Day 8 The Long Ride

Day 8 - by David Berry

Saturday 3/9/24

Auckland - Miranda Hot Springs

105.6 kilometers

Leaving Auckland we biked through some of the most serene municipal parks which was an unexpected treat. Bike lanes were well marked and we wove our way along the city streets. Luc came to an abrupt stop at a cafe and declared he had to refuel with a coffee, which turned into 3 coffees, meat pies and other assorted sweets.  With full bellies we continued our journey. Finally we escaped the dense traffic of the city and found ourselves on two lane country roads which was a huge relief. 

At one country cross road corner we stopped within eyesight of a small rural airport where vintage World War I airplanes were taking off. Fun to watch. At the fork in the road we had to make a decision. Do we turn right and go a more direct but less scenic route inland; or do we go the longer, more beautiful coastal route? We made the decision to take the coastal route which took us along the Firth of Thames, look it up on your map of New Zealand.

At another fork in the road we came upon a kiwi wedding. We were both out of water so we stopped to fill up our bottles. We were quite the scene, 2 sweaty bike riders ...... with our loaded bikes, helmuts ...... we couldn't help but be nosey and help toast the bride and groom .... what fun.

We finished the day riding a bike trail that was right along the beach. A great finish to the ride. 

We decided to camp at Miranda Hot Springs Holiday Park, where they had a shuttle into town for beer and food. We couldn’t pass up the offer. We quickly unpacked our bikes, set up our tents and hopped in the shuttle ($1NZD coin) to town. Luc and I played billiards, drank beers and were introduced a kiwi cuisine favorite; loaded wedges! What a night!