adventure riding and my grading system may need a little more upskilling as I saw a few riders stuck in a fairly steep gravel track on the route up the mountain . The riders that did make it got to see a spectacular morning above the clouds and a 360 degree view above Murchison . After the breakout , it was time to make some k ’ s as the more adventurous sections were still looming . Riders headed out north and into the Howard Valley where they rode the Porika track down into Lake Rotoroa . The day was just stunning and the views down across the lake were breathtaking . Lunch at the boat ramp was a good spot to refuel the body , and then off through the Braeburn track which trekked the riders south again towards Murchison . Riders really looking to get outside their comfort zones had the third and final breakout of the day to
contend with at the southern end of the Tutaki Valley . This section was technical and delivered a real challenge to riders with multiple river crossings , then into dense native bush along a 4WD track to get across to the base of the Maruia Saddle Road . Once over the Maruia Saddle it was a quick run along the main road before getting back into some fast gravel sections north of Springs Junction . Then it was definitely time to juice up the Tenere and grab a peanut slab to fuel the body before hitting the road to Hanmer for the last stretch of the day . Dinner was welcome after a big day in the saddle for many of us doing all the breakouts . Monteith ’ s provided the grub and the hydration ... while riders provided the entertainment with many a yarn being told before we hit the hay .
32 KIWI RIDER