Headed off up to Anatori and Anaweka River yesterday, tried to make it to Kahurangi Point lighthouse but foiled by deep river crossing at Big River….now why do they call it that???
The river seems to be fordable on foot, but due to sandy entry and 3-5ft deep, it was a no-goer on the bike. Had a great blast along the beach anyway, but easy to lose perspective of speed and terrain on the sand, ya gotta watch those water channels at speed.
Great fun playing in the dunes as well, easy as on the firmer ones but as soon as the sand gets too soft, ya gotta sit way back, try and keep the front light and steer by leaning. Keep the throttle tapped and hang on. Buried the bike a few times after slowing too much, now I know how those Dakar guys feel. Once again, easy to lose perspective of the sand undulations on a sunny day, so bright and the glare does nothing for picking good lines thru the dunes.
Stopped at the Mangarakau Cafe on the way home, highly recommend them, good coffee and eats. Thanks for the tip there Topo. They say hi to you as well Fran....glad you're mobile again.
Bloody good fun in all, I was totally rooted last night though, 450km return, on a 30deg plus day. Too hot for this boy……I had to jump in the Mot river on the way home.
My photos are average but you get the idea, I was having too much fun playing on the bike to worry about photo composure……
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