Day 2 of the Great Taste Trail, it’s a tough start, it’s only going up, up and more up and the sun is shining like crazy
The Baton River Swing Bridge, on the sign it says ‘LUBLOW’S LEAP’
The Baton River
In hindsight (but that’s always easy) I could have gone on for longer yesterday and made it to here, just on the other side oif the bridge, there’s a toilet and the place is awesome for camping!
Just a little further when I get to Batton Valley Rd I come across this place which at first glance looks like a double garage
But it turns out it’s a purpose-built place for cyclists on the trail to be able to have a rest, read information about the area, have a cold drink, there’s tea and coffee, there will be ice cream and the likes of oat bars, and an honesty box to pay for it
This is Mrs. Lublow, her family owns this area of land and she’s the ‘Trail Angel‘ that got this place made, mad props to her!
This place opened just today! I am the second customer and test the option to pay for a drink with EFTPOS. It worked. So I had another drink. Soooo thirsty!
The trail continues, a sheep farm
I think it’s really beautiful here
You could even land a glider here
Phew, some shade, I forgot to bring sunscreen so I have a little break here
Now cycling towards Riwaka, there’ll be thermals up that mountain
More cycling through the woods
If they’re not grapes, would you still call this a vineyard?
The Motueka River
Darn, they don’t take EFTPOS! Pity for them, I would have bought at least two bottles of sparking juice
The cool sea breeze that I definitely feel here is causing pain in my neck, at least it’s all going downhill so I’m making good time
Swimming in the river, looks inviting but alas, I didn’t bring any togs
Little bridge over the Riuwaka River, I’m now very close to Kaiteriteri, today’s endpoint
Yay! The Tasman Bay
So beautiful here
So close to Kaiteriteri and then they send you up in their mountain bike park, another climb!
Yes, yes, I love Kaiteriteri but this climb so close to it is a bit too much tbh
Oh well, at least I get to enjoy the view
Kaiteriteri! Made it!
Because I’m worth it!
I have been here with Jasper in 2018 as well
I prepared my dinner here so I wouldn’t have to do any cooking once I finally found a camping spot, which might take some time because freedom camping…
But I found one in the end and it’s a beauty!
Map of today, another 66 km!