out for the slippery, ever-green bottoms of the fords along there) we trickled along towards the planned Matakitaki River crossing. Unfortunately, a recent low had poured near record-levels of rain into the upper reaches of the Tutaki Valley, enough that both Stations felt it unsafe to cross the river even with tractor / trailer assistance. Dave had a Plan B up his sleeve … so, after a quick coffee in Murch’, we rode into the Glenroy Station and up to the river we would have crossed. It was great to still get some private land access, which I know everyone appreciated even if we didn’ t get to cross the river as Dave had originally organised. Back in Murch’ the Hampden Hotel pub cranked out some great food for lunch, as well as a good range of zero alcohol beers. Our next destination was to get up to the
KIWI RIDER 29