserable from the cold and stayed dry. The Storm gloves did need inner thermal liners for the coldest sections but double gloved like that I couldn't believe I never got sore finger tips etc. My new 1tonne Blitz boots excelled at keeping me comfy, dry and warm. Again, other gear has eventually given out to numb toes and wet socks. The 1tonne Duel jacket and textile pants did an outstanding job. Never a cold moment the whole trip for the body. Completely dry inside after three days of decent rain.
There were a few more bikes on the plateau this crap weekend than I expected to see. Reassuring to know you are not the only idiots about.
Bring on summer.
Friday 25/05/18. Wgtn to Napier. Wet then cold. Cold then wetter. Wetter and colder at the same time. Pretty much that inter-changing mix described the whole ride up. So our aim to push to Gissy Friday was dumped as we enjoyed the warm fire at the Gin Trap. Next day Gissy was forecast rain, rain and more rain, so reluctantly we went to Taupo. We didn't want to go up on the plateau at any time knowing how cold it is in winter. Forecast didn't show any rain along Gentle Annie or Taupo - wrong it was. 3 degrees was registered at one point over the Napier-Taihape Road. Last time I rode this I had a blast, laying black lines out of ever bend. This time all my rear tyre was doing was showering a water spray up my back. Waiouru to Taupo was freezing but actually pleasantly dry half of the time - look at that lovely snow on the mountain radiating warmth.
This morning we woke to more of Friday's joys of wet & freezing cold. We pulled the pin and rode home in a balmy 6 degrees along the Desert Road. Fortunately the heavens dropped torrential rain on us at times to take our minds off the chill.
Actually the others suffered the cold but I have to say being now fully kitted out in 1tonne gear was an eye opener compared to my buddies frozen hands at each stop and their misery. I was never miserable from the cold and stayed dry. The Storm gloves did need inner thermal liners for the coldest sections but double gloved like that I couldn't believe I never got sore finger tips etc. My new 1tonne Blitz boots excelled at keeping me comfy, dry and warm. Again, other gear has eventually given out to numb toes and wet socks. The 1tonne Duel jacket and textile pants did an outstanding job. Never a cold moment the whole trip for the body. Completely dry inside after three days of decent rain.
There were a few more bikes on the plateau this crap weekend than I expected to see. Reassuring to know you are not the only idiots about.
Bring on summer.